New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3017

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits sale of milkweed plants treated with certain pesticides.

Impact

This legislation comes in response to significant population declines of monarch butterflies, which have been reported at critical levels across the United States and particularly in New Jersey. The bill not only addresses the immediate concern of pesticide use but reinforces the state's commitment to environmental conservation through dedicated regulations that will benefit biodiversity. With penalties set for non-compliance, it holds individuals and businesses accountable for adhering to these new environmental standards.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3017 aims to protect the declining population of the monarch butterfly by prohibiting the sale, offer for sale, or transportation of any milkweed plants treated with harmful pesticides. The bill instructs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, to create a list of pesticides deemed harmful to these butterflies, ensuring that appropriate regulations are in place. The legislation highlights the ecological importance of milkweed as the sole plant on which monarch butterflies lay their eggs and as their primary food source during larval development.

Contention

While proponents of the bill advocate for the necessity of protecting the monarch butterfly and mitigating the adverse effects of certain pesticides, there may be some contention among stakeholders, such as farmers and garden centers, who might feel they are being imposed restrictions. The potential economic implications for those selling milkweed plants could spark a debate about balancing environmental conservation with business interests. Concerns may also arise regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of enforcing the proposed regulations.

Companion Bills

NJ A1094

Carry Over Prohibits sale of milkweed plants treated with certain pesticides.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1094

Prohibits sale of milkweed plants treated with certain pesticides.

NJ A1091

Restricts use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

NJ HJR0084

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Project Milkweed.

NJ AB2146

Neonicotinoid pesticides: prohibited nonagricultural use.

NJ SF1130

False labeling prohibition of certain pesticide-treated plants as pollinator friendly

NJ HF1497

False labeling of pesticide-treated plants as pollinator friendly prohibited.

NJ AB2421

Wildlife Conservation Board: Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program.

NJ AB567

Pesticides: neonicotinoids: prohibited use.

NJ AB1042

Pesticide treated seed: labeling.

NJ A4137

Prohibits sale, distribution, import, export or propagation of certain invasive species without permit from Department of Agriculture; establishes NJ Invasive Species Council.

Similar Bills

NJ A1094

Prohibits sale of milkweed plants treated with certain pesticides.

CA AB2421

Wildlife Conservation Board: Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program.

NJ A2335

Creates "Pollinator Pathway" designation for municipalities.

NJ A1887

Creates "Pollinator Pathway" designation for municipalities.

NJ AJR90

Establishes "Healthy Pollinators Task Force."

NJ A1915

Establishes "pollinator-friendly" label for plants.

NJ A2305

Establishes "pollinator-friendly" label for plants.

MI HB4858

Agriculture: pesticides; use of neonicotinoid insecticides; regulate. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 8307g.