TRENTON – The Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced legislation sponsored by its Vice Chair, Senator Linda Greenstein, which would prohibit the sale, distribution, import, export, or other propagation of invasive plant species in the State.

Under the bill, a “prohibited invasive species” is defined as an invasive plant species whose introduction causes, or may cause, substantial economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, or substantially threatens, or may threaten, natural resources or the use of natural resources in the State.

The DEP would be required to create a central clearinghouse of information on its website, with information including lists of invasive species, lists of native species, information on how to identify species, manage such species, and best practices for control or eradication. The clearinghouse would also compile resources with links to information regarding other species management and regulation categories.

“Invasive plant species pose a real danger to New Jersey’s agricultural industry and the wider ecosystem,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “We are one of the only states that does not have a list of prohibited species, which has resulted in around 50 invasive plants becoming widespread across the State. These invasive plants have wreaked havoc on native species for decades, and we must take action to mitigate the threat before irreparable damage is done.”

The bill, S-1029, would also establish the Invasive Species Council, which would recommend additional species to include on the list adopted by the DEP, among other duties that include scientific research, identifying funding sources, and forming educational partnerships. The council would have 19 members. Six of those would be ex officio members, representing the Departments of Environmental Protection, Transportation, Health, and Agriculture, as well as the State Treasurer and the State Forester.

The rest of the council would be comprised of 13 members of the public appointed by the Governor, including two from environmental organizations involved in protecting native plants and animals, two from the food agriculture sector, two from the landscape industry, two from the nursery industry, two from higher education institutions with demonstrated subject knowledge, one from the county park system, one representing urban ecosystems, and one from the general public.

“Many invasive species have proven to be extremely aggressive, forcibly taking over the habitats of New Jersey’s native plants by competing for resources,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset). “On top of this, they often provide a home for invasive insects, such as the spotted lantern fly, which has allowed for the exponential growth of the pests throughout our State.”

The bill would allow the DEP to grant conditional use waivers for invasive plant species for specific applications under strict and closely controlled conditions. The DEP would adopt an application process for these waivers and would be required to seek concurrence from the NJDA when granting agricultural conditional use waivers. Waivers identified by the NJDA as related to agricultural or horticultural industry use would be prioritized.

The bill was advanced in a 4-0 vote.