[Pollinator] Highways BEE Act Update and Action Opportunities

[Tom Van Arsdall]

Highways BEE Act <http://pollinator.org/BEEAct.htm>  Update

 

Efforts are still underway to build support for H.R. 4790, introduced by
Congressional Pollinator Protection Caucus
<http://pollinator.org/PDFs/CP2CCaucus.pdf>  (CP2C) Co-Chairs Alcee Hastings
(D-FL) and Jeff Denham (R-CA):

.         Grassroots support continues to grow-petition has been signed
<http://pollinator.org/PDFs/BEEAct_Group_Support_Petition.pdf>  by 225+
national, state and local organizations and nearly 2,500 individuals from
all walks of life, including researchers, beekeepers and gardeners.  

.         NEW!  Nearly 1,000 comments
<http://pollinator.org/PDFs/Hwys-BEE-Act-Support_Comments.pdf>  posted by
petition signers now available for viewing.  

What is your favorite?

.         Bipartisan congressional support continues to grow-H.R. 4790
cosponsors to date are  Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Peter Welch (D-VT), Michael
Michaud (D-ME), Jackie Speier(D-CA), John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Thomas Petri
(R-WI), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Sanford Bishop,
Jr. (D-GA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE).

.         Many of the actions in H.R. 4790 are included in the Presidential
Memorandum <http://pollinator.org/PR_whitehouse.htm>  on pollinator health:

"The Department of Transportation shall evaluate its current guidance for
grantees and informational resources to identify opportunities to increase
pollinator habitat along roadways and implement improvements, as
appropriate. The Department of Transportation shall work with State
Departments of Transportation and transportation associations to promote
pollinator-friendly practices and corridors. The Department of
Transportation shall evaluate opportunities to make railways, pipelines, and
transportation facilities that are privately owned and operated aware of the
need to increase pollinator habitat."

.         Introduction of companion legislation in the Senate anticipated.

 

Action Opportunities

 

Efforts are continuing in support of the Highways BEE Act and its
objectives.  YOU can make a difference in a number of ways:

.         Sign the Petition <http://pollinator.org/BEEAct.htm>  in support
of the Highways BEE Act (Thanks if you already have!)

.         Urge your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 4790.

.         Contact your Governor and your State Department of Transportation,
and encourage actions to provide habitat and forage for honey bees and other
pollinators on highway ROW's and other state lands.  

o   Regardless of the federal legislation, States are responsible for
maintaining highway ROWs.  The federal role is limited to providing
information and some assistance.  

o   When States hear from their own citizens, they are more likely to
act-and lead-in this vital area of increasing forage for bees and other
pollinators, while saving taxpayer $!

.         Spreading the word helps!   Forward this e-mail to your contacts,
or include this link http://pollinator.org/BEEAct.htm with your personal
note.

 

Thanks for your continuing support!

 

R. Thomas (Tom) Van Arsdall, Director of Public Affairs

   Pollinator Partnership <http://www.pollinator.org/> 

   Cell:  (703) 509-4746

   tva at pollinator.org

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