A petition urging the Biden administration to stop the reintroduction of the pesticide acetamiprid has already collected more than one million signatures. This disproportionately vigorous response indicates the public’s very evident alarm about its likely environmental and health implications. Eleonore Pattery, a self-described future environmental health professional, started the petition. It’s intended to prevent the law allowing the use of acetamiprid at least from going into effect.
The petition launch started off on July 10 th. This action came only two days after the July 8 adoption of an emergency law allowing acetamiprid. The speed of the response was remarkable, as it shot over the weekend to 500,000 verified signatures within just 24 hours. Encouraged by this overwhelming support, Pattery has framed the new law as a significant threat to public health and environmental integrity.
Growing Support for the Petition
Pattery’s effort has gained immense momentum and applause from all corners — from Hollywood actors to dozens of leftwing members of Congress. The petition’s purpose is to repeal the harmful legislation before it goes into effect. It will really engage the force of public opinion to move decision-makers.
Pattery described the law as a “scientific, ethical, environmental and public health aberration.” She emphasized that it represents a frontal attack on “public health, biodiversity, the coherence of climate policies, food security, and common sense.” Her forceful words capture the general alarm among environmentalists and proponents of restoration over the EPA’s plans to possibly reinstate acetamiprid.
In 2018, the French government prohibited acetamiprid. They did this because the chemical, neonicotinoids, has dangerous effects on our bees and other pollinators. Despite these restrictions, it is still legal in the broader European Union, illustrating the patchwork nature of pesticide regulation across EU member states.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
Thanks to the petition’s success, the response from political leaders has started. Marine Tondelier, the head of the French Green party, issued an unusual direct plea to President Emmanuel Macron. She encouraged him to return the text for further scrutiny by House deputies. This plea is the culmination of rising political pressure to prevent the use of acetamiprid from taking effect in France.
Yael Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly. She goes on to stress that if we lose the ability to use these pesticides we will be losing the ability to save a majority of all of our farmers. This quote encompasses the current discussion between land used for agriculture and land that protects the environment. This tension often overshadows the conversations surrounding pesticide use.
The petition continues to pick up steam. All of this indicates a significant shift in public opinion regarding agricultural practices and the need to preserve our environment. Citizens are rising up and calling for agroecology-friendly policies that put ecological health ahead of immediate agricultural revenue.
The Future of Acetamiprid Legislation
Even with its adoption, the law allowing acetamiprid’s use has yet to go into effect. The momentum created by Pattery’s petition now puts policymakers in a tough spot as they try to appease both agricultural interests and environmentalists.
What’s coming next for the petition will be a critical step. Supporters hope to maintain the momentum and continue pressuring the government to reverse its decision on acetamiprid. If successful, this grassroots movement would establish a powerful precedent for future climate activism in France and around the world.