Bill Summaries: S 496 THE POLLINATOR PROTECTION ACT.

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  • Summary date: Apr 2 2019 - View Summary

    Includes whereas clauses.

    Amends GS 143-460, which includes the definitions for use in Article 52, Pesticide Board, of GS Chapter 143. Adds and defines the term neonicotinoid pesticide as any pesticide containing a chemical belonging to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals, including, but not limited to, imidacloprid, nithiazine, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and any other chemical designated by the  North Carolina Pesticide Board (Board) as belonging to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals. Excludes from the term pet care products used to mitigate fleas, mites, ticks, heartworms, or other animals harmful to the health of a domesticated animal, personal care products used to mitigate lice or bedbugs, or any product regulated under the North Carolina Structural Pest Control Act. 

    Amends GS 143-443 to make it illegal  to distribute, sell, or offer for sale within this state or deliver for transportation or transport in intrastate commerce or between points within this state through any point outside this state any neonicotinoid pesticide to the public at retail, unless the seller is authorized to sell a restricted use pesticide. Also makes it unlawful to use a neonicotinoid pesticide, unless the person is: (1) a licensed pesticide applicator, or a person working under the direct supervision of a licensed pesticide applicator; (2) a farmer, or person working under the direct supervision of a farmer, who uses the pesticide for agricultural purposes; or (3) a veterinarian using the pesticide in the practice of veterinary medicine. 

    The above provisions are effective October 1, 2019.

    Requires the Board, with the assistance and input of the Pesticide Advisory Committee, to monitor the final pollinator risk assessments undertaken by the US Environmental Protection Agency and report on any legislative or regulatory changes necessary to protect pollinators within the state, taking into account findings and any recommendations of the risk assessment. Requires the Board to forward its report and recommendations for statutory and regulatory changes to the Commissioner and the Environmental Review Commission within six months of the completion of the final pollinator risk assessments for neonicotinoid pesticides.

    Requires the Board to study whether the State should have the authority to regulate the use and sale of seeds treated with systemic insecticides, and report study results to the Environmental Review Commission no later than November 1, 2019.