Bill > S3221

Introduced Session

This bill would establish the "New Jersey Invasive Species Task Force" in the Department of Agriculture, comprised of nine members. The task force would be required to: (1) study the most efficient methods of controlling and limiting the spread of invasive species; (2) develop a plan to prevent new invasive species from entering the State and limit the continuing spread of invasive species that are already present; (3) develop a plan to restore threatened or fragile ecosystems to their natural condition; (4) repair damage caused by invasive species; (5) develop uniform policies and a coordinated response to the threat posed by invasive species to the State's native and agricultural vegetation, and ecological, cultural, historical, or infrastructure resources; (6) identify regulatory and statutory obstacles and inefficiencies at the federal, State, and local levels impeding the development or implementation of prevention, control, and restoration efforts; and (7) prepare a comprehensive invasive species management plan for the State that includes an estimate of the resources necessary for its implementation. The task force which would be comprised of five ex officio members or their designees, including the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Commissioner of Health, the State Forester, and the Executive Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University. The task force would also include four public members, all of whom would have extensive knowledge of invasive species, to be appointed as follows: (1) two public members to be appointed by the Governor; (2) one public member to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and (3) one public member to be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. This bill would designate the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, or their respective designees, as co-chairpersons of the New Jersey Invasive Species Task Force. The task force would be required to hold quarterly meetings throughout the State, and at least one public meeting would be required to take place on an annual basis in southern New Jersey, central New Jersey, and northern New Jersey. The task force would also be required to prepare and update every three years, a comprehensive list of all invasive species in the State, and prepare an annual report to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 05/13/2024)

Official Document