HR7143-119

What This Bill Does

The Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act revises 23 U.S.C. 332, the federal program for pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way. It adds 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as eligible entities. It updates Tribal eligibility and consultation language so affected Indian Tribes include federally recognized Tribes with Tribal land within 50 miles of a proposed project or practice. It requires consultation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in plan development. It broadens plan-development references so entities beyond State departments of transportation and federal land management agencies can participate where the statute allows. It clarifies that the bill does not require consultation beyond the consultation during plan development. It increases a funding cap from $150,000 to $500,000 and raises authorization from $2 million annually for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to $5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

Who Benefits and How

Pollinator habitat projects benefit from a larger authorization and a higher per-recipient amount. Nonprofit conservation organizations benefit because 501(c)(3) groups become eligible participants. State transportation departments, federal land management agencies, eligible Tribes, and local project partners benefit from clearer consultation and plan-development rules. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service gains a formal consultative role, which can improve habitat expertise in roadside plans. Pollinator-dependent farmers and communities may benefit from improved roadside habitat.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Federal taxpayers bear the increased authorization and higher per-recipient funding cap. State transportation departments, federal land managers, eligible nonprofit organizations, and Tribal partners must prepare plans, coordinate consultations, and document eligible practices. United States Fish and Wildlife Service staff must spend time consulting on plans. Tribes near proposed projects must review consultation materials when their lands are within 50 miles. Project sponsors must manage vegetation, maintenance, and reporting expectations on highway rights-of-way.

Key Provisions

• Adds 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as eligible roadside pollinator program participants.
• Defines affected Tribal consultation around federally recognized Tribes with Tribal land within 50 miles of a proposed project.
• Requires consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service during plan development.
• Clarifies that no additional consultation is required beyond plan-development consultation.
• Raises a per-recipient amount from $150,000 to $500,000.
• Authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.