A New Mexico Senator and Colorado Representative have introduced bills in the Senate and House that would ban neonicotinoids, organophosphate and paraquat pesticides. Studies have shown neonicotinoids cause damage to honeybees. South Dakota beekeeper and honey producer Bret Adee says this is the first he’s heard of this legislation but that it could have some positive effects if approved.

He says it’s critical that the Environmental Protection Agency base more of their decisions on pesticide approvals on science rather than on economics.

Adee says producers need to be more responsible and use chemicals judiciously in order not to only achieve economic benefits but also to protect the environment.

Adee says he’ll be monitoring this legislation as it moves through Congress.