PA Environment Digest Blog: Rep. Pielli To Introduce Bills To Protect Insects, Conserve Monarch Butterfly Habitats

Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester) announced he will be introducing legislation to protect native insects and pollinators, like the monarch butterfly, and promote the growth of new habitats.

"Since the 1990s, the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined by 90%. As a result of their decline, these pollinators are now candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,” said Rep. Pielli.

“State agencies responsible for wildlife and natural resource management refer to federal guidance on which species are threatened with extinction, though no state agency has authority over terrestrial insects like monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

“Dwindling habitats and pesticides negatively affect the populations of insects and pollinators and the plants they rely on for food and for laying eggs.

“By protecting our native species, we further promote biodiversity and pollination, making it possible for flowers and crops to reproduce, which are essential for human welfare.

“In order to protect native insects and pollinators like the monarch butterfly, I will be introducing a package of legislation to promote the growth of new habitats and ensure that their populations are monitored.

“The first bill will address the dwindling habitats for monarch butterflies by encouraging any new construction of a garden, lawn, or green space at a state facility to include insecticide-free native plants and flowers.

“The second bill will address the conservation of wild native terrestrial insects by adding language that protects them under Pennsylvania’s Wild Resource Conservation Act,” said Rep. Pielli.

Click Here for a copy of the bill announcement.

Resource Links:

-- Pollinator Gardens: Help Encourage Ecological Diversity In Your Own Backyard [PaEN]

-- Penn State Watershed Friendly Certification Program Expands To Large And Small Properties, Apartments [PaEN]

-- Penn State Master Gardeners Certification As Pollinator Friendly Garden

-- Penn State Extension Is Celebrating Pollinator Week June 17-21! [PaEN]

-- Pollinator Vehicle License Plate Now Available From PennDOT To Support Pollinator Habitat Fund [PaEN]

-- Agriculture Secretary, Sen. Comitta Visit Chester County’s Jenkins Arboretum, Highlighting Bill To Protect Pollinators, Boost Agriculture [PaEN]

-- Bill Requiring PennDOT To Plant Native Plants Along State Highways Goes To Governor [PaEN]

-- PA Interfaith Power & Light Launches PA Plants Native! Initiative To Plant 100,000 Trees In Next 18 Months; Fall Tree Request Form Now Live! [PaEN]

-- Master Watershed Stewards Host July 15 Annual Q/A Webinar On Fall Native Tree And Shrub Sale Species [PaEN]

-- Interactive Training To Help Identify And Report Aquatic Invasive Species Thru The PA AIS Field Guide App Now Available From PA Sea Grant [PaEN]