The House Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet on May 24 to consider House Bill 2131, which encourages PennDOT to plant native vegetation along highways.
“[This legislation encourages] the Department of Transportation to plant vegetation which has been identified by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as being native to Pennsylvania,” said bill sponsor Rep. Tom Quigley (R–Montgomery). “In this way, native vegetation planted along highways will thrive because those plants are better adapted to local conditions. Native vegetation is also more likely to support wildlife, while discouraging invasive plant species in our fair Commonwealth.”
Under the bill, PennDOT is required to consult with DCNR to develop a list of particular species of vegetation that can be used for roadside plantings. The bill also includes a process for PennDOT to allow for planting nonnative species where planting native species is not feasible, provided they are deemed not invasive or detrimental to the environment.
The meeting will be held in Room 205 of the Ryan Building. It will be held Off the Floor, meaning sometime after the House breaks from its morning session. Committee meetings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus website.
Rep. John Taylor (R–Philadelphia) serves as majority chair of the committee and can be contacted at 717-787-3179 or jtaylor@pahousegop.com. Rep. William Keller (D–Philadelphia) serves as minority chair and can be contacted at 717-787-5774 or wkeller@pahouse.net.
