Legislation sponsored by NJ State Senator Anthony M. Bucco that encourages homeowners and businesses to make their property more bee-friendly has cleared the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
“New Jersey is the Garden State, but gardens don’t flourish without pollinators including bees,” said Bucco (R-25). “Unfortunately, our bee populations continue to fall at an alarming rate, which puts everything from home gardens to commercial agriculture at risk. This legislation encourages homeowners and businesses to install bee-friendly habitats to help stop the decline.”
Researchers at Rutgers University recently published a study that highlighted concerns about the sharp decline of bee populations in New Jersey. The lack of bee habitats can have severe impacts on the ecosystem, as bees, certain insects, and even birds account for pollinating more than 80% of all plants.
Sen. Bucco’s bill, S-3643, establishes a pilot program within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to offer reimbursement to homeowners and businesses for certain costs associated with converting their lawns and gardens into bee-friendly habitats.
The program would offer eligible homeowners up to $250 in reimbursement while businesses could receive up to $500. Under the bill, the state Agriculture department would be required to develop a webpage with information about the pilot program and a list of plants that qualify homeowners and businesses to receive reimbursement.
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