Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 17, 2026
Bottom line
This bill expands the scope, increases funding, and refines administrative processes for a federal program dedicated to creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly habitats along roadsides.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 332 of title 23, United States Code, to expand eligibility for the pollinator-friendly practices on roadside highways and rights-of-way program to include certain nonprofit organizations. It also modifies consultation requirements, mandating input from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and clarifying the scope of tribal consultation. Furthermore, the bill significantly increases the maximum grant amount for the program and reauthorizes it with substantially higher annual appropriations through fiscal year 2031.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will enhance biodiversity, support struggling pollinator populations crucial for agriculture, and expand the reach of an effective program by allowing more entities, including non-profits, to participate and receive increased funding for vital conservation efforts. The increased funding and expanded eligibility are seen as critical steps to scale up successful initiatives and address the ecological crisis facing pollinators.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while pollinator conservation is important, this program represents an expansion of federal spending and involvement in areas that could be handled more efficiently by state or local initiatives. Concerns could also be raised about the oversight of a significantly larger budget and a broader array of grantees, or whether the increased funding is the most effective allocation of resources for environmental priorities.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation of its provisions.
Section 2(1) (amending 23 U.S.C. 332(b))
Expansion of Eligible Entities for Pollinator Program
This provision expands the list of entities eligible to participate in the pollinator-friendly practices program. It specifically adds nonprofit organizations that are described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and are exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code. Previously, eligibility was primarily limited to State departments of transportation, Federal land management agencies, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribes.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that including nonprofits will leverage their specialized expertise, volunteer networks, and local presence to significantly expand the program's reach and effectiveness, leading to more widespread and impactful pollinator habitat creation and restoration.
Critics contend
Some might express concern about the administrative oversight challenges of distributing federal funds to a wider array of non-governmental entities, questioning if all nonprofits possess the necessary capacity or experience for large-scale roadside infrastructure projects.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire to broaden the program's reach and tap into diverse conservation expertise against potential administrative complexities and the need for robust oversight with a more varied group of grantees.
Section 2(2) (amending 23 U.S.C. 332(d))
Refinement of Consultation Requirements
This provision modifies the consultation requirements for the pollinator program. It mandates consultation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service when developing best practices for the program. Additionally, it clarifies that consultation with Indian Tribes is specifically for those whose Tribal land is located 50 miles or less from a proposed project and explicitly states that no additional consultation is required beyond the initial plan development stage.
Section 2(3) and (4) (amending 23 U.S.C. 332(e)(2)(B) and (l)(1))
Program Reauthorization and Increased Funding
This provision significantly increases the financial scope of the program. It raises the maximum amount for individual grants from $150,000 to $500,000. Furthermore, it reauthorizes the program for an additional six fiscal years, from 2026 through 2031, and substantially increases the annual authorized appropriation from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 for each of those years.
Adds a clarification stating that nothing in the consultation paragraph requires additional consultation beyond the initial development of a plan.
Section 2(2)(C)(iv) (amending 23 U.S.C. 332(d)(3)(B))
Why it matters:This could be standard legislative practice to clarify the scope of administrative obligations and prevent open-ended requirements, or it could be viewed as a subtle way to limit ongoing engagement with affected Indian Tribes after initial project planning.
Case for: Proponents argue this clarification provides certainty for federal agencies and project developers, streamlining project implementation by defining the scope and duration of consultation, thereby preventing indefinite or repetitive engagement.
Case against: Critics might argue that this explicit limitation could restrict meaningful, ongoing dialogue with affected Indian Tribes, especially if project details or environmental impacts evolve after the initial plan is developed, potentially diminishing tribal input on critical environmental projects.
Estimated impact: Could reduce administrative burden for federal agencies and project developers by setting clear consultation boundaries, but potentially reduce opportunities for tribal input on project execution and adaptation.