Schumer: Cost Of Fighting Invasive Plant Pests Straining Community Budgets; Funding For Pest Management Loan Program Would Help Defray Costs Of Containing Threat

Press Release

Schumer Amendment, Accepted Into Bill Today, Will Provide $2 Million For The Pest And Disease Management Revolving Loan Fund

Fund Provides Money To Help Localities Defray Burdensome Costs of Fighting Invasive Species Ravaging Trees Across NYS

Communities Lack Capital, Resources Needed to Quarantine, Treat and Remove Infested Trees

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that his amendment to provide $2 million in critical funding to fight invasive plant pests has been accepted as part of the Senate's Interior Appropriations bill, set to pass today. The money will be spent through the Pest and Disease Management Revolving Loan Fund to fight the spread of invasive plant pests threatening forests across Upstate New York and major portions of the United States. The Department of Agriculture has been working to eradicate plant pests but the costs associated with tree removal and replacement are high and place an unnecessary burden on municipalities. The Pest and Disease Revolving Loan Fund provides local governments with affordable financing options to fund the eradication. The amendment is cosponsored by Senator Dick Durban (D-IL) and the full bill will be voted on the floor later today and is expected to pass.

"Invasive species are a blight on our economy and our ecosystem," said Schumer. "Protecting our trees and forests from invasive species is critical to the continued vitality of the region and I will continue to fight for funds that help combat these destructive insects to keep Upstate New York's trees and forests healthy."

Insects like the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Longhorned Beetle threaten the health of forests and ash and maple trees every year, which in turn threatens the livelihood of communities that depend on the forests. Since 2002, the Emerald Ash Borer has devastated forests throughout the country and has the potential to decimate New York's ash tree population. More than 70 million ash trees in 13 Midwestern states and Pennsylvania, as well as many in southern Ontario in Canada have already been destroyed by this deadly pest.

The ecological and economic impacts of these invasives are a serious concern. Defoliation by these insects can result in plant stress and possible death. Companies that make products from ash and maple trees harvested in New York will be negatively impacted if the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle and other invasive species continue to spread throughout the state. According to the Empire State Forest Products Association, forest-based manufacturing employs over 49,000 people in New York, and generates payrolls of over $1.5 billion. Without drastic and immediate intervention, industries relying on New York for quality hardwood resources will suffer. In addition, invasives will kill trees and disturb the natural balance of New York's forests, which provide recreational opportunities to many and foster tourism.

The Pest and Disease Revolving Loan Fund would provide local governments with low interest financing to help defray the costs of invasive plant pest management activities. These loans would allow communities to purchase capital equipment and replacement trees in order o manage infestations.

The Pest and Disease Revolving Loan Fund:

· Appropriates funds for loans to local governments to finance purchases of equipment to monitor, remove, dispose of, and replace infested trees located in local government jurisdiction and within quarantine areas infested by plant pests.

· Permits funding through cooperative agreements with local governments related to eradication, prevention, control, or suppression of plant pests.

Senator Schumer has been an active participant in the fight to prevent the spread of EAB and other invasives in NY and around the country. In July, Schumer unveiled a comprehensive, three-point plan to fight the spread which included successfully lobbying USDA to releasing an additional $100,000 in emergency funds to fight EAB and supporting public awareness campaigns to educate the public on the threat of these invasive species.

Senator Schumer has also led the fight against other invasive species like the Gypsy Moth and Southern Pine Beetle. The gypsy moth is especially dangerous to forests in Upstate New York where they feed on and defoliate hemlocks. Each year since 1980, the gypsy moth has defoliated close to a million or more forested acres.

Today, to secure a financial lifeline for communities across New York State and the country, Schumer announced that his amendment that would allow $2 million in funding to be spent through the loan program to help local communities fund efforts to contain invasive threats was accepted into a bill that is set to pass the Senate later today.

Schumer added, "Protecting our trees and forests from these invasive species is critical to the continued economic and cultural vitality of our forests. This loan program will help our local communities control the spread by reducing the financial burden on their budgets."

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