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119-s-3673119th Congress

Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act

Sponsored By: Senator Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Introduced

Summary

Expands eligibility and funding for pollinator-friendly projects along federal-aid highways. It adds 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, clarifies tribal participation rules, and requires consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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  • Nonprofit organizations: 501(c)(3) groups that meet federal tax-exemption rules can now participate in roadside pollinator habitat projects alongside state and federal partners.
  • Tribes and nearby tribal lands: Federally recognized tribes are eligible when tribal land lies 50 miles or less from a proposed project, widening tribal access to program resources.
  • Grants and program funds: The bill raises the maximum grant from $150,000 to $500,000 and replaces the prior $2.0 million authorization with a $5.0 million authorization for fiscal years 2026–2031, increasing resources available for habitat work.

*Raising grant caps and authorizations increases federal spending for the roadside pollinator program.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Bigger grants and higher funding

If enacted, the bill would raise the maximum per-award support from $150,000 to $500,000. It would also replace the prior $2,000,000 annual authorization for fiscal years 2022–2026 with $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2031. These changes would allow larger individual awards and more program funding in the later authorization window.

Charities and Tribes can apply

If enacted, the bill would add 501(c)(3) charities and federally recognized Tribes as eligible participants in the roadside pollinator program. Only Tribes on the Interior Department's official list would qualify. State transportation agencies, federal land managers, Tribes, and qualifying nonprofits could propose projects and seek support.

New rules for consultation

If enacted, the bill would clarify and limit consultation steps for plans and projects. Tribal consultation would be required only for Tribes with tribal land within 50 miles of a project. Proposers would have to consult the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before completing actions. The bill also says no extra consultation beyond plan development is required.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

OR • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

    SD • R

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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