DEC Commissioner: ""This Law Implements a Critical Recommendation of the Invasive Species Task Force..."
Legislation has been passed to protect New
York's waterways and natural habitat from the devastating environmental effects
of invasive species.
"This new law will give the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Agriculture and Markets the tools they need to protect our state's ecology from the harm that invasive species can cause," Governor Cuomo said.
"This legislation ensures that the
regulations governing invasive species are appropriate for New York's farming
community and plant nurseries, while also protecting the environment. I commend
the bill sponsors for their work on this legislation."
Invasive species threaten New York's environment by out-competing native species, diminishing biological diversity, and changing whole ecosystems.
Invasive species are widely available in
commerce for landscaping and aquaria, and include species such as Hydrilla, an
aggressive aquatic invader that chokes out native plants, clogs water intakes
and impedes recreation.
Other invasive species, such as the Emerald Ash
Borer and the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, can devastate New York's timber and
forest products industry. Millions of dollars are spent annually in the United
States to control such species.
"This law implements a critical recommendation of the Invasive Species Task Force and gives DEC and DAM more authority to actively regulate invasive species and prevent their spread,” stated Joe Martens, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
“Invasive species are destructive to habitat and
cause millions of dollars of damage, impacting NY's economy from shipping and
agriculture to outdoor recreation. Now, we will have additional tools to combat
their introduction and proliferation."
"This legislation signed into law by Governor Cuomo will help New York State guard against the harm that invasive species can cause,” noted Darrel Aubertine, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
“Our state’s agriculture industry has felt the
negative impacts of invasive species, and this new law will help farms fight
against such threats while ensuring that landscaping businesses and nurseries
are not adversely affected."
The legislation signed today by the Governor will help address the risk to New York's environment associated with invasive species becoming established within the state.
The new law provides the Department of
Environmental Conservation and the Department of Agriculture and Markets with
the authority to regulate the sale, purchase, possession, introduction,
importation and transport of invasive species and establishes penalties for
those who violate such regulations.
"Combating invasive species is costly and
time consuming. We need this law to strengthen our first line of defense. As
we’ve seen in the Adirondacks and across New York, once an invasive takes hold
eradicating it is almost always impossible,” added Senator Betty Little.
“This new comprehensive and proactive approach
to educate the public, as well as hold those who are negligent accountable,
will save taxpayers millions of dollars and protect the environment for future
generations. I am grateful for Governor Andrew Cuomo's support on this
important measure."
Assembly Member Bob Sweeney also praised the new legislation by stating, "The estimated economic impact of invasive species is $120 billion per year nationwide. New York has not been immune to the devastation. Invasive species threaten our food supply, place strains on local budgets and can harm humans. Globalization has helped to accelerate the spread of invasive species, with new bugs arriving from all over the world. The legislation I authored strengthens DEC’s powers to prevent and control invasive species. I am pleased Governor Cuomo has signed it into law."
The law takes effect in 180 days.
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