Texas Senate Bill SB2170

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to pollinator health.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws related to agriculture and environmental protection. By including provisions that make pollinator health education a requirement for pesticide applicator licensing, SB2170 directly influences how pesticides are managed and applied in Texas. This shift aims to create a higher standard for pesticide application while increasing awareness around the ecological significance of pollinators, which play a crucial role in agriculture and food production.

Summary

SB2170 focuses on enhancing pollinator health in Texas by mandating educational initiatives regarding pesticide use and its effects on pollinator populations, particularly bees. The bill tasks the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service with developing educational materials that will inform pesticide applicators about best practices to minimize harm to pollinators. This includes information on protective measures and alternative pesticide options, thus promoting more responsible pesticide use within the state's agricultural practices.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation and effectiveness of the proposed task force on pollinator health, which is established through the bill. Critics might argue about the potential efficacy of educational programs in actually changing applicator behavior or the impact of any regulations proposed by the task force. Other concerns could center on how the task force's recommendations might be received by different agricultural stakeholders, particularly those who rely heavily on pesticide use for crop management.