Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, along with Representative Ed Case, has reintroduced the bipartisan Stamp Out Invasive Species Act aimed at addressing and raising awareness about invasive species in Upstate New York and North Country ecosystems. Stefanik expressed her dedication to preserving these diverse ecosystems, which include the Adirondacks, lakes, rivers, and numerous trails, for future generations.
“Upstate New York and the North Country are home to some of the largest and most diverse ecosystems in New York State, including the Adirondacks, multiple lakes and rivers, and thousands of miles of trails, and I am committed to preserving them for future generations,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “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.”
Dr. Timothy Mihuc, a Professor of Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh, highlighted the significance of the legislation. “The Stamp out Invasive Species Act will provide much needed funding to combat invasive species which threaten the integrity of our lands and waters,” he stated. “Many invasive species can have an unforeseen economic impact on our forests and waterways.”
The proposed bill requires the United States Postal Service to issue a “Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp.” The net proceeds from this stamp’s sale would go to the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to fund programs combating invasive species.
In the United States, approximately 50,000 non-native invasive species have been introduced, causing an economic burden of up to $100 billion annually. Invasive species affect every state and U.S. territory, impacting the natural biodiversity by introducing foreign animals and plants.
Stefanik first introduced this bill in 2022 and brought it forward again in the last Congress.
