Senator Bieda offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 83.

            A resolution to recognize and support the efforts of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to protect pollinators through constructing a Pollinator Protection Plan as outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States.

            Whereas, Michigan reigns as one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country and relies on natural pollinators as well as pesticides to yield sizable harvests every year, which significantly contribute to the state’s economy; and

Whereas, Insects such as bees act as natural pollinators of crops and other plant life throughout the state of Michigan and need to be protected in order to maintain healthy and profitable harvests and an ecological balance; and

            Whereas, Neonicotinoids and other chemical components found in commercial-grade pesticides can cause harm to pollinators when applied, especially when crops and plants are flowering; and

            Whereas, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aware of the harmful effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators and developed guidelines slated to be finalized at the end of July for the implementation of Pollinator Protection Plans specific to a state’s ecological needs and crop production; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s own Brian Rowe, who serves as beekeeper and pesticide expert, made recommendations to the EPA to address pollinator protection; and

            Whereas, Brian Rowe and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spent two years preparing to formulate a Pollinator Protection Plan for the state of Michigan. Beginning in August and completed by December 2015, they will collaborate with researchers from Michigan State University, beekeepers, pesticide companies, agronomists, and farmers to develop the plan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we support the efforts of Brian Rowe, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and all collaborators to produce and implement a Pollinator Protection Plan for the state of Michigan, and we recognize the Department’s regulatory power to enforce protections across the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Brian Rowe, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency.