BILL: Should We Invest in Preventing Invasive Species? - Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act - H.R.3174

The Bill

H.R.3174 - Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act

Bill Details

• Sponsored by Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) on May 10, 2023
• Committees: House - Agriculture 
• Latest action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology on June 1, 2023
• House: Not yet voted
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet signed

Bill Overview

• The bill is a companion to the Senate legislation introduced by Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
• Expands access to the U.S. Department of Agriculture emergency funding to combat the threat of non-native species to American forests. 
• Mandates a study to overcome the lack of centralization and prioritization of non-native insect and pathogen research and response within the federal government. The legislation would develop national strategies for saving tree species.

What's in the Bill? 

Expands the USDA’s access to emergency funding to combat invasive species

• Invasive species threaten the stability of American ecosystems, and the bill would earmark funds to keep forests healthy.

Establishes a grant program

• The grant program would support institutions focused on researching the restoration of native tree species that have been severely damaged by invasive pests.

Supports research

• Authorizes funding to implement promising research findings on the protection of native tree species.
• The research will focus on noxious plants, invasive weeds, pests, and bolstering resistance in native species.

What Sponsors are Saying

• Rep. Balint said:

“I, like so many Vermonters, am concerned about the future of our natural resources and ecosystems. To protect our forests and the health of native species, it’s clear we need to take federal action. I’m proud to partner with Senator Welch to preserve our environment in the face of invasive species."

• Sen. Welch said:

“This initiative will fund efforts to revitalize damaged forests and more swiftly stem future infestations of invasive pests in Vermont and across the country.”

Should we invest in preventing invasive species?

-Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Canva)