Sulfoxaflor may sound like the name of a science-fiction alien, but in reality, it is much more terrifying.

The U.S. Environmental Agency approved President Trump's emergency exemption regarding the insecticide Sulfoxaflor, which will be sprayed on 16 million acres of bee-attracting crops. In the years 2016-2017, United States beekeepers lost 33% of their hives, and 30% of colonies die each year (phys.org). Now, with the EPA approving Sulfoxaflor, bees will begin dying at an unprecedented rate, more than ever before. 

Sulfoxaflor is usually prevented from passing normal pesticide reviews because it is too toxic. It is only supposed to be approved for areas without a multitude of pollinators. This insecticide also causes both honey bees and bumblebees to have reduced reproductive abilities.

It is our responsibility to protect pollinators. This is not an issue that will only effect future generations. We will all feel the loss of bees, regardless of where you live or what you eat. We can not allow the EPA to relentlessly attack bees without any regard for the future of pollinators, our food, or for us.