Invasive Species

This executive order establishes a federal framework to prevent, control, and minimize the impacts of invasive species on the economy, environment, and human health. It creates an interagency Invasive Species Council co-chaired by the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce secretaries, mandates federal agencies to integrate invasive species prevention into their activities, and requires development of a national management plan with biennial updates.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 6183

Impact dates

Feb 2, 2004
First assessment of EO effectiveness due
Feb 2, 2002
Federal agencies must take action on recommended measures or explain infeasibility
Feb 2, 2001
Biennial Management Plan updates begin
Aug 3, 2000
First National Invasive Species Management Plan due

Key directives

Federal agencies must identify actions affecting invasive species status
Federal agencies must prevent introduction, detect/respond/control, monitor, restore native species, conduct research, and promote public education on invasive species
Federal agencies prohibited from funding actions likely to cause invasive species spread unless benefits clearly outweigh harms
Establish Invasive Species Council with 8 statutory members and 3 co-chairs
Establish Federal Advisory Committee Act advisory committee for stakeholder input
Council to develop NEPA guidance on invasive species prevention and control
Council to facilitate coordinated information-sharing system using Internet
First National Invasive Species Management Plan due within 18 months
Management Plan to be updated biennially with success evaluation
Federal agencies must act on recommended measures within 18 months or explain infeasibility
Council to assess EO effectiveness every 5 years
Revoke Executive Order 11987

Timeline

Immediate

Invasive Species Council established
Executive Director appointment process begins
Advisory committee establishment initiated

Near term (90d)

Advisory committee formation and member appointments
Initial Council organizational activities

Long term

National Invasive Species Management Plan due
Biennial plan updates begin
First 5-year assessment of EO effectiveness

Risks & tensions

"To the extent practicable and permitted by law" and "subject to availability of appropriations" language may weaken enforcement
State/Defense exemption for foreign policy/national security creates accountability gap
Judicial review waiver (Sec. 6a) limits private enforcement mechanisms
Coordination across 8+ federal agencies with competing priorities may impede effectiveness
Biennial update cycle may be too slow for rapidly spreading species