Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands and enhances a federal program supporting pollinator habitats along roadsides by increasing funding, broadening eligibility to nonprofits, and refining consultation processes to encourage more widespread and impactful conservation efforts.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 332 of title 23, United States Code, to expand eligibility for the pollinator-friendly practices program to include certain nonprofit organizations, clarifies consultation requirements with Indian Tribes, increases the maximum grant amount for individual projects, and reauthorizes the program with significantly increased annual funding from fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for addressing declining pollinator populations, which are vital for agriculture and ecosystem health. Expanding eligibility to qualified nonprofits and substantially increasing funding will allow more projects to be undertaken, fostering biodiversity and sustainable land management along transportation corridors, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while pollinator health is important, increasing federal spending on roadside programs, especially with a significant funding increase, may not be the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars compared to other conservation efforts or infrastructure priorities. Some might also raise concerns about potential administrative burdens with a broader grantee pool or question the overall effectiveness of roadside habitats compared to larger, contiguous conservation areas.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2(1)
Expand Eligibility for Pollinator Program
This provision amends subsection (b) of section 332 of title 23, United States Code, to include certain nonprofit organizations as eligible entities for the pollinator-friendly practices program. Specifically, it allows 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits to apply for grants, alongside existing eligible entities such as State departments of transportation, Federal land management agencies, and Indian Tribes.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that including qualified nonprofit organizations will leverage their expertise, community engagement, and capacity to implement pollinator-friendly projects, particularly in areas where state agencies or tribal governments may have limited resources or specific focus. This expansion can lead to more diverse and effective conservation efforts.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against expanding eligibility to qualified nonprofits for conservation programs, as it generally enhances program reach. However, some might express concerns about potential administrative oversight challenges with a broader range of grantees.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff involves balancing the benefits of broader participation and increased project implementation against potential increases in administrative complexity for federal agencies managing a larger and more diverse grantee pool.
Section 2(2)
Refine Consultation with Indian Tribes
This section amends subsection (d) of section 332 to clarify and refine consultation requirements for Indian Tribes. It specifies that consultation should occur with "Indian Tribes described in subsection (b)(2), the Tribal land of which is located 50 miles or less from a project or practice proposed to be included in the plan." It also adds a clarification that no additional consultation is required beyond the initial plan development.
Section 2(3)
Increase Maximum Grant Amount
This provision amends subsection (e)(2)(B) of section 332 to increase the maximum amount for a single grant awarded under the pollinator-friendly practices program. The cap is raised from $150,000 to $500,000, allowing for significantly larger individual project funding.
Section 2(4)
Reauthorize and Increase Program Funding
This provision amends subsection (l)(1) of section 332 to reauthorize the pollinator-friendly practices program for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. Crucially, it increases the annual appropriation for the program from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 for each of those fiscal years, representing a significant boost in overall program funding.