HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House has approved legislation that would require new landscaping projects at state-owned facilities to incorporate native, insecticide-free plants, a measure supporters say could help counter pollinator population declines that threaten agricultural production.
The bill, sponsored by Chris Pielli, would encourage the inclusion of native plants and flowers whenever new gardens, lawns, or green spaces are created at commonwealth facilities.
The proposal now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.
The legislation is aimed at addressing concerns over declining populations of pollinating insects, including monarch butterflies and bees, which play a critical role in crop production and ecosystem health.
According to the bill’s supporters, monarch butterfly populations in North America have declined by roughly 90% since the 1990s, prompting consideration for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Pielli argued the measure addresses both environmental and economic concerns tied to Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector.
“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.”
He noted that crops benefiting from insect pollination generate more than $250 million in agricultural profits annually in Pennsylvania, while pollination-dependent seed production contributes an additional $9 million.
Pielli also pointed to broader food supply implications, citing estimates that approximately one-third of the food consumed by humans depends on 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,” he said. “This bill is a very efficient and cost-effective way to help protect our pollinators and our important agricultural industry.”
If enacted, the measure would establish native species plantings as a preferred component of future landscaping projects on commonwealth-owned properties, creating additional habitat for pollinators without requiring changes to existing green spaces.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.