(The Bill (S2162) is currently in the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.)

Date:   

Dear Senators:

 We are writing in support of the Pollinator Promotion Act (S2162) to ensure native plant restoration and rewilding on state lands, and education about the importance of pollinators. Increasingly NYS native vegetation is replaced with non-native and invasive vegetation.  In most cases non-native plants do not feed or provide habitat for our pollinators.  The Empire State Native Pollinator Survey (2017-2021) indicates a drastic slide in pollinator numbers and looming extinction.  It is imperative that New York State take action. 

The Pollinator Promotion Act will support pollinating wildlife.  And it will do much more:

• S2162 will support other native wildlife.

• S2162 will guarantee a food supply. In 2023 Richard Ball, Commissioner of Agriculture for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, said "Pollinators play a critical role in our agricultural industries statewide. We depend on our pollinating populations like birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects to help our crops grow and support the agricultural economy. Together with our fellow agencies, our partners at Cornell University, and our hard-working farmers, we are committed to conserving and growing our pollinator populations to ensure a strong future for agriculture and our environment in New York."  

• S2162 will help purify drinking water.  Native plants have long and robust root systems, essential for absorbing water, reducing stormwater runoff, purifying water and for recharging groundwater.  Far left on the image shows turf/lawn grass (1-2 " roots) vs native plant roots.  Lawns are compact surfaces that let little water percolate, whereas deep rooted perennials create root holes in the soil that loosens soil and makes fissures and holes for water to percolate downward - minimizing impact of intense rainfall.

• S2162 will help sequester and hold carbon in the soil.  The deeper a plant's roots reach the more carbon it can store in the soil.  Perennial plants develop extensive root systems over time allowing for increased carbon sequestration compared to annuals or turf grass.

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Adding native vegetation to our state properties is a salute to our natural history and will forever grace NYS lands with its beauty.  For all of these reasons we strongly support the Pollinator Promotion Act (S2162) and its timely passage into law.

Thank you in advance for working to protect and restore New York’s native habitats and wildlife.

Sincerely,