Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ)
Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act" directs Federal agencies to prioritize the use of native plants in construction or maintenance projects involving landscape planting. Agencies must prioritize native plants over non-native species when feasible regarding cost, schedule, and supply. The bill encourages the use of native plants on existing or planned turfgrass and lawns. To ensure compliance, agencies must include these requirements in their contracts and subcontracts. Additionally, agencies must update their specific design and maintenance standards to align with these goals. The Council on Environmental Quality will provide guidance and publish biennial reports on the use of native plants in Federal projects.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill requires federal agencies to prioritize native plants to create habitats and support pollinators.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the Council on Environmental Quality to publish biennial reports on the use of native plants on its website.
- Scored +2
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill promotes native plants which can decrease landscape water usage and control stormwater runoff.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental and Wildlife Benefits: Agencies are directed to consider how native plants can create habitats, support native pollinators, and provide food and shelter for insect and wildlife populations (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).
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Resource and Land Management: The use of native plants is noted for its potential to decrease soil erosion, decrease landscape water usage, increase sediment control, and control stormwater runoff (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).
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Guidance and Transparency: The Council on Environmental Quality will provide guidance to agencies every two years and publish reports including case studies on best practices and analyses of environmental findings (Section 2(e) and Section 2(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Constraints on Projects: The requirement to prioritize native plants is subject to feasibility regarding cost, schedule, and product supply (Section 2(b)(1)(A)).
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Impact on Existing Landscapes: While not required to prioritize them, agencies are encouraged to consider replacing parts of existing or planned turfgrass and lawns with native plants (Section 2(b)(2)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill requires federal agencies to prioritize native plants to create habitats and support pollinators. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill promotes native plants which can decrease landscape water usage and control stormwater runoff.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Council on Environmental Quality to publish biennial reports on the use of native plants on its website.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill promotes habitat creation and soil erosion control which can benefit rural landscapes.
- 4/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/21/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
David JoyceRepublican · Ohio
Zachary NunnRepublican · Iowa