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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 42
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A7149A
- Ordered to third reading cal.1638
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Print number 5710a
- Amend and recommit to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
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
Vetoed · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S5710A
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 Japanese 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. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) would be required to issue annual reports to the legislature regarding the programs.
Summary of provisions
Section 1.Amends Section 9-1709 of the Environmental Conservation Law by adding a new subdivision 3 which requires 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. Further, this subdivision requires the DEC to create two five-year pilot programs to determine the most cost-effective method of removal of these species, with one pilot program directed at removing Japanese knotweed. Finally, 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 2.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 significant 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.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.