Bill Filed in Pennsylvania Outlines a New Approach to Weed Eradication

Companion bills have been filed in Pennsylvania that would replace the current Noxious Weed Control Law with a new structure designed to modernize the state’s noxious weed law. If passed, HB 790 and SB 567 would prioritize invasive plant management based on the ability to effectively contain or even eradicate certain species.

Under the legislation, plants would be grouped into the following three categories:

1. Class A: Weeds that are currently geographically limited in the state and are intended to be eradicated if at all possible. Examples are kudzu, giant hogweed, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
2. Class B: Widely established weeds of which eradication is not feasible. Although they are still important, limited resources must be focused on the species that will maximize impact. Examples are Canada thistle and multiflora rose.
3. Class C: Weeds that are not currently known to exist in the state, but would pose a potential threat if introduced.

Both bills have been referred to the respective Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees.