Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act

The "Building Native Habitats at Federal Facilities Act" requires federal agencies to prioritize and consider the use of native plants in federal construction and maintenance projects involving landscape improvements. Agencies must weigh the ecological benefits of native plants, such as habitat creation , supporting pollinators, reducing water usage, and controlling erosion, while also considering cost, schedule, and supply. While not mandatory for turfgrass and lawns, agencies are encouraged to plant native species in appropriate areas of existing or planned lawns. This legislation also mandates that federal contracts and subcontracts include these native plant priority and consideration requirements. Furthermore, federal agencies must update their facility design standards and landscape requirements within 270 days of the bill's enactment to align with these provisions. To support these efforts, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) will issue guidance to federal agencies on native plant use every two years. The CEQ will also publish a public report biennially, detailing best practices, scientific findings, and the overall promotion of native habitats within federal projects.