In Michigan, bees are dying at alarming rates. Right now the rates at which bees have been dying are the highest it has ever been; dropping 30 to 50 percent each year. Without our bee population, it is hard for the ecosystem to thrive. This decrease in bees and beehives could lead to food and ecosystem problems that need to be solved. The reason that bees are dying at such an alarming rate is because of a pesticide named: Neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids (also known as neonics) are strong pesticides that are used to kill off insects and pests. Neonicotinoids are chemically similar to tobacco, using synthetic nicotine to cover crops with a thin layer that gets onto the bee that lands onto the plant in which it would like to pollinate. In 2013, these chemicals were used on 95 percent of crops in the USA, including corn, canola crops, cotton, sorghum, sugar beets, cotton, sorghum, a majority of fruits, cereal grains, rice, and nuts. In Michigan, we grow sugar beets, corn, apples, cherries, and many other crops that use neonicotinoids as a pesticide.

Neonicotinoid pesticides have caused such a detrimental effect on the bee population and while it isn’t the only reason for the decline of the bee population, it can be is a big contributor. Multiple studies have been done on neonicotinoid pesticides and have shown to have a negative effect on bees either by killing them or causing severe health issues - which is what they are designed to do - but the pesticides have proven to be too effective at their job.

The state of Michigan currently has a bill on neonicotinoid pesticides that have been introduced in the State House of Representatives. This bill is House Bill No, 4895. it bans the use of several neonicotinoid pesticides for at least the next four years. At the end of the four years, a department will release a report to see if the pesticides had any effect on various pollinators, birds, the environment, and public health. 

We are asking you to sign this petition to help bees in Michigan have a better chance at survival. This bill can help save the bee population from diminishing anymore. This petition will also be sent directly to the representative that represents the areas surrounding Delta College. 

Full bill in text:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fkruhlls20zffzwfibrjfzpc))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=2021-HB-4895