Shenango Valley News

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On June 6, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced they have introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to our nation’s agricultural economy.

Senators Fetterman (D-PA), Casey (D-PA), Gillibrand (D-NY), and Vance (R-OH) are introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

“Agriculture plays a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economy, especially in my district which is home to many family farms and agricultural businesses,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA). “In Pennsylvania alone, the Spotted Lanternfly could cost hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage and eliminate thousands of agricultural jobs. We must protect our farmers and harvesters from this invasive and dangerous threat.”

“The Finger Lakes region is famous for our production of apples and wine grapes, which fuel both our economy and tourism sectors. But these crops—and the livelihoods of farmers who produce them—are being threatened by the invasive Spotted Lanternfly," said Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY). “Without action, these insects will devastate our region’s agricultural economy. I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to invest in critical mitigation efforts and stop this destruction before it is too late.”

“The ongoing devastation caused by the Spotted Lanternfly infestation in Western New York and the Southern Tier, particularly to our grape crops, cannot be ignored,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY). “Year after year, our region's crops suffer severe losses, while the threat posed by this destructive pest only intensifies. The very way of life for our hardworking farmers is at stake. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan solution to safeguard our crops, protect our local farmers' livelihoods, and preserve the future of our agricultural communities.”

“Pennsylvania has been ravaged by Spotted Lanternflies since they arrived in the United States in 2014. Nearly 10 years later, we are still struggling with how to effectively combat them. They are detrimental to our agriculture producers — especially to brewers and winemakers, many of which call Berks and Chester Counties home,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). “In order to combat the spotted lanternfly and its negative effects on our agricultural economy, we need more research dedicated to how to mitigate this pest problem. The bipartisan Spotted Lanternfly Research andDevelopment Act does this by designating spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, targeting more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects.”

BACKGROUND

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the Spotted Lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants availablefor research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species to find creative solutions to stop the spread before New York and Pennsylvania’s cash crops are further decimated.

Spotted Lanternflies, which are native to Asia and were first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, have decimated crops in The Keystone State. A recent economic impact study estimated the insect could cost the state $324 million annually and more than 2,800 jobs. Now, a growing number of states, including New York, have experienced significant infestations—putting our local farmers, winemakers, and brewers at serious risk.

In 2022, Reps. Kelly and Morelle led this letter calling on the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) to address the alarming spread of the Spotted Lanternfly in our region.

How you can help stop the spread:

• Learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly.

• Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.

• If you visit other states with Spotted Lanternfly, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.

• Report sightings by completing this form.

• If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it

Original source can be found here.