Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik reintroduced the Stamp Out Invasive Species Act to help combat and raise awareness about the threat invasive species pose to Upstate New York and North Country ecosystems.
Specifically, this bill would direct the United States Postal Service to issue a “Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp.” Net proceeds from the sale of this stamp would be directed to the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior for programs that combat invasive species.
“Upstate New York and the North Country are home to the largest and most diverse ecosystem in New York State, including the Adirondacks, multiple lakes and rivers, and thousands of miles of trails, and I am committed to preserving it for our future generations,” Stefanik said. “I am proud to lead this effort in Congress to help raise awareness about the threat these invasive species pose to our natural ecosystems and fund research that will help combat these predators.”
“Invasive species are a threat to our ecosystems nationwide and the stamp out invasive species act will provide much needed funding for federal agencies to address this ongoing problem,” said Dr. Timothy Mihuc, Professor of Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh.
An estimated 50,000 non-native invasive animal and plant species have been introduced to the United States, costing up to $100 billion annually. Additionally, every state and U.S. territory has at least some form of invasive plant or animal tremendously impacting the natural biodiversity of our homes.
Last Congress, Stefanik’s bill advanced out of the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously.
Stefanik was joined by Congressman Ed Case (D-HI) in introducing this legislation. Read full bill text here.
