Bill > S02162

This bill, known as the "Pollinator Promotion Act," introduces several initiatives to support and protect pollinators across New York State. The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation to promote pollinator health by supporting habitat protection, promoting native pollinators, and increasing public awareness. It requires state-owned lands, including parks, forests, and wildlife management areas, to incorporate pollinator-friendly landscaping practices such as increasing native plant abundance, reducing mowing, and minimizing pesticide use. The bill also mandates that each State University of New York (SUNY) campus develop policies to support pollinator health, including establishing committees, increasing native plant habitats, adopting integrated pest management plans, and offering educational opportunities about pollinator conservation. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to develop guidelines for school districts to implement pollinator-friendly landscaping practices, such as using native plants and reducing pesticide use. The highway law is also amended to encourage the use of native, pollinator-friendly plant species along highway medians and verges, with a focus on reducing mowing and promoting pollinator habitats. The bill aims to comprehensively support pollinator populations across various state-managed spaces and institutions, recognizing the critical ecological role of pollinators.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2162