Reps. LaJoy, Milosch, Acciavatti, Brandenburg, Ward, Stakoe, Garfield, DeRossett, Pastor, Stewart, Hune, Gaffney, Stahl, Caswell, Robertson, Spade, Pumford, Farhat, Casperson, Shaffer, Taub, Shackleton, Palsrok, Woronchak, Anderson, Drolet, Pappageorge, Vagnozzi, Ruth Johnson and Condino offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 36.

            A resolution to memorialize the federal government to establish a quarantine for the emerald ash borer and provide assistance to help Michigan combat the infestation.

            Whereas, In an amazingly short period of time, an important species of tree in Michigan faces a devastating infestation from an insect known as the emerald ash borer.  This beetle, which has also been found in Ontario and Ohio, is thought to have entered Michigan in 1997.  Already, this insect has killed 5 million trees in the six-county area of southeastern Michigan.  In response, the state has quarantined the six counties, where approximately 28 million ash trees are at risk; and

            Whereas, The potential economic and ecosystem impact of this invading species would be dramatic across our state and potentially the entire country.  In addition to what the loss of all ash trees would mean to the appearance of our homes, communities, and the entire state, ash trees constitute an important and versatile lumber resource that may be lost without swift and certain actions.  As with any type of plant so widespread, the loss of Michigan's estimated one billion ash trees clearly could have unforeseen effects on our forest ecology; and

            Whereas, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a federal quarantine for the emerald ash borer.  Such action would provide uniform rules for slowing or containing the northern advance of the insect; guarantee sufficient protections for international commerce with Canada, which is also experiencing infestation; and allow for the compensation of a number of growers, distributors, retailers, and contractors within the quarantine area who have lost crops and sales without warning; and

Whereas, In an effort to save this species of tree, Michigan has asked Congress to provide financial assistance to state and municipal officials.  In addition, these officials need technical assistance to develop a sound strategy of combating this destructive vermin, which clearly has the potential to cause great damage not only in Michigan, but across the country; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to establish a quarantine for the emerald ash borer and provide assistance to help Michigan combat the infestation; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.