This bill prioritizes the use of native plants in Federal projects for landscaping, habitat creation, and environmental benefits, requiring agencies to update standards and report on progress.
Mikie Sherrill
Representative
NJ-11
The "Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act" prioritizes the use of native plants in Federal construction and maintenance projects to support habitat creation, pollinator support, erosion reduction, and stormwater control. It requires federal agencies to prioritize native plants in projects and update design standards, and it directs the Council on Environmental Quality to issue guidance and report on the use of native plants in these projects.
Feds Go Native: New Bill Prioritizes Native Plants on Federal Lands, Boosts Ecosystems
The "Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act" is pretty much what it sounds like: a push to get more native plants onto federal properties across the U.S. and its territories. Instead of just throwing down any old greenery, this bill tells federal agencies to prioritize plants that naturally belong in the area whenever they're doing landscaping or maintenance. Think of it like this, they want to bring back what used to be there.
Greener Government, Literally
The bill lays out a clear roadmap. Within 270 days of becoming law, every federal agency has to update its rulebook to put native plants first. They've got to consider things like cost and whether the plants are available, but the main goal is to pick species that help the local environment. The bill, found in SEC. 2, specifically calls out benefits like creating habitats for wildlife, supporting bees and butterflies, stopping soil erosion, and even managing rainwater runoff.
From Lawns to Landscapes
It's not just about flowerbeds, either. The bill, in SEC. 2, encourages agencies to think about using native plants instead of regular grass, especially in areas that aren't heavily used. Imagine a federal building surrounded by native grasses and wildflowers instead of a plain old lawn – that's the kind of change this bill is pushing for. The impact of this could be less water and chemical usage, as native plants are adapted to the local environment.
Making it Happen
To make sure this isn't just a nice idea on paper, the bill puts the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) in charge. The CEQ has to give agencies guidance on how to actually do this within 180 days, and then update that guidance every two years. They also have to put out a public report every two years showing how well the government is doing at using native plants, with examples and scientific data to back it up. This is all about making the shift to native plants transparent and accountable. This will likely affect contractors and subcontractors, as the requirements will trickle down.
Real World Rollout
This bill is relevant to your everyday life because, if you are near a federal building, you will see a change in the landscaping. If you are a contractor or subcontractor, you should familiarize yourself with these requirements. This bill also has implications for nurseries, so if you work in that industry, this bill will affect you.