Relates to creating a public awareness campaign for the purpose of educating the public about the three non-native plant species present in this state with the highest invasiveness assessment ratings.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7149A
SPONSOR: Gunther TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to creating a public awareness campaign for the purpose of
educating the public about the three non-native species present in this
state with the highest invasiveness assessment ratings, including Japa-
nese knotweed
PURPOSE:
This bill would create a public awareness campaign about the three most
invasive plant species in the state. It would also create two pilot
programs to determine the most cost-effective method of removing these
invasive species. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
would be required to issue a report to the legislature regarding the
program.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one adds a new subdivision 3 to section 9-1709 of the environ-
mental conservation law to require the DEC, in cooperation with the
Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Invasive Species Council,
to develop a public awareness campaign about the three most invasive
plant species in New York. It also requires DEC to create two five-year
pilot programs to determine the most cost-effective method of removal.
It stipulates that at least one pilot program be directed at removing
Japanese knotweed. The Commissioner of DEC would be required to issue a
report to the legislature regarding the cost of the program and any
adverse effects or benefits to local flora and fauna.
Section two is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
According to a Cornell University study, invasive species cause roughly
$120 billion in damages across the United States each year. 42% of
threatened or endangered species are at risk due primarily to invasive
species.
Invasive species, and in particular, Japanese knotweed, pose a signif-
icant threat to our communities. Japanese knotweed spreads rapidly and
aggressively, and can grow in dense thickets as high as 10 feet. It can
cause structural damage and creates barriers for access to buildings.
Knotweed quickly eradicates local native plant species, and causes
substantial damage to asphalt, sewers and drainage systems, buildings,
cavity walls, and fences. In addition, knotweed can cause river bank
erosion, leading to an increased likelihood of flooding.
Human and animal activity contribute significantly to the spread of
Japanese knotweed. Attempts to remove knotweed or other invasive species
without knowledge of how to contain and dispose of them can lead to
further growth. A public awareness campaign about knotweed and other
invasive plant species will help reduce their spread and assist property
owners with removal.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law.
