Spanberger Signs Landmark Bills to Combat Invasive Plants in Virginia

Virginia has taken a major step in addressing the spread of invasive plant species, as Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed four new bills the week of April 6, aimed at strengthening prevention and management efforts across the Commonwealth.

The legislation targets what environmental advocates describe as a growing threat to Virginia’s farms, forests, waterways and public lands. Invasive plants have been linked to declining biodiversity, damage to wildlife habitats and disruptions to ecosystems statewide.

The new laws introduce several measures designed to close gaps in how invasive species are handled. One bill prohibits the planting of invasive species along state highways, while another allows regulators to add plants to the state’s Noxious Weeds List based on scientific evidence.

Additional legislation gives local governments authority to raise funds for invasive plant control and enables state agencies to use volunteers to assist with removal efforts on public lands.

The bills were introduced with bipartisan support in the General Assembly. Delegates Amy Laufer, Holly Seibold and Katrina Callsen sponsored measures in the House, while Senators Saddam Salim and Ryan McDougle introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Environmental groups, including the Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition, backed the legislation as part of broader efforts to restore ecosystems and limit further spread of harmful species. Blue Ridge PRISM, a nonprofit focused on invasive plant education and management, helped develop several of the bills.

Lauren Taylor, executive director of Blue Ridge PRISM, said the new laws reflect increasing awareness of the scale of the issue and the need for coordinated action at both the state and local levels.

“Invasive plants are one of the most urgent and under-recognized threats to Virginia’s natural resources,” Taylor said. “These bills provide communities and agencies with more effective tools to respond.”

Supporters say the legislation marks a milestone for conservation policy in Virginia. Rowena Zimmermann, director of the Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition, called the package “a watershed moment,” noting it is the first time such a comprehensive set of invasive plant laws has been enacted in the state.

Advocates also credited support from conservation organizations, including the Virginia Conservation Network and Environment Virginia, for helping advance the measures.

Officials and environmental groups say the laws lay the foundation for long-term strategies to prevent the spread of invasive species and restore damaged landscapes, with the goal of protecting Virginia’s natural resources for future generations.