NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8909
SPONSOR: Thiele TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to the regulation of the planting and selling of running bamboo
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: Regulates the planting and selling of
bamboo in New York State.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: The Environmental Conservation Law is
amended by adding a new Article 48 relating to the Regulation of the
Planting and Selling of Running Bamboo.
Under this new Article, "running bamboo" is defined to mean any bamboo
in the genus phyllostachys, including phyllostachys aureosulcata. Sets
forth planting restrictions and violation penalties. Provides that the
provisions shall not be deemed to apply to any running bamboo planted on
or before October 1, 2014. Requires retailer sellers or installers of
running bamboo to provide a statement of disclosure which includes
recommendations on how to properly contain running bamboo. Those retail-
er seller or installers in violation of sales and installation
provisions will be fined $100 for each sold in violation.
JUSTIFICATION: This legislation regulates the planting and selling of
running bamboo planted on and after October 1, 2014. Running bamboo is
an invasive species that threatens New York's environment by out-compet-
ing native species, diminishing biologic diversity, and changing ecosys-
tems composition. Bamboo, and its complex root system, is an extremely
fast growing plant which can spread horizontally beyond property lines
and cause significant biologic and ecologic damage to abutting proper-
ties.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2014: New Legislation.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None to the State.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.
