This week the legislature’s Regulations Review Committee approved departmental regulations on a motion by Rep. Arthur O’Neill for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station that are designed to lessen the impact of pests such as the Asian Longhorn Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer which present dangers to economically important plants.
Both pests are relatively new to the United States and cause economic harm and environmental deterioration.
The purpose of the measure is to suppress, control or eradicate infestations of Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer in regulated areas by prohibiting or restricting the movement of these insect pests and infested nursery stock, cut logs, firewood or other regulated articles.
These two pests destroy a wide range of hardwood tree species and can produce a heavy economic and ecological impact.
“There is a significant potential for harm by these invasive pest species,” said Rep. Arthur O’Neill (R-Southbury), member of the Regulations Review Committee. “They place in jeopardy wood used in the nursery trade, building material production, and furniture construction just to name a few. There is also a threat of significant impact to our state parks and forest land which could jeopardize the quality of life in this state and its scenic quality. These regulations will improve our ability in Connecticut to prevent a large-scale infestation from taking place which could cause significant harm.”
