Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pielli’s bill to protect pollinators by promoting native species landscaping passes Pennsylvania House

Pielli’s bill to protect pollinators by promoting native species landscaping passes Pennsylvania House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    June 23, 2026 | 2:47 PM

HARRISBURG, June 23 – State Rep. Chris Pielli’s bill to help protect pollinating insects by promoting growth of native plants and flowers in commonwealth properties was approved by the state House of Representatives today.

Specifically, the legislation, H.B. 426, would promote the growth of new native plant species habitats by encouraging any new construction of a garden, lawn or green space at a commonwealth facility to include insecticide-free native plants and flowers.

Since the 1990s, the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined by 90%. As a result of their decline, these pollinators are now candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Other important pollinators like bees have experienced similar declines.

“Without insects and pollinators, our flowers and crops cannot survive,” said Pielli, D-Chester. “This threatens our agricultural industry, which is vital to our state’s economy. Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry generates more than $250 million in profits from crops that benefit from insect pollination, as well as more than $9 million from pollination required to produce seeds.

“Furthermore, these crops that use pollinators are also a major source of nutrition for us humans. Approximately one-third of food consumed is enabled by pollination. Without access to nutritious foods, Pennsylvanians will be less healthy, increasing healthcare costs, disabilities and sicknesses, costing individuals as well as the entire state economy. This bill is a very efficient and cost-effective way to help protect our pollinators and our important agricultural industry.”

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.