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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 8, 2024 09:49 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Napoleon J. Nelson and Rep. Benjamin V. Sanchez |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Pennsylvania Bird Safe Building Act |
Every year, it is estimated that between one hundred million and one billion birds fall prey to collisions with man-made structures in the United States, making them one of the largest predators of migratory birds. These dangers have worsened with the proliferation of glass in architectural designs, where the nature of its reflectivity and transparency act as a lethal illusion as birds cannot see glass. Instead, the glass acts as a mirror, reflecting the immediate surroundings – which for a flying bird may be open sky or nearby vegetation. A Professor of Ornithology at the Acopian Center of Ornithology at Muhlenberg College, Dr. Daniel Klem’s research into this issue since the 1970s has served as the foundation for the development of “bird safe” building designs. These designs range from the incorporation of patterned or opaque glass to the external fitting of screens or netting, additions that reduce window reflections, and alert birds that the windows are barriers. We can minimize unnecessary bird deaths in Pennsylvania. In the near future, we will be introducing legislation that would require state agencies to incorporate bird-safe building materials and designs when constructing new or substantially altering existing buildings. With the state of Illinois already enacting such a policy and both the federal government and other states introducing similar legislation, it is time Pennsylvania follows suit to ensure that birds may travel safely throughout our state. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to help reduce collision hazards for our birds. |