Bill > A06618

This bill, known as the "Pollinator Promotion Act," aims to support and protect pollinators across New York State through a comprehensive set of initiatives. The bill authorizes the commissioner of environmental conservation to promote pollinator health by supporting habitat protection, raising public awareness, and increasing native pollinator populations. It requires State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to develop policies for enhancing pollinator habitats, including establishing committees, increasing native plant abundance, reducing pesticide use, and offering educational programs about pollinator conservation. The bill also directs the departments of education and environmental conservation to create guidelines for school districts to implement pollinator-friendly landscaping practices, such as using native plants and minimizing pesticide use. Additionally, the legislation instructs the highway department to encourage the use of native, pollinator-friendly plant species along highway medians and verges, and to reduce mowing in these areas where safely possible. State-owned lands, including parks, forests, and wildlife management areas, will be required to incorporate pollinator-friendly landscaping practices, such as increasing native plant populations and reducing chemical pest management. The bill represents a multi-faceted approach to supporting pollinator health and biodiversity across various public spaces in New York State.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6618