As the end of the produce-growing season nears for the Colorado Four Corners area, it is time to start thinking about how our natural agricultural helpers are getting along – the pollinators.

We have seen the largest die-off of natural pollinators in the year 2019 than in any previous year recorded. We know the threat synthetic agricultural chemicals have on our wildlife, environment and people.

These synthetics degrade our natural environment and hurt the wildlife we depend on to survive.

Here in the Third Congressional District, we rely heavily on agriculture as a means of survival and economy.

If our natural pollinators cease to survive, so will we. If we continue to experience a decline in our natural pollinators, it will not only affect our economy, but the livelihood of every Colorado citizen.

I am calling on Rep. Scott Tipton to support the Saving America’s Pollinators Act of 2019.

After President Trump’s announcement to rollback regulatory restrictions on the Endangered Species Act, it is more import now than ever to protect our pollinators. This will be one of the most important bills in the history of America’s economic and agricultural past. It is time we start valuing pollinators over pollutants.

Coloradans and Colorado wildlife deserve clean produce that won’t harm the places, people and things we love. I am urging Rep. Tipton to show powerful leadership for a healthier and more sustainable future.

JoJo Johnstone

Durango