Resolution 2025-09
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids—a class of neuro-active insecticides—are pervasively used across North America despite being restricted in the European Union due to their harmful environmental impacts, limiting overseas commercial markets to US growers; and
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids are extremely toxic to invertebrates, many of which form the base of aquatic food webs; and
WHEREAS, aquatic insects are significantly more sensitive than the standard test species often used in toxicity assessments, and their inability to move away from contamination furthers the impact; and
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids at concentrations commonly found in the environment have been shown to cause sublethal effects in aquatic invertebrates, including impaired development, reduced reproduction, and altered behavior; and
WHEREAS, salmon, trout, bass and other sportfish depend on key aquatic insect groups–like mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies–that are especially vulnerable to neonicotinoid exposure; and
WHEREAS, mounting evidence shows that neonicotinoids are also toxic to aquatic vertebrates, including fish and amphibians; and
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids can enter aquatic environments through various pathways, including agricultural runoff, spray drift, and leaching from treated soils, with less than 5% of the active ingredient being absorbed by the plant; and
WHEREAS, the presence of neonicotinoids in aquatic ecosystems can disrupt food webs, harm fish and wildlife populations, and reduce biodiversity; and
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids have been detected in surface waters across the United States, indicating widespread contamination, with especially high concentrations in agriculturally intensive regions; and
WHEREAS, the presence of neonicotinoids in treated drinking water signals a serious risk of human exposure through contaminated water supplies; and
WHEREAS, safer and more sustainable pest management alternatives are available that can reduce reliance on neonicotinoids and reduce harm to aquatic ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, protecting the health of aquatic ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, water quality, and overall environmental health; and
WHEREAS, increased investment is crucial for education, public breeding, and resources to shift towards integrated weed management and untreated seeds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled June 3-6, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, calls for the elimination of federal preemption authority over state and local requirements for pesticide application that are more stringent than EPA’s usage guidelines; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all 50 U.S. states and territories should reassess neonicotinoids as restricted use from general agricultural and horticultural usage; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Environmental Protection Agency should bring coated seeds under pesticide regulation and mandate fully enforceable label warnings and use directions on seed packaging; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and equivalent state agencies to take action to suspend all general agricultural and horticultural uses of neonicotinoid insecticides in the United States and its territories until comprehensive research demonstrates that they pose no unacceptable harm to aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.