[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 5 (Monday, February 8, 1999)]
[Page 185]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.