Sample Neonic Letter

Sample Message:

My name is [insert name here] and I live at [insert address or town here].  I am writing to oppose SB 963 – AN ACT CONCERNING NEONICOTINOIDS FOR NON-AGRICULTURAL USE.

[What is your occupation and position?][Do you possess a supervisory certification].

[What economic impact does your company/position have on the local economy?]

[What best practices do you use to minimize your impact on and maximize your benefit to the local environment?]

Decisions related to the access of pest control products are best handled by the trained professionals at DEEP.Neonicotinoids have already been designated as Restricted Use, which limits their access to trained professionals that have been certified by the state to understand and minimize the risks associated with their use.

Removing these products from the market would have a significant impact on our ability to manage nuisance and invasive pests, jeopardizing property values in our communities and increasing the risk to forests and managed landscapes throughout the state.

Greater emphasis should be placed on improving DEEP’s ability to manage pesticides at the state level by hiring a Ph.D. level toxicologist to review the latest data and decisions made by EPA.This has been extremely effective in states like California and New York.

There is limited data that the current use of these products in Connecticut are having a significant negative impact on pollinator populations.More research needs to be conducted to determine the current level of pollinator populations in the state, and what biological, environmental, or chemical stresses have the greatest impact on their health.

Economic development continues to expand in our urban and suburban communities placing high value habitat at risk.Any legislation intended to protect or enhance pollinator populations must include creation and preservation of high value pollinator habitat and open spaces.Adding plants that provide food sources and habitat for pollinators should be introduced to open spaces to create pollinator pathways, including highway medians, utility rights of way, and recreational open spaces throughout the state.This has proven effective through programs such as “Pollinators in the Rough” and “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program” on golf courses throughout the country.

I strongly encourage the Environment Committee to shift its focus from banning individual products and focus on improving the regulatory process that manages all pesticide regulation and enforcement and promote pollinator health in our communities by enhancing and expanding high value habitat throughout the state.

Respectfully submitted,

[Your Name]