A bipartisan Senate proposal could bring federal support to Pennsylvania's effort to contain the destructive spotted lanternfly. Lawmakers have introduced legislation intended to speed research on the invasive insect, which has already exacted a toll on farms, trees, and local economies.
What's happening?
According to USA Today, U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania, alongside Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, introduced the proposal called the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act.
The measure would make spotted lanternfly research one of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's top priorities if it becomes law.
The legislation comes as the pest continues to spread across Pennsylvania. USA Today reported the insect was first identified in Berks County in 2014 and has since expanded into 51 of the state's 67 counties.
Allegheny County recorded the state's highest number of reported spotted lanternfly sightings in 2025, with 211 of 765 reports statewide. Statewide reports peaked at 38,947 in 2023, though sightings have declined since then.
Why does it matter?
Spotted lanternflies feed on plant sap and target a wide range of crops and trees with economic value, including grapevines, apples, peaches, hops, maple, black walnut, birch, and willow, USA Today reported.
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They pose a direct threat to farmers, food production, and jobs tied to agriculture and forestry. According to USA Today, Penn State economists estimate that if the infestation isn't brought under control, it could cost Pennsylvania's economy at least $324 million every year.
The bugs also leave behind a sugary residue that can lead to sooty mold growth, creating even more stress for plants that are already damaged.
What can I do?
The bill is intended to direct more federal attention and research toward controlling the pest before it causes broader damage.
USA Today reported that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says anyone who spots a lanternfly should report it through the agency's online portal or by calling 1-888-4BADFLY. The department also advises people to kill the insects to prevent them from reproducing.
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Adult spotted lanternflies are roughly 1 1/2 inches wide at rest, with spotted gray forewings and hindwings marked with red, black, and white. Nymphs are black with white spots in earlier stages and develop red patches as they mature.
"Spotted lanternflies have ravaged crops that are critical to Pennsylvania's economy including grapevines, apples, peaches, hops and more," Fetterman said, per USA Today.
"By investing in research to combat spotted lanternflies, this bill will help protect our farms, strengthen our agricultural economy and better control this invasive species," McCormick added.
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