Resolution on Invasive Noxious Weeds Exposed

The Resolution on Invasive Noxious Weeds was adopted by ALEC's Natural Resources Task Force at the Spring Task Force Summit on May 1, 2004, approved by the full ALEC Board of Directors on May 31, 2004. According to ALEC.org, the Resolution was re-approved by the Board of Directors on January 28, 2013. (Accessed on 7/30/2015).

ALEC Bill Text

WHEREAS, invasive species are organisms that are living in areas outside their native environment and whose introduction causes or threatens to cause economic, environmental, or medical harm.

WHEREAS, there are several thousand foreign plant and animal species in the United States of which hundreds have become invasive, causing an economic loss, according to Cornell University, of more than $138 billion each year.

WHEREAS, invasive species negatively impact nearly half the species listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Federal Endangered Species Act.

WHEREAS, maintaining a reliable, abundant, and safe food supply is of paramount importance to the security of the United States and that more than 500 invasive weed species have become pests by reducing crop yields and meat production.

WHEREAS, as a result of the significant threat by invasive species to the United States of America, Executive Order 13313 of February 3, 1999 was issued by the President of the United States establishing the National Invasive Species Council comprised of 10 Departments and Agencies calling for the prevention of the introduction of invasive species and providing for their control to minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts.

WHEREAS, there is immediate need for new tools to control noxious weeds, as exemplified by the pervasive problem as there are more than 80 invasive weed eradication programs in 39 states.

WHEREAS, the number of available tools for noxious weed control is limited, with most of the herbicide options having been registered over two decades ago and that the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture recently revised its policies and bylaws to encourage the federal government’s assistance in gaining new options.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: To ensure the availability of environmentally sound tools to control invasive noxious weeds, the American Legislative Exchange Council calls upon the U.S. EPA to expedite the regulatory approval of effective, residual noxious weed control herbicides.

References:

http://www.invasivespecies.gov

http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/Jan99/species_costs.html

Adopted by the Natural Resources Task Force at the Spring Task Force Summit, May 1, 2004.

Approved by the full ALEC Board of Directors May, 2004.