A new state license plate proposal in the General Assembly, introduced by three Fairfield state lawmakers, has a pollinator-friendly purpose.
House Bill No. 6828, introduced by state Reps. Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Bridgeport, Fairfield), and Sarah Keitt (D- Fairfield, Trumbull), would create “a special license plate to enhance public awareness of the importance of pollinator pathways and fund organizations that conserve and promote native plants and educate the public on the impact of pesticides.”
The issue was brought to Keitt by her constituents. “We have a very active environmental group in Fairfield,” she said. “They are passionate about this, and I support the cause. If we do not support pollinators, we die. It’s a no-brainer.”
Pollinators — such as bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other insects — are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and disease. Planting pollinator-friendly plants, reducing pesticide use, and preserving natural habitats are essential to protect them.
If the bill becomes law, pollinator-themed license plates would be issued by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV lists dozens of specialty license plates that help support local and national causes ranging from environmental to veterans groups. DMV allocates a portion of the proceeds from the plates to the programs or organizations they represent.
For McCarthy Vahey, proposing a bill to create a pollinator-themed license plate is personal. “My father died as a result of Agent Orange exposure while serving in Vietnam,” she said. “So supporting efforts to go pesticide-free, including stopping the use of nicotinoids and ensuring a safe and healthy habitat for people and bees is both personal and important to the broader community.
“Local leaders, including the team from Sustainable Fairfield, taught me about pollinator pathways. It made sense right away. At our house, we have not used chemicals in our yard for many years. We compost, have a garden, plant native plants, and are now proudly part of our pollinator pathway — sign and all.
“Connecticut has been a national leader in this initiative, so it makes sense to have a license plate that would both honor that leadership and support additional efforts,” said McCarthy Vahey.
The bill was referred on Jan. 29 to the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Transportation.
Easton residents with questions about pollinator-friendly habitats can visit the Easton Garden Club’s website to learn more.
