A bill backed by Rep. Elise Stefanik is meant to fund efforts to combat invasive species in New York and around the country. 

The measure, re-introduced this week, has support from Democratic Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii. 

Under the proposal, the U.S. Postal Service would issue a stamp with net proceeds from their sale sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior in order to fund invasive species programs. 

“Invasive species are a threat to our ecosystems nationwide and the stamp out invasive species act will provide much needed funding for federal agencies to address this ongoing problem,” said Dr. Timothy Mihuc, a professor of environmental science at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Invasive species have been key concerns for the ecosystems in areas like upstate New York and the Adirondack Park, where communities have sought to address the spread of harmful species  in lakes, rivers and trailways. 

“Upstate New York and the North Country are home to the largest and most diverse ecosystem in New York State, including the Adirondacks, multiple lakes and rivers, and thousands of miles of trails, and I am committed to preserving it for our future generations,” Stefanik said. “I am proud to lead this effort in Congress to help raise awareness about the threat these invasive species pose to our natural ecosystems and fund research that will help combat these predators.”