Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3673
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-12T15:21:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
## Purpose The legislation amends title 23 of the United States Code to improve and reauthorize the existing program that supports pollinator-friendly practices along roadsides and highway rights-of-way. Its goal is to expand participation, update consultation processes, raise funding limits, and extend the program's authorization period.
## Key Provisions
- Eligibility expansion: Adds federally recognized Indian Tribes (as listed under federal law) and certain nonprofit organizations (those qualifying as tax-exempt charities under the Internal Revenue Code) as eligible participants.
- Consultation requirements: Requires the Secretary of Transportation to consult with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service when developing plans. Limits tribal consultation to Indian Tribes whose land is within 50 miles of a proposed project. Clarifies that no extra consultation is needed beyond the initial plan development.
- Grant limits: Raises the maximum grant amount from $150,000 to $500,000.
- Funding authorization: Increases annual funding from $2,000,000 (for fiscal years 2022–2026) to $5,000,000 (for fiscal years 2026–2031).
## Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill updates section 332 of title 23, United States Code, by broadening the list of eligible entities beyond state transportation departments and federal land agencies. It modifies consultation rules to focus on nearby tribes and adds a requirement to involve the Fish and Wildlife Service. It also raises both individual grant caps and overall program funding levels while extending the authorization through 2031.
## Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the Department of Transportation and the Fish and Wildlife Service due to added consultation steps; state and federal agencies may access higher grant amounts for roadside habitat projects.
- Citizens and environment: Supports expanded pollinator habitat efforts, which could benefit local ecosystems and agriculture through improved roadside management.
- International relations: No direct effects identified.
## Main Stakeholders Affected
- State departments of transportation and federal land management agencies.
- Federally recognized Indian Tribes located near proposed projects.
- Nonprofit organizations focused on conservation.
- The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Communities and landowners near highways where pollinator practices are implemented.
## Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The changes refine existing environmental and transportation statutes without creating new regulatory mandates. The adjusted tribal consultation process (limited to nearby tribes) may streamline planning while still respecting tribal interests. The increased funding and eligibility could encourage broader public-private partnerships in roadside conservation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (4 pages)