| Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced her bipartisan Stamp Out Invasive Species Act, which she introduced, advanced out of the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously.
Specifically, this bill would direct the United States Postal Service to issue a “Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp.” Net proceeds from the sale of this stamp would be directed to the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior for programs that combat invasive species.
“I am proud to announce my legislation to raise awareness about the threat of invasive species pose to our natural ecosystems is one step closer to being law. I have worked on this legislation for years, and this is an important step in the legislative process,” Stefanik said. “Upstate New York and the North Country are home to the largest and most diverse ecosystem in New York State, including the Adirondacks, multiple lakes and rivers, and thousands of miles of trails. I am proud to lead this effort in Congress to fund research that will help combat these invasive predators to preserve our region’s unique natural resources for future generations.”
“Invasive species are one of the most serious threats to the ecological integrity of our public and private lands. The Stamp Out Invasive Species Act will provide crucial funding to help stem the tide of invasive species nationwide,” said Dr. Timothy Michuc, Professor of Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh.
An estimated 50,000 non-native invasive animal and plant species have been introduced to the United States, costing up to $100 billion annually. Additionally, every state and U.S. territory has at least some form of invasive plant or animal tremendously impacting the natural biodiversity of our homes.
The next step is for this legislation to be scheduled for a vote by the full House of Representatives.
Read full bill text here. |
