Senators Fetterman and McCormick Introduce Bill to Combat Spotted Lanternflies in Pennsylvania
Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at combating the spread of spotted lanternflies in Pennsylvania. The invasive species, first discovered in the state in 2014, has caused significant damage to crops such as grapevines, apples, and peaches, posing a threat to the state's agricultural economy. The proposed legislation, known as the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, seeks to fund research and develop treatments to control the pest. According to Senator Fetterman, the lanternflies have already cost Pennsylvania millions of dollars and thousands of jobs, with potential future losses estimated at $324 million if not contained.