Saving America's Pollinators Act of 2019 - Summer

Team Members: Caroline Blanck, Zachary Byrum, Mengbi Chen, Molly Dunton, Jonathan Eckman, Angelie Gomez, Desiree Herrera, Brighton Kaoma, Isabella Powers, Laura Thornton

Pollinators play an essential role in global food production and ecosystem stability, yet their populations have experienced alarming declines over the past two decades. Bees alone support approximately one-third of agricultural production in North America, contributing billions of dollars annually to the economy. The widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides has emerged as a primary driver of pollinator decline, as these chemicals impair immune function, disrupt reproduction, and increase vulnerability to disease and colony collapse. Continued pollinator loss threatens food security, agricultural livelihoods, and ecosystem functioning, highlighting the need for coordinated federal intervention.

The legislation proposes a nationwide ban on neonicotinoid pesticides and the establishment of a Pollinator Protection Board to evaluate pesticide risks and oversee pollinator conservation efforts. Scientific and economic analysis indicates that reducing neonicotinoid use would stabilize pollinator populations, protect crop yields, and prevent cascading economic losses in agriculture. International evidence demonstrates that similar restrictions have reduced ecological harm without significantly compromising agricultural productivity when supported by integrated pest management alternatives. Long-term success depends on continued monitoring, investment in pollinator habitat restoration, and improved regulatory oversight. Strengthening protections for pollinators would enhance agricultural resilience, safeguard food systems, and preserve critical ecosystem services essential to economic and environmental sustainability. 

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.