A bipartisan effort in the Virginia legislature has produced a bill that, if signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, will require retail establishments to display signage identifying invasive plant species offered for outdoor sale.
The measure, designed to educate consumers and curb the spread of harmful plants, is slated to take effect in 2027.
The proposed law states, “No retail establishment shall sell … for outdoor use a plant that is an invasive plant species unless such retail establishment posts … signage identifying such plant as invasive”. This initiative targets 39 specific invasive plant species identified as particularly problematic within the state.
This marks the second attempt to pass such legislation, with a previous version vetoed by Gov. Youngkin due to a provision that would have imposed a $500 fine on businesses. The current bill eliminates the fine, addressing the Governor’s previous concerns.
Instead, the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would issue a stop-sale order on unlabeled plants, which would be lifted as soon as signage was placed.
Christopher Leyen, representing Blue Ridge Prism, a nonprofit dedicated to invasive plant education, argues that the law is a cost-effective solution, stating, “What takes you pennies to implement saves thousands, hundreds of thousands of dollars”. The Virginia Invasive Species Working Group estimates that invasive species contribute to over $1 billion in damages annually within the state, and $120 billion nationwide.
Del. Holly Seibold, D-Fairfax, introduced House Bill 1941 and Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, introduced Senate Bill 1166. According to Seibold, consumers are often unaware of the harm that these readily available plants can cause when introduced to local environments. Seibold noted that invasive plants degrade Virginia’s ecosystems and can also harm infrastructure by clogging waterways and impeding power line access.
While signage alone won’t eradicate the problem, proponents believe it’s a crucial step in raising awareness and encouraging responsible consumer choices. Further efforts to promote native plants and educate the public could significantly enhance the law’s impact.
The Governor has until March 24 to approve, amend, or veto the legislation.
About Blue Ridge Prism
Blue Ridge Prism is a nonprofit organization dedicated to invasive plant education, training, and advocacy. They work to raise awareness about the impact of invasive species on the environment and promote strategies for their control and management.
About Virginia Invasive Species Working Group
The Virginia Invasive Species Working Group aims to reduce or eliminate the sale and use of invasive plants in the Commonwealth and to promote the sale and use of native plants.
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