Rep. Houlahan gets an up close look at Penn State Berks' spotted lanternfly research during her recent visit to the campus. Photo: PSU Berks

READING – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced a bipartisan effort to encourage the United States Department of Agriculture to support research into preventing the spread of and eventually eradicating the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive and destructive insect species that has wreaked havoc on the agricultural industry in PA and beyond. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture indicates the potential damage and lost revenue due to these invasive pests could amount to $18 billion per year statewide.

“I have heard from farmers, homeowners, and agricultural leaders in our community about the destruction caused by the Spotted Lanternfly,” said Houlahan. “We have a thriving agricultural industry in Berks and Chester counties that is being threatened by this invasive species. That’s why I’ve launched a bipartisan effort to urge Secretary Perdue to maintain funding for grants that support critical research happening at places like Penn State Berks Campus and others to effectively combat and eventually eradicate the Spotted Lanternfly. I am committed to fighting for our community’s farmers and the crucial role they play in our local economy.”

“The Spotted Lanternfly continues to be an urgent threat to Pennsylvania landowners and our number one industry, agriculture,” said Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. “With all of the proactive work occurring to suppress this invasive in recent years, USDA has been a great partner with the Commonwealth. Additional support from the Department and further coordination will help enable more research needed to contain this devastating insect.”