Nation’s strongest bee-saving legislation becomes law in Maine

Maine's newest law raises the bar for bees. 

Maine’s newest law raises the bar for bees. 

On June 30, Gov. Janet Mills and Environment Maine participated in a bill-signing ceremony after passing the nation’s strongest safeguards for bees. With an Environment Maine Bee-Safe mask on, Gov. Mills signed legislation prohibiting certain neonic pesticide use in outdoor residential areas — a measure that could help avoid the collapse of ecosystems that scientists warn would follow the loss of bees.

“There is no justification for the use of these pesticides for cosmetic purposes in our residential areas,” said Anya Fetcher, Environment Maine state director. “Signing this legislation into law is so meaningful because it ups the odds that Maine’s meadows and gardens continue to buzz with the sound of bees.”

Environment Maine rallied more than 10,000 Mainers and more than 60 beekeeper, scientific, public health, farming and environmental organizations to show decision-makers their support for the law. 

Read more about the law.

Learn more about our Save the Bees campaign.

Photo: Gov. Mills, wearing an Environment Maine Bee-Safe mask, signs LD 155 into law. To her right, Environment Maine State Director Anya Fetcher stands with bill sponsors and advocates. Credit: Staff

Mary Katherine Moore
Topics
Updates

Show More