Advocates dig in with an eye toward next year after the 2024 General Assembly session in Hartford
Tiger swallowtails visit pollinator gardens on Connecticut Audubon sanctuaries. Butterflies and other pollinators are under threat from neonicotinoid pesticides. A bill to strictly limit the pesticide’s use failed the clear the Environment Committee in Hartford in 2024.
July 8, 2024 — It was a disappointing year for new conservation laws in the state. Connecticut Audubon members spoke out in big numbers in favor of a bill to strictly limit the use of pesticides, neonicotinoids in particular; and a bill to regulate rodenticides that can end up killing birds of prey (the details are on this page).
Neither passed. Even a crucial climate change bill, which almost literally every environmental advocate in the state supported, failed at the 11th hour because of political opposition.
But the coalition of advocates working to protect the state’s birds, other wildlife and their habitats has not given up — far from it — and we are well into planning for 2025.
You probably know that the Connecticut General Assembly alternates between short, 3-month sessions in even numbered years, and 5-month sessions in odd numbered years.
This was a short-session year. The abbreviated schedule made it hard for the General Assembly to get to everything its members wanted.
Add in political opposition and special interest lobbying, and the result was the failure of the neonicotinoid pesticide bill, the second generation anticoagulant rodenticide bill, and the climate change bill.
The good news is that those disappointing results have sharpened the focus of environmental advocates throughout the state. Work has already started on plans to try to pass those bills in 2025.
One prime example: The Connecticut Coalition for Pesticide Reform took a one-week break and then reconvened to come up with a strategy for passing a neonicotinoid bill.
You’ll remember that these “neonics,” which are used on lawns, golf courses and farms, are deadly to pollinators and birds. The coalition has formed working groups to concentrate on legislative policy, municipal-level action and education, and communications.
Connecticut Audubon staff and volunteers are active in each working group. We’ll update you as we make progress through the end of the year.
We hope when the time comes we can count on you again to reach out to your elected officials and to speak out in favor of protecting birds. The coalition of advocates is strong but it will be immeasurably stronger with your participation.
