Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce the Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act. I am pleased to be partnering with Senator Cantwell on this initiative. Our bipartisan bill supports a new pilot program at the National Park Service (NPS) to support the use of native plants. This legislation also encourages the Park Service to review existing data and study the cost-effectiveness of using native plants. Native plants are species found naturally in regions and can provide valuable functions to our National Park System. Benefits range from using less water and pesticides, purifying the air, and recharging groundwater in wetlands. By using native species, the Park Service can also improve habitat for wildlife and restore important species of birds and butterflies to their natural habitat. In Acadia National Park, native plants are an important part of the ongoing conservation work. I commend Superintendent Kevin Schneider and all those who work on these issues at the park for their work to encourage the use of native plants. Acadia National Park protects more than 900 plant species, including some that are globally, nationally, and locally rare. Native plants, however, face many threats such as non-native pests, non-native plants, diseases, and a changing climate. Today, almost one quarter of Acadia National Park's species are non-native to the park.…”