Pielli’s bill protecting pollinators reported out of House Environmental & Natural Resources Committee
Rep. Chris Pielli June 8, 2026 | 12:33 PM
HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, is proud to announce that his bill to protect pollinating insects in Pennsylvania was approved unanimously by the state House Environmental & Natural Resources Committee today.
Specifically, the legislation, H.B. 426, would promote the growth of new habitats by encouraging any new construction of a garden, lawn or green space at a state 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.
“Without insects and pollinators, our flowers and crops cannot survive,” Pielli said. “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 1/3 of food consumed is enabled by pollination. Without access to nutritious foods, Pennsylvanians will be less healthy, increasing health care costs, disabilities and sicknesses, costing individuals as well as the entire state economy. To ensure a healthy population, we must protect our pollinators.”
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.