Joseph D. Morelle
25
th
District, New York
Washington Office
1317 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3615
Rochester Office
3120 Federal Building
100 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614
(585) 232-4850
Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
C
ommittee on
R
ules
C
ommittee on
B
udget
C
ommittee on
E
ducation and
L
abor
December 2, 2020
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
The Honorable Kevin Shea
Administrator
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Secretary Perdue and Administrator Shea,
I am writing you today to express concern over recently reported sightings of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in four counties across New York State. After the first confirmed infestation in New York was found in August of this year, this invasive species has since spread as far as the southern shores of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region. I am deeply concerned by the rate at which this invasive population is spreading across the state, as well as the catastrophic impact it will have on New York agriculture if not contained. The SLF has the potential to wreak havoc on agricultural producers throughout the United States. It is particularly damaging to grapevines and apple trees, which both play an enormous role in New York’s agricultural economy. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates that the state produces about 30 million bushels of apples each year and that the annual harvest of grapes in New York is valued at $52.8 million. Given these extraordinary numbers, the establishment of this invasive species in New York will clearly have a devasting economic impact on the Finger Lakes region and throughout upstate New York.
I applaud previous efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to contain the spread of SLF, as evidenced by the Department’s commitment to provide $17.5 million in emergency funding to contain the spread of SLF in Pennsylvania in 2018. As this invasive species has continued to spread into New York, however, I am deeply concerned that these efforts have been insufficient. I am even more concerned by the Administration’s proposal last year to cut funding from the National Invasive Species Council, which is responsible for coordinating the efforts of federal agencies to combat the spread of invasive species. Cutting funding from this important federal entity calls into question the seriousness of USDA’s commitment towards addressing the complex problem of invasive species, which requires input and cooperation from numerous stakeholders both inside and outside the federal government.
I urge you to redouble your efforts towards containing and eliminating the SLF by coordinating with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets and providing emergency funding for early detection and rapid response. The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets has already begun to issue emergency regulations, and farmers throughout the state are playing their role by reporting SLF egg masses, but assistance from the federal government is critical towards effectively addressing the problem.
Please provide a response on the current planned federal efforts to contain the spread of this invasive species, including how you intend to coordinate with state and local governments. Through immediate and substantial action, we can protect the livelihood of so many farmers and winemakers throughout New York State and the country. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Joseph D. Morelle
Member of Congress