HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 148

(By Delegates Lavender-Bowe, Anderson, Campbell, Cooper, Doyle, Hansen, Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker), Linville, Summers, and Zukoff)

[Introduced March 7, 2020]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct an interim study on how to more effectively protect the health of honeybees and other pollinators.

Whereas, According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, honeybees and other pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bits of food West Virginians consume annually; and

Whereas, The population of pollinators has steadily declined since the 1950’s and if it continues, jeopardizes food production and agriculture; and

Whereas, Managed bee colonies in the United States have declined from six million in 1950 to 2.5 million today; and

Whereas, The agricultural crop services provided by honeybees and other pollinators is valued at $10 billion annually; and

Whereas, Further repetition in the decline of honeybees and other pollinators, subsequently imposes a significant environmental and economic threat to West Virginia; and

Whereas, West Virginia should take the appropriate measures necessary to preserve the health of honeybees and other pollinators; and

Whereas, New research now provides a nuanced perspective on ways to effectively protect the health of honeybees and other pollinators; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study, with the participation of the Commissioner of Agriculture,  more efficient and effective ways to protect the health of honeybees and other pollinators; and, be it

Further Resolved, That this study shall include an assessment of federal actions and interventions to address the presentation of honeybees and other pollinators; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2021, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of Agriculture.