BILL NUMBER: S7933

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
authorizing the department of environmental conservation to independent-
ly add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species on an
emergency basis

 
PURPOSE:

Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to independently
add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species on an
emergency basis

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section 9-1709 of the environmental conservation law by
adding a new subdivision 3 to provide the department authority to inde-
pendently add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species
on an emergency basis pending review by the department of agriculture
              

and markets in consultation with the council.

Section 2 states the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Invasive species encompass non-native insects or animals capable of
inflicting damage upon the environment, economy, or human well-being.
They originate from diverse global origins, stemming from heightened
international trade.

These intruders pose a pervasive risk to various dimensions of our plan-
et, and to the rich biodiversity of New York State. Invasive species can
rapidly disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, and upset deli-
cate ecological balances. Additionally, they engender diseases in both
humans and livestock, while concurrently imposing risks upon public
safety.

The ability to update the list of invasive species promptly allows the
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to address emerging
threats and prevent irreversible ecological damage. Timely updates to
the invasive species list will enable DEC to identify and categorize new
invasive species quickly. This helps in implementing effective control
measures before these species become widespread and harder to manage.
This policy comes at recommendation from the Climate Scoping Plan.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.