A New York senator is throwing her weight behind a bipartisan effort to classify the spotted lanternfly as an invasive species, a move that could have significant implications for the state's agriculture and economy. The spotted lanternfly, native to Asia, has been wreaking havoc on New York's forests and crops since its discovery in 2016, with the insect's voracious appetite for sap and other plant fluids causing widespread damage to trees and other vegetation. If designated as an invasive species, the lanternfly could be subject to stricter regulations and control measures, including quarantines, pesticide use, and public education campaigns. The push for designation comes as the insect continues to spread across the state, with New York's Department of Environmental Conservation estimating that the lanternfly has already caused over $100 million in damages.
New York senator joins bipartisan push to designate spotted lanternfly an invasive species Yahoo
