Tom Udall: “at the outset, let me congratulate my fellow New Mexican, Representative Steve Pearce, for his leadership on this issue.…”

“at the outset, let me congratulate my fellow New Mexican, Representative Steve Pearce, for his leadership on this issue. I am also proud to be a cosponsor of his legislation. H.R. 2720 creates a research program to control two invasive shrubs: the salt cedar and the Russian olive. Introduced in the 19th century, both the salt cedar and the Russian olive flourish in a variety of soil types and tolerate shade well. Unfortunately, these invasive plants have invaded many streams across the West, forcing out native cottonwoods. Because the salt cedar and Russian olive utilize more water than native plants, their presence along streams is disrupting to water flow and water availability. H.R. 2720 will create both research and pilot programs to study effective control and long-term management of these shrubs. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of H.R. 2720. I would also like to recognize my colleagues Representative Mark Udall, Representative John Salazar and Representative Stephanie Herseth, who are all cosponsors of this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, we support H.R. 2720. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”