The Non-Native Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act



On June 19, 2008, H.R. 6311 - Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act - was introduced to the House of Representatives Committee of Natural Resourses.



The subtitle of the bill is:



To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or human or animal species' health, and for other purposes.



A copy of the text of H.R> 6311 as it was introduced is available upon request.



On Thursday June 26, 2008 At 10:30:00 AM, the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, led by Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU), held a legislative hearing on H.R. 6311 (Bordallo) (The Non-Native Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act).



Opening Statement



Statement of Chairwoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo

Legislative Hearing on H.R. 6311, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act

Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans

Thursday, June 26, 2008



The Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans meets this morning to hear testimony regarding my bill, H.R. 6311, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act.



Invasive, non-native species cause harm to the economy, human health, and the health of other animal species. The damages from these species are estimated to be $123 billion annually. Some of these species are introduced unintentionally, as is the case with Guam’s brown tree snake, a significant problem in my territory. However, intentional introduction is one of the primary pathways by which invasive species become established.



Currently, there is no law that requires species to be evaluated for risk before import. The Lacey Act allows species to be placed on an “injurious list”, but this can occur only after they have caused serious and widespread harm to the economy, environment, and to human and animal species’ health.



On average, however, it takes the Fish and Wildlife Service four years to list a species as injurious. In the meantime, the impacts caused by a particular species are often irreversible, thereby increasing taxpayers’ costs to mitigate what can be irremediable environmental damage.



My bill, H.R. 6311, would require species to be evaluated for these risks before importation. Using this approach, H.R. 6311 proposes a “white list” of species approved for import. This places the burden of proof on the importer to demonstrate that the species will not cause harm to the environment or to society.

I am pleased to have three Subcommittee Members, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Abercrombie, and Mr. Kind, as original co-sponsors of this legislation and I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today about the need for this legislation to prevent the import of invasive, non-native wildlife species.
Link

[ Show Entire Thread ]