PennDOT Introduces New 'Pollinator' License Plates to Support Plant and Pollinator Populations

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today the availability of a new 'Pollinator' license plate for vehicle owners. Thanks to recently passed legislation, 65% of the proceeds from the license plate will be deposited into the Pollinator Habitat Program Fund, which supports efforts to rejuvenate the populations of pollinating insects.

The Fund aims to create naturalized gardens and meadows planted with pollinator-friendly species of flowering plants for bees, butterflies, beetles, and other insects affected by the loss of their native habitat. This initiative is designed to help reverse the decline of federally listed threatened or endangered species, such as the monarch butterfly.

PennDOT Acting Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized the significance of supporting a healthy pollinator population in Pennsylvania, stating, "Developing habitats for this important group of insects contributes to both the environmental and economic health of our Commonwealth, and PennDOT is proud to offer a license plate to help support these important efforts."

The Pollinator license plate is now available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of no more than 14,000 pounds. The plate features the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white, and gold and depicts a monarch butterfly, honeybee, and green sweat bee visiting a flower. Applicants must submit a completed Form MV-911, "Application for Special Fund Registration Plate."

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding highlighted the critical role pollinators play in the environment and food system, stating, "One out of every three bites we eat is made possible because of pollinators and their role in promoting biodiversity and plant health in our food system, and this pollinator license plate is a way for us to help grow and sustain plant and pollinator life."