    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [February 3, 1999]
    [Page 158]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Action Against Invasive Species
    February 3, 1999

        Today I am signing an Executive order directing Federal agencies to
    expand and coordinate their efforts to combat a serious environmental
    threat: the introduction and spread of plants and animals not native to
    the United States.
        Many Americans are all too familiar with gypsy moths and other non-
    native insects that devour our gardens and trees. Few realize, however,
    that countless other non-native plants and animals are upsetting
    nature's balance, squeezing out native species, causing severe economic
    damage, and transforming our landscape. Those affected range from
    western ranchers plagued by a weed called leafy spurge to Chicago
    homeowners whose stately maple trees have fallen prey to the Asian long-
    horned beetle. Some experts estimate the cost to the American economy to
    be as high as $123 billion a year.
        The Executive order mobilizes the Federal Government to defend
    against these aggressive predators and pests. Led by the Departments of
    the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce, Federal agencies will work
    together to prevent the introduction of non-native species and control
    those already here. My fiscal year 2000 budget proposes an additional
    $29 million to support these efforts, and I urge Congress to join us in
    protecting our economy and our natural heritage against the threat of
    non-native species.

    Note: The Executive order is listed in Appendix D at the end of this
    volume.