A resolution designating April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 157
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-05: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2447-2448)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-11T03:26:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 157) aims to raise awareness about the importance of native plants—plants that naturally occur in a specific region and have evolved with local wildlife—by officially designating April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month." It highlights their role in supporting ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental health.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"): The resolution outlines facts about native plants, including:
- They are indigenous species adapted to local conditions, with over 17,000 varieties in the U.S., such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers.
- They support clean air, water filtration, soil stability, and provide food and shelter for wildlife like butterflies, birds, and bees—benefits non-native plants often cannot match.
- More than 200 native species have been lost since the early 1800s due to habitat loss, extreme weather, and invasive species.
- They are vital for resilient ecosystems and the U.S.'s natural heritage.
- Resolved Actions: The Senate:
- Designates April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month."
- Recognizes the environmental and economic benefits of native plants.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a law that amends statutes or creates enforceable rules. It introduces no changes to existing federal law, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to promote education and conservation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; agencies like the Department of the Interior or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may reference it in outreach or programs, but no new funding or mandates are required.
- On Citizens: Encourages public awareness and potential voluntary actions, such as planting native species in gardens, which could indirectly support local biodiversity and reduce maintenance costs for landscaping.
- On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on U.S.-specific ecosystems and does not address global trade, borders, or foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations focused on wildlife and habitat preservation, who may use the designation for campaigns.
- Botanists, Farmers, and Landscapers: Professionals and hobbyists who work with plants, benefiting from increased emphasis on native species for sustainable practices.
- General Public and Educators: Citizens, schools, and communities interested in ecology, potentially leading to more educational events or local initiatives.
- Wildlife and Indigenous Communities: Indirectly affected, as native plants support biodiversity and cultural heritage tied to natural landscapes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or House concurrence. It cannot be challenged in court.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize observances under Article I, without infringing on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties), signaling consensus on environmental issues without controversy. It may foster goodwill among conservation advocates but has limited policy influence.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-05: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2447-2448)
- 2025-04-05: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-04-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating April 2025 as National Native Plant Month. — issued 2025-04-05 — PDF (2 pages)