By: Marikay Shellman,
BPW Colorado Virtual Chair, NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee (2022-2024)

In protecting our planet for future generations, it is imperative that we push our government officials to do everything in their power to limit the effects of climate change.  As a member of People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) and the Xerces Society for Invertebrates, our community has advocated for a study to be conducted on pollinating insects and bats.  Senate Bill 22-199, Native Pollinating Insects Protection Study, passed and Research and Development began in February-July 2023, followed by Analysis and Synthesis July- October 2023.  Recommendations and Final Report was just released January 2024 by Governor Polis in partnership with Colorado Department of Natural Resources, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, Colorado State University Extension, and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.  The five areas of immediate priorities and actions are:

1. Protect imperiled native pollinating insects.

2. Protect, restore, and connect pollinator habitats.

3. Mitigate environmental changes that negatively impact pollinators and their habitats.

4. Reduce the risks from pesticides to pollinating insects.

5. Monitor and support native and manage pollinator health.

Pollinating insects and bats around the world are declining rapidly which is quite literally a matter of life and death for all of us.  

In 2023, 20 states have introduced legislation to protect pollinator habitats.  Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Colorado have enacted laws to restore and conserve pollinator habitats.  24 states have introduced legislation to limit the use of harmful pesticides, six of which have enacted laws limiting the use of toxic pesticides, Connecticut, Nevada, Hawaii, Illinois, Colorado, and New York.  (www.ncelenviro.org)

To keep up to date on pollinator protections in your state, check out NCEL’s Bill tracking map available on their website.  Write to your congress members and thank them and/or encourage them to protect our pollinators.