Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1500
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-17T17:31:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act" (H.R. 1500) aims to promote the use of native plants—species naturally occurring in a specific region—in federal construction and maintenance projects involving landscaping. By prioritizing these plants, the legislation seeks to enhance environmental benefits like supporting wildlife, reducing water use, and preventing soil erosion, while fostering native habitats on federal lands.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Federal agency" refers to executive branch departments and agencies (e.g., as defined in U.S. law for government operations).
- "Federal project" covers construction or maintenance activities at federal facilities (government-owned properties) that include planting landscapes, located in U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or territories.
- "Native plant" means plant species indigenous to the U.S. region where the project occurs, as defined in existing federal law related to public lands.
- Prioritization and Consideration Requirements (effective 270 days after enactment):
- Federal agencies must prioritize native plants over non-native ones when feasible, balancing factors like cost, project timeline, plant availability, and specific scientific, historical, or educational needs.
- Agencies must evaluate long-term benefits of native plants, including creating habitats for pollinators and wildlife, providing food and shelter, reducing soil erosion, lowering water needs, improving sediment control, and managing stormwater runoff.
- Exception: Turfgrass (grass used for lawns) and traditional lawns are exempt from prioritization, but agencies are encouraged to incorporate native plants in unused or suitable areas of these spaces, considering maintenance and usage.
- Contractor Obligations:
- Federal agencies must include these native plant requirements in contracts "to the maximum extent practicable" and ensure subcontracts (at any level) follow suit.
- Agency Standards Update:
- Agencies with their own design, landscape, or maintenance guidelines must revise them within 270 days to align with the new rules.
- Guidance and Reporting by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ):
- CEQ must issue guidance to agencies on native plant use and implementation within 180 days of enactment, updating it every two years.
- CEQ must publish biennial public reports (starting two years after enactment) covering:
- Case studies of successful practices in federal projects.
- Analysis of environmental or scientific outcomes from native plant use, including measurable impacts.
- How the federal government is advancing native habitats overall.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new mandates not previously required in federal law, adding specific environmental considerations to federal landscaping projects. It builds on existing definitions (e.g., for native plants from 2023 appropriations law) but does not amend prior statutes directly. Instead, it creates affirmative duties for prioritization and reporting, shifting federal practices toward sustainability without overriding core operational laws.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases administrative workload for updating standards, incorporating requirements into contracts, and complying with guidance/reporting. May raise short-term costs or delays due to plant sourcing but could lower long-term maintenance expenses through benefits like reduced watering.
- On Citizens: Enhances environmental quality on public lands, potentially improving local ecosystems, biodiversity, and resilience to climate issues (e.g., less erosion or runoff affecting communities). No direct costs or burdens on individuals.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the bill focuses on domestic federal facilities; it could indirectly support U.S. leadership in global conservation efforts by modeling native plant use.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primary implementers (e.g., Departments of Defense, Interior, or Agriculture managing facilities), responsible for compliance and updates.
- Contractors and Subcontractors: Landscaping firms and suppliers must adapt to native plant preferences, potentially shifting markets toward regional nurseries.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Beneficiaries through promoted habitats; may influence via CEQ reports or advocacy.
- Local Communities and Wildlife: Indirectly affected by improved ecosystems near federal sites, including benefits for pollinators, insects, and erosion-prone areas.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes enforceable requirements via contracts and agency standards, with flexibility ("feasible" and "practicable") to avoid undue burdens. Relies on CEQ's advisory role under existing environmental laws (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act), potentially integrating with broader federal sustainability policies without creating new enforcement mechanisms.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; aligns with Congress's authority over federal property and spending, promoting public welfare through environmental stewardship.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Sherrill, D-NJ, and Rep. Joyce, R-OH) suggests broad appeal for eco-friendly policies. Could set precedent for "green" mandates in federal operations, influencing future climate or habitat legislation, though implementation challenges (e.g., supply chains) might spark debates on practicality.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-02-21: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (5 pages)