Bill · S. 3673· Senate(119-S-3673)
Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act
- Introduced
- 1/15/2026
- Last activity
- 1/15/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act aims to amend title 23 of the United States Code. It seeks to improve and reauthorize the pollinator-friendly practices on roadside highways and rights-of-way program. The bill modifies the list of eligible entities and updates consultation requirements. It also changes the threshold for certain funding and increases the total amount available for the program. These changes impact how various organizations and Indian Tribes interact with the program through the years 2026 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill increases funding for pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides to support environmental health.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
The bill specifically addresses roadside highway rights-of-way which are vital components of rural infrastructure.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+3
The bill maintains and refines the consultation process for Indian Tribes regarding pollinator projects near their land.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded eligibility for nonprofit organizations: The bill adds 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are exempt from taxation as eligible entities under Section 2, subsection (b)(4). This allows more organizations to participate in the program.
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Increased funding for the program: The bill increases the amount from $2,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to $5,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 in Section 2, subsection (l)(1). This provides more resources for pollinator-friendly practices.
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Increased threshold amount: The amount specified in Section 2, subsection (e)(2)(B) is increased from $150,000 to $500,000.
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Specific consultation for Indian Tribes: The bill adjusts the requirements for consultation with Indian Tribes whose land is located 50 miles or less from a proposed project or practice under Section 2, subsection (d)(3)(A)(I)(bb).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Changes to consultation requirements: The bill requires consultation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 2, subsection (d)(1)(F).
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Modified tribal consultation scope: The bill changes the scope of consultation regarding Indian Tribes to those "described in subsection (b)(2), the Tribal land of which is located 50 miles or less from a project or practice proposed to be included in the plan" under Section 2, subsection (d)(3)(A)(I)(bb).
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Clarification on additional consultation: The bill adds a clarification that "Nothing in this paragraph requires additional consultation beyond consultation during the development of a plan" under Section 2, subsection (d)(3)(B).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Native Americans+3Good For Low Income Households+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Rural Development+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+2
- 1/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota