Florida Governor Vetoes Anti-Neonicotinoid Bill
In an unexpected move, Republican Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has vetoed legislation aimed at restricting a type of pesticide that is highly toxic to bees and other pollinators. The governor stated that the legislation “is more anti-farmer than it is pro-pollinator.”
The Controversial Bill
The bill proposed a ban on the use of neonicotinoids, commonly referred to as neonics, and further prohibited the sale or distribution of soybean and cereal grain seeds coated with the substance. Neonics, which are neurotoxins, represent the most widely used class of insecticides globally, according to lawmakers.
Democrat-Led Legislature’s Response
The Vermont legislature, controlled by the Democrats, may contemplate overriding the governor’s veto in a special session scheduled for next month.
Public Interest Groups Disappointed
Public interest groups have voiced their disappointment over Scott’s decision. Paul Burns, the executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, expressed his disbelief that the governor chose World Bee Day to veto this “sensible” legislation. He argued that the bill aimed to protect bees and other pollinators from toxic pesticides while supporting farmers in transitioning to safer alternatives.
Vermont Followed New York’s Lead
The Vermont legislature passed the bill in the wake of New York Governor Kathy Hochul signing a similar bill last year to severely limit the use of neonics in New York.
Scott, in his veto message, noted that nearly all corn seed sold in the country is treated with EPA-approved neonics. He added that Vermont, which grows about 90,000 acres of corn compared to the U.S.’s 90 million acres, would be at a “significant disadvantage” if the bill were enacted.
Concerns Over Rising Farming Costs
Scott pointed out that dairy farmers are already grappling with rising costs and crop losses due to last year’s spring frost and the summer and winter floods. He suggested that the state should closely monitor and study the issue to protect both family farms and pollinators.
A Series of Vetoes Expected
Scott is expected to veto a number of bills, citing a lack of balance in the legislature that causes opposing perspectives and data not to be considered. He stated that some bills are passed without considering all the consequences and could do more harm than good.
Key Takeaways
The veto of the anti-neonicotinoid bill raises several important points:
- The balance between environmental protection and agricultural profitability continues to be a contentious issue.
- Public interest groups and lawmakers are divided on the best approach to protect pollinators while supporting farmers.
- With the veto, Vermont joins a growing list of states grappling with the neonicotinoid issue.
- Future legislation may need to carefully consider the economic impact on farmers in addition to environmental concerns.
