Senate hearing weighs HB1431 to restrict neonicotinoid uses; industry and farmers urge board authority

Representative John T. McDonald reintroduced elements of the neonic debate with House Bill 1431, which would direct the pesticide control board to adopt rules restricting certain neonicotinoid uses, require notification to apiaries, and limit non‑agricultural uses such as turf and ornamental applications.

Sponsor and supporters argued the measure is a targeted, measured step that keeps authority with the pesticide control board but ensures action. Representative McDonald said the bill reflects work of a pesticide control subcommittee and noted precedents such as restrictions on state lands and federal National Wildlife Refuge policy.

Environmental and conservation witnesses — including the Xerxes Society, New Hampshire Lakes and several native‑plant growers — urged the committee to require restrictions because neonics are highly toxic to insects at minute doses and have been linked in published studies to declines in pollinators and aquatic invertebrates. Rosemary Malfy (Xerxes Society) and others pointed to studies finding neonic residues in waterways and to data showing declines in aquatic insect abundance.

Industry and agricultural groups, including the Household and Commercial Products Association and the New Hampshire Farm Bureau, opposed legislative mandates that they said would circumvent the pesticide control board’s scientific expertise. Rob Johnson (Farm Bureau) and industry representatives argued the board already has statutory authority to classify products as restricted use and urged the board to act. They also warned that making products restricted could limit access to household pest‑control options and might disproportionately affect lower‑income consumers unless tailored exemptions are included.

Committee concerns centered on how far the legislature should direct rulemaking versus leaving technical decisions to the pesticide control board. Several witnesses recommended UNH involvement, explicit farmer engagement and inclusion of manufacturers when evaluating market availability of untreated seed varieties.

No final vote was taken; the hearing record will be reviewed and members said they would consider amendments clarifying the board’s role, notification mechanisms and agricultural exemptions.