BILL NUMBER: S1690A
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
establishing the New York native plants program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To strengthen the native ecology of New York State through the preserva-
tion, promotion, and enhancement of the state's native flora in conjunc-
tion with the use and education of best practices in soil health, inte-
grated pest management, and landscaping to reduce the need for
irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers on state or municipal owned and
state funded or subsidized green spaces.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Sec. 1 - Legislative intent
Sec. 2 - amends environmental conservation law by adding a new section
9-0114 directing the DEC to establish a New York Native Plants Program
to encourage and promote the sale of NY native plants and seeds at
retail garden centers and nurseries, raise public awareness of the
importance of native plants in the ecosystem, support the identification
and labelling of native plants for sale and offer point-of-sale rebates
for such plants, and establish requirements for use of native plants on
public lands wherever practicable
Section 3: effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Native plants are important because they provide high quality food and
shelter for native pollinators, birds, and other animals. These plants
and animals have evolved to depend on each other for survival. Some of
these insects and birds have evolved to only use specific native plants
(for ex. Monarch butterflies and milkweed plants). The pollinators use
the nectar from native plants for food. As they feed, they pollinate the
flowers, which allows the plants to develop fruit and seeds. In addi-
tion, these insects become food for birds, animals, and their young. The
fruit and seeds grow the next generation of plants, and also feed the
birds and other small animals.
The birds and animals spread the fruit and seeds for the plants, helping
them to propagate and spread. Because of this interdependency, native
plants and their varieties are particularly important for supporting
pollinators.
New York's native plants and ecology are under threat due to habitat
destruction, modification, and curtailment. The State's ecology is like-
wise facing increased competition from invasive species and additional
stress due to climate change. We have a responsibility to conserve and
enhance the native ecological health of the state which directly influ-
ences public health, agricultural efficacy, economic activity, and
recreational enjoyment of our environment.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.7850 (May) / A.8153 (Kelles)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Undetermined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.