Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today announced that the Assembly Budget Proposal would allow for the use of Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) funds on southern pine beetle eradication efforts.

The southern pine beetle is responsible for killing thousands of acres of pines throughout the United States. In late 2014 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials confirmed a full blown infestation on Long Island, including over 1,000 acres of Long Island Pine Barren pitch pines. Since then, DEC has been responsive to infestations on public lands; however, with very limited funding.

Thiele had joined with Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, earlier this year in calling for $3.5 million in the 2016-17 State Budget to help develop and implement a comprehensive southern pine beetle management and control program.

Budget negotiations are currently underway. The final 2016-17 State Budget is due on April 1st.