A bipartisan effort in Congress aims to slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect threatening Pennsylvania’s agriculture and economy.
The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, would designate the insect as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This designation would make federal grants available for projects focused on controlling and mitigating the pest.
The bill is backed by U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA), along with lawmakers from New York, where the lanternfly population has also grown. Supporters warn that without swift intervention, the lanternfly could cause hundreds of millions of dollars in agricultural damage and threaten thousands of farming-related jobs across Pennsylvania.
Since first being detected in the state in 2014, the lanternfly has spread rapidly, feeding on grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods while leaving behind sticky residue that can attract mold and harm surrounding vegetation. Its destructive impact has put vineyards, orchards, and nursery operations at particular risk.
Officials urge residents to be vigilant. Anyone who spots the insect is encouraged to kill it immediately and report sightings to local agricultural authorities. Egg masses — often found on vehicles, outdoor equipment, or firewood — should be scraped off and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Pennsylvania has already implemented quarantine zones in heavily infested counties, but experts say a coordinated national approach is needed to reduce the insect’s impact. The proposed federal legislation would fund research into better detection, treatment, and long-term management strategies.
With agriculture representing a vital sector of Pennsylvania’s economy, lawmakers hope the measure will move quickly through Congress and provide additional resources to protect farms, jobs, and communities from one of the state’s most damaging invasive species.
Source: PA Business Report