H.R.487 - Hawaii Invasive Species Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 487, the Hawaii Invasive Species Protection Act, aims to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. It mandates preclearance quarantine inspections for all movement to and from Hawaii, whether domestic or international, to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in collaboration with other federal and state entities, to conduct these inspections and develop a list of items subject to inspection, to be published in the Federal Register.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase the cost and logistical complexity of travel and shipping to and from Hawaii. It will also create new inspection protocols at departure points and postal facilities. The goal is to protect Hawaii's unique ecosystem and agricultural sector from the harmful effects of invasive species.
Potential Benefits
- Protection of Hawaii's Ecosystem: Prevents the introduction of invasive species that can harm native flora and fauna.
- Agricultural Protection: Safeguards Hawaii's agricultural industry from pests and diseases.
- Economic Benefits: Protects tourism and agriculture, key sectors of Hawaii's economy, from potential damage caused by invasive species.
- Enhanced Biosecurity: Strengthens overall biosecurity measures for the state of Hawaii.
- Federal and State Cooperation: Encourages collaboration between federal and state agencies in addressing invasive species issues.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: The implementation of preclearance inspections and associated fees may increase the cost of travel and shipping to and from Hawaii.
- Travel Delays: Inspections may cause delays for travelers and shipments.
- Administrative Burden: The Act creates new administrative requirements for federal and state agencies.
- Potential for Overreach: There is a risk that the scope of inspections could be overly broad or intrusive.
- Impact on Commerce: Increased costs and delays could negatively impact businesses that rely on trade with Hawaii.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. By regulating the movement of goods and people to and from Hawaii, the bill seeks to prevent the spread of invasive species that could harm the environment and economy, thus affecting interstate and international commerce. The Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) could also be invoked to justify the specific measures outlined in the bill as necessary for carrying out the Commerce Clause power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).