New York lawmakers are backing bipartisan legislation that would make spotted lanternfly research a higher federal priority. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has co-sponsored the bipartisan Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act alongside Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and Ron Wyden (O-Ore). New York Lawmakers Introduce Bill To Stop Spread Of Spotted LanternfliesDEC DECThe legislation addresses the destructive spread of the invasive pest. Asian Destructive Invasive Pest Spotted All Over New York, Hudson Valley A "destructive invasive pest" from Asia has been spotted in the Hudson Valley and across New York State. Spotted Lanternfly Devastates High-Value CropsThe spotted lanternfly secretes a sticky "honeydew" substance that promotes mold growth, blocks photosynthesis, and devastates high-value crops.