A resolution recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States by designating June 15 through June 22, 2025, as "National Pollinator Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 289
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-18: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S3474-3475)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-02T20:02:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to highlight the critical role of pollinators (such as bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and beetles) in supporting U.S. agriculture, food production, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. It designates June 15 through June 22, 2025, as "National Pollinator Week" to raise awareness about their importance and the threats they face.
Key Provisions
- Support for Designation: The Senate expresses support for observing June 15–22, 2025, as National Pollinator Week.
- Acknowledgment of Pollinators' Role: Recognizes pollinators' contributions to agriculture (e.g., enabling reproduction of 80% of flowering plants and adding over $18 billion annually to crop revenue), biodiversity, clean air and water, stable soil, and wildlife diversity.
- Encouragement of Public Involvement: Urges people across the U.S. to participate in ceremonies, conservation efforts, and educational activities during the week.
- Commitment to Action: The Senate intends to continue conserving native pollinator species and habitats while improving public understanding of their importance.
The resolution includes "Whereas" clauses detailing facts, such as the economic value of pollinators, declines in species populations (e.g., 85–90% drops in monarch butterflies and American bumble bees), and threats like habitat loss, disease, and extinction risks for nearly 70 native species listed as threatened or endangered under federal law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It does not create new legal requirements, enforce policies, or allocate funding. Instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness and voluntary conservation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Encourages public education and participation in pollinator-friendly activities, potentially increasing community involvement in conservation, such as planting native flowers or reducing pesticide use, which could benefit local ecosystems and food security.
- On Government Agencies: May prompt agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to align with its goals through existing programs, but it imposes no mandates. It could indirectly support ongoing federal efforts to protect endangered pollinator species.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to biodiversity, which aligns with global environmental agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Broader Effects: Could foster greater awareness of pollinator declines, indirectly supporting agricultural productivity and ecological stability without enforceable outcomes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Agricultural Producers and Consumers: Farmers rely on pollinators for crop pollination; consumers benefit from affordable, diverse food supplies.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations focused on wildlife protection (e.g., those working on endangered species like the rusty patched bumble bee) may use the resolution to advocate for habitat preservation.
- General Public and Educators: Encouraged to engage in awareness-raising activities, potentially influencing schools, communities, and households.
- Federal Government: The Senate and agencies involved in environmental policy are highlighted, with indirect benefits to species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
- Native Pollinator Species: Indirectly supported through calls for conservation, addressing threats to biodiversity.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval. It references federal protections under laws like the Endangered Species Act (which lists threatened pollinators) but does not amend them.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to recognize observances and promote public welfare under Article I, without infringing on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Represents bipartisan environmental advocacy (introduced by Sen. Merkley), signaling congressional priority on biodiversity amid climate and habitat challenges. It could build momentum for future legislation on pollinator conservation but carries no binding political obligations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-18: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S3474-3475)
- 2025-06-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States by designating June 15 through June 22, 2025, as National Pollinator Week. — issued 2025-06-18 — PDF (3 pages)