U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) joined senators from Oregon and New York to introduce the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, designating the spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

Spotted lanternflies (SLF) are an invasive species first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. They have since spread throughout the commonwealth, feeding on sap from important agricultural plants, including grapevines, maples, black walnut, birch, and willow. Damage from SLFs stresses plants, which can decrease their health, sometimes killing them. An economic impact study estimates that the species could cost the state $324 million annually and over 2,800 jobs if not contained. 

If you see a spotted lanternfly, report it online or call 1-888-4BADFLY. If possible, squash it! For more information on how to stop SLF and report sightings, visit the PA Department of Agriculture’s website.