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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 20, 2024 09:02 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Strengthening protection of Pennsylvania’s pollinators and plants |
| Since 1921, Pennsylvania’s Bee Law has protected bees from a dangerously contagious bacterial disease called Foulbrood. Similarly, the Plant Pest Law, enacted in 1937, serves to protect plant nurseries and other retail plan sources from harmful pests. Unfortunately, these laws have not been updated in 30 years. In that time, there have been significant changes in industry practices and the cost of doing business, including our understanding of plant and pollinator health, and of the Department of Agriculture’s enforcement authority. The Plant and Pollinator Protection Act will establish a risk-based system which will allow the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to prioritize inspections based on the risk of spreading diseases and pest that can harm our plants and pollinators. This new program will implement an early detection system that will prevent the spread of pests that harm our environment and our pollinators. Additionally, this legislation will increase the fees that fund inspections carried out by the Department of Agriculture. These inspections allow the state to protect consumers and respond rapidly to threats to our plants and pollinators. This bill has major implications, not only for the health and wellness of ourselves and our plants, but for our nursery and landscaping industries, which here in Pennsylvania, generate $4.1 billion and funds 63,000 jobs annually. Please join me in co-sponsoring the Plant and Pollinator Protection Act as we celebrate National Pollinator Week across Pennsylvania! |