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Proposed invasive‑plant ban draws broad support; sponsors say DEM can adopt an existing list
Summary
H 7,071 would ban the sale, importation and distribution of specified non‑native invasive terrestrial plants and direct DEM to adopt and enforce a prohibited‑plant list; conservation groups, land trusts, nurseries and master gardeners testified in strong support, citing ecological and management costs.
Representative Boylan told the committee that Rhode Island remains one of the few states without a prohibited terrestrial plant-sale list and introduced H 7,071 to direct the Department of Environmental Management to develop and maintain such a list — drawing on the Rhode Island Invasive Species Council's 2020 list as a starting point.
Witnesses from Save the Bay, Audubon, the Rhode Island Land Trust Council, certified invasive-plant managers and Master Gardeners described the ecological and economic costs of invasive plants, including impacts on biodiversity, water resources, stormwater management and long-term land stewardship. Matt Bradywood (Audubon) said prevention is the most cost-effective strategy and noted neighboring states already restrict sales of terrestrial invasive species.
Speakers described enforcement options that would minimize administrative burden on DEM, including educating nurseries, adding a checkbox on nursery licensing forms and phased phase‑out periods for retailers. Committee members sought examples from Massachusetts and other states on how lists are enforced and suggested public education and spot inspections to improve compliance.
The hearing ended with broad support on the record and questions about enforcement resources and timelines.
