Sherrill, Joyce Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Flooding, Lower Landscaping Costs, and Protect our Planet Through the Use of Native Plants

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and David Joyce (OH-14) reintroduced the Building Native Habitats and Federal Facilities Act, to promote the planting of native species in landscaping projects at federal buildings. Native plants are critical environmental resources because they protect animal habitats and food chains, help mitigate flooding by retaining and filtering stormwater, and are less costly to maintain.

The Building Native Habitats and Federal Facilities Act is the next pillar in Rep. Sherrill’s Protecting Our Jersey Quality of Life Agenda, a legislative package she is introducing this Congress to make life easier and tackle the biggest challenges facing New Jersey families.

“When we take steps to protect our environment, we’re not just curbing climate change, we’re lowering costs and improving the quality of life here in New Jersey. That’s why I am introducing legislation to encourage the use of native plants at federal facilities in New Jersey and across the country. Local, native plants help preserve critical habitats and food supplies for animals, contain and filter stormwater to protect communities from flooding, and require less maintenance — reducing costs for towns and municipalities. I look forward to continuing to work with environmental advocates across New Jersey as we advance this legislation to protect the Garden State,” said Rep. Sherrill.

“Ohio is home to a multitude of native plants that support our delicate ecosystem and water conservation efforts,” said Rep. Joyce. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure we protect native plants and restore natural habitats to aid endangered wildlife and support our local economies. I remain committed to supporting natural habitat conservation and restoration efforts that will benefit communities in Northeast Ohio and across the country.”

Rep. Sherrill’s legislation has earned the endorsement of national and statewide environmental organizations, including the National Audubon Society, Environment America, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Nature Conservancy of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

“We applaud Representatives Sherrill and Joyce for introducing this important legislation,” said Dr. Barbara Brummer, New Jersey State Director at The Nature Conservancy. “Incorporating native plants into landscapes goes beyond visual appeal—it’s a crucial step in ensuring the survival of pollinators and wildlife. Native plantings provide much-needed habitat that supports healthy natural systems and a rich mosaic of species.”

“America’s beloved pollinators are at risk of extinction after years of habitat loss and degradation. Overdevelopment, pesticide use and the introduction of invasive plants has stripped pollinators of their homes and food sources. Emphasizing native plants during federal landscaping projects can help restore the health and beauty of our environment, ensure that pollinators have what they need to thrive, and show that the most beautiful landscapes are the ones that nature originally designed. That’s why Environment America strongly supports the Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act,” said Caroline Wagar, Federal Legislative Associate at Environment America.

“Prioritizing the use of native plants at federal facilities is a no-brainer in promoting sustainability. Native plants are naturally adapted to local climates and reduce the need for excessive water, fertilizers, and pesticides, lowering maintenance costs and taxpayer burdens. They also provide crucial benefits for pollinators and wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and supporting ecosystem health. Representatives Sherill and Joyce understand that by incorporating native plants into federal landscapes we not only improve the health of our environment but also set a positive example for communities across the nation in demonstrating the benefits of sustainable practices in public spaces,” said Bradley Williams, Deputy Legislative Director at The Sierra Club.

The Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act mandates that federal agencies prioritize native plants when engaging in landscaping work and update their agency facility design standards. Additionally, the legislation encourages the creation of a new public report that will share best practices on how to promote native habitats across federal facilities.

Rep. Sherrill is a leader in the fight against climate change and efforts to curb flooding in New Jersey. She championed two pieces of legislation– the PRECIP and FLOODS Acts– to improve rainfall forecasting and increase communication prior to major flood events. She helped secure millions of dollars in Community Project funding as well as through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to protect New Jersey’s open spaces, invest in clean energy, and improve flood mitigation corridors in New Jersey’s 11th District.