Pielli resolution to study invertebrate conservation clears House
Rep. Chris Pielli May 4, 2026 | 3:09 PM
HARRISBURG, May 4 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, directing the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study potential invertebrate conservation policies.
House Resolution 66 directs a study on butterflies, bees, beetles and other invertebrates integral to Pennsylvania ecosystems and agricultural industry. Pielli said that he introduced the legislation because Pennsylvania’s biodiversity is a vital resource and action backed by research is necessary to maintain it.
“Without these insects and pollinators, our flowers and crops cannot survive,” Pielli said. “This threatens our agricultural industry, which is crucial to our state’s economy.”
Pielli said Pennsylvania growers obtain approximately $250 million in economic value from crops where pollination increases fruit and vegetable production, and roughly $9.3 million in additional value from crops where pollination produces seeds. The total economic value of insect pollination for the U.S. is $34 billion.
“If we do not protect our pollinators, we risk a sharp decrease both in this monetary value and in food production at a time of serious food insecurity, so action is required to maintain our successful agricultural economy,” he said.
The Pennsylvania State Wildlife Action Plan classifies 238 terrestrial invertebrates as species of greatest conservation need. It includes the monarch butterfly, an essential pollinator, which has seen a 90% decline in Norh America and is now considered an endangered species.
“Strengthening our understanding of the environment is not just useful but essential for agriculture, the state economy, a clean environment, and for our general welfare.”
The findings and recommendations of the study are to be reported to the General Assembly no later than 180 days after the adoption of the resolution.