Supporting the designation of April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 233
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-12T14:17:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 233) aims to express congressional support for designating April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month." It highlights the ecological, environmental, and economic importance of native plants—species that naturally occur in specific U.S. regions and have co-evolved with local wildlife—to raise awareness about their conservation.
Key Provisions
- Background on Native Plants: The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses explaining that:
- Native plants are indigenous to specific ecosystems and include over 17,000 species in the U.S., such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers.
- They support healthy ecosystems by cleaning air, filtering water, stabilizing soil, and providing food and shelter for wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies—benefits that non-native plants cannot replicate.
- Native plants are adapted to local conditions, aiding environmental conservation and adaptation to changes like climate shifts.
- Over 200 native plant species have been lost since the early 1800s due to habitat loss, extreme weather, and invasive species.
- Core Resolution: The House of Representatives:
- Supports the designation of April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month."
- Recognizes the environmental and economic benefits of native plants to the U.S.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may encourage agencies like the Department of the Interior or Environmental Protection Agency to promote native plant awareness in educational or conservation programs.
- On Citizens: Could increase public education on planting native species in gardens or landscapes, potentially fostering voluntary conservation efforts and reducing reliance on non-native plants that may harm ecosystems.
- On International Relations: No notable impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. biodiversity.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental conservation groups and botanists, who may use the designation to advocate for habitat protection.
- Wildlife enthusiasts, gardeners, and landowners interested in sustainable landscaping.
- The general public, through heightened awareness of native plants' role in biodiversity.
- Native plant nurseries and related industries, which could see indirect economic boosts from increased interest.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; as a simple resolution, it requires no presidential approval and has no force of law, aligning with Congress's power to express policy preferences under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan environmental awareness (introduced by members from both parties) without controversy, potentially building support for future conservation policies amid concerns over biodiversity loss and climate change.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-21: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month". — issued 2025-03-21 — PDF (2 pages)