Invading plant and animal species are a source of catastrophic fires and other destructive acts, said Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso in introducing a bill Tuesday that he said will protect the nation from foreign pests.

“Invasive species clog pipes and they fuel catastrophic fire,” the Wyoming Republican said on the floor of the Senate. “In fact, invasive species have a role in 42 percent of the listings under the Endangered Species Act,” he said.