Bad news on neonics but it might not be too late

May 15, 2025—Senate Bill 9, which includes a provision to restrict the use of neonics, has been amended, and not in a good way.

Trees and shrubs were removed from the bill. That means that landscapers will be prohibited from using neonics on lawns but not on the trees and shrubs next to lawns.

And the law would be delayed for a year and a half! It would go into effect in October 2027 rather than January 2026.

SB 9 will probably be voted on today!

Please ACT NOW! Write or call your State Senator and State Representative.

Ask them to:

Restore the neonics language in SB 9 to include turf grass AND ornamental landscaping—shrubs and trees—effective January 2026.

Birds and pollinators will be exposed to these deadly pesticides in every landscape in exactly the places they find food and shelter—the leaves, flowers, and berries of shrubs and trees.

As Connecticut Audubon Executive Joyce Leiz said: “The trees and shrubs are the woods. That’s where the birds, caterpillars, bees and other pollinators live. A law that excludes them doesn’t go far enough.”

Don’t wait. Write today. Better yet, use this link to look up their phone number and call!

Thank you! Your voice on this can still make a difference.