Press Releases

Rep. Balint Introduces House Resolution to Designate “Bat Week” 

Resolution acknowledges the important role bats play in national ecosystems 

Washington, D.C - Today, Rep. Becca Balint introduced a resolution designating October 24 – 31, 2023 as “Bat Week.” The resolution highlights the vital role that bats play in the sustainability of our ecosystems and human health as pollinators. Vermont farms rely on the pest control provided by bats to sustain their crops and keep forests and fields healthy. The resolution also calls for a robust response to white-nose syndrome which has killed millions of bats in North America and has spread to 40 states. Senator Welch (D-VT) and Braun (R-IN) lead the Senate companion resolution. 

“Bats play a critical role in Vermont’s ecosystem. Our environment and local farms depend on bats to keep forests and fields pollinated and healthy,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Vermonters care deeply about conservation and our diverse ecosystem. This resolution stands to highlight the importance of bats and support the conservation work it takes to protect them.” 

“Over half of Vermont’s bat species are endangered, and the spread of White-nose Syndrome accompanied by human development poses a grave threat to the environmental and health benefits bats provide,” said Sen Welch. “This resolution calls on the Senate to sink its fangs into conservation efforts to protect bats and their habitats, and encourages national observance of ‘Bat Week’ to highlight the vital role bats play in the health of Vermonters and our environment.” 

Text of the resolution can be found here.

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