Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 126
CHAPTER 99
Relative to protection of California agriculture from invasive species.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
June 28, 2002.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 126, Richman.
Invasive species.
This measure would request funding from the United States Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture for various purposes related to the protection of California agriculture from invasive plant and animal-destroying insects, diseases, and micro-organisms.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, California’s agriculture, natural resources, and wildlife are constantly under attack from new plant and animal-destroying insects, diseases, and micro-organisms; and
WHEREAS, There is a lack of protection provided due in part to an inadequate number of inspectors; and
WHEREAS, Increased coordination between the California Department of Food and Agriculture and postal and package delivery services will aid in the inspection process of suspect items; and
WHEREAS, Invasive species-harmful nonnative plants, animals, and microorganisms are found throughout California and the United States causing billions of dollars annually in damage to crop, range lands, and waterways; and
WHEREAS, In California three entities are responsible for the protection of California agriculture: The United States Department of Agriculture, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and county agricultural Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, Approximately $20,000,000 is spent each year to protect the State of California, yet a new invasive species is found in California every 60 days; and
WHEREAS, Invasive species must be eradicated at a cost of millions of dollars; now, therefore be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate concurring, That funding is requested from the United States Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture for the following purposes:
(a) To provide full funding for the California High Risk Pest Exclusion Program.
(b) To fund the 24-hour-per-day operation of California’s agricultural inspection stations, with the exception of those stations that must close during winter months due to highway closures.
(c) To fund and fill all vacant positions at ports of entry.
(d) To encourage the United States Department of Agriculture to disallow the import of fruits and vegetables into the United States without proper review of relevant scientific research.
(e) For research and development of plans to prevent, detect, and eradicate invasive species; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.