Safeguarding the Nation From the Impacts of Invasive Species
Dec 8, 2016
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 5, 2016
Published on: Dec 8, 2016
Dec 8, 2016
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 5, 2016
Published on: Dec 8, 2016
Summary
Strengthens government teamwork to stop harmful non-native plants and animals from spreading and causing damage to health, the economy, and the environment.
What problem does this solve?
Harmful plants and animals from other places cause billions of dollars in damage each year and threaten public health, and the problem is getting worse. This order improves how the government works together to stop these species and protect the country.
What does this order do?
Updates and expands a previous executive order
Amends Executive Order 13112 from 1999 to strengthen federal efforts against invasive species and address new challenges like climate change.
Enlarges the National Invasive Species Council
Adds several new members to the council, including the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Transportation, and Homeland Security, to improve coordination.
Focuses on new priorities like climate change and health
Requires federal agencies to consider the impacts of climate change and public health when creating plans to manage invasive species.
Requires a new national management plan
Directs the National Invasive Species Council to create and publish a new management plan by the end of 2019 to guide federal actions.
Mandates a report on public health impacts
Orders the Department of Health and Human Services to prepare a report within one year on how invasive species affect public health, especially in low-income areas.
Promotes the use of new technology
Encourages federal agencies to use innovative science and technology, such as data analytics and remote sensing, to fight the spread of invasive species.
Clarifies duties for all federal agencies
Outlines specific responsibilities for federal agencies, such as preventing the introduction of invasive species, educating the public, and restoring damaged ecosystems.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government agencies
- Agricultural and environmental sectors
- State, local, and tribal governments
What is the real world impact?
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Modernizes the federal response to a growing threat
Updates a 1999 order to better coordinate how federal agencies fight invasive species, which cause billions of dollars in damage and are becoming a bigger problem due to factors like climate change.
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Increases government coordination and oversight
Expands the number of federal agencies on the National Invasive Species Council and adds new duties, which could lead to more effective action but also potentially increase government spending and complexity.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately on December 5, 2016, and sets several future deadlines for federal agencies.
National Management Plan Publication
The National Invasive Species Council must publish its new management plan by December 31, 2019.
Scientific Challenges Assessment
The Council must publish an assessment of scientific and technical challenges by 2020.
Public Health Report
The Department of Health and Human Services must provide a report on public health impacts within one year of the order (by December 5, 2017).
Council Charter Completion
The Co-Chairs of the Council must complete a charter for the council within one year of the order (by December 5, 2017).
Management Plan Updates
The Council must evaluate and update the National Management Plan every three years.