Reps. LaJoy, Milosch, Acciavatti, Brandenburg, Ward, Stakoe, Garfield, DeRossett, Pastor, Stewart, Hune, Gaffney, Stahl, Caswell, Robertson, Spade, Pumford, Farhat, Casperson, Shaffer, Taub, Shackleton, Palsrok, Woronchak, Anderson, Drolet, Pappageorge, Vagnozzi, Ruth Johnson and Condino offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 36.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide assistance to help Michigan combat the infestation from the emerald ash borer.

            Whereas, In an amazingly short period of time, an important species of tree in Michigan faces a devastating infestation from an insect known as the emerald ash borer.  This beetle, which has also been found in Ontario and Ohio, is thought to have entered Michigan in 1997.  Already, this insect has killed 5 million trees in the six-county area of southeastern Michigan.  In response, the state has quarantined the six counties, where approximately 28 million ash trees are at risk; and

            Whereas, The potential impact of this invading species would be dramatic across our state.  In addition to what the loss of all ash trees would mean to the appearance of our homes, communities, and the entire state, this is an important and versatile lumber resource that may be lost without swift and certain actions.  As with any type of plant so widespread, the loss of Michigan's estimated one billion ash trees clearly could have unforeseen effects on our forest ecology; and

            Whereas, In an effort to save this species of trees, the Governor has asked the federal government for financial assistance.  In addition, state and community officials need technical help to develop a means of combating this problem, which clearly has the potential to cause great damage not only in Michigan, but across the country; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide assistance to help Michigan combat the infestation from the emerald ash borer; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.