Take a moment to fill out this form and send a letter to your Representative and Senators to support the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act

Zebra and quagga mussels have cost the US more than other invasive species, an estimated $6 billion in prevention and control efforts since their arrival in 1988. Zebra and quagga mussels are moved great distances overland on recreational watercraft and introduced into new waters causing irreversible harm to the infrastructure, natural resources, recreation, and economy. Watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID), combined with monitoring, education and enforcement, are proven to stop the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species and protect limited water supplies for future generations. 

In the West, the use of federally owned, operated and managed multi-jurisdictional reservoirs are extremely important for water storage, supply and delivery for municipal, agricultural and industrial uses, including hydropower and drinking water. They also serve important functions as places for outdoor recreation and to conserve the aquatic ecosystems within. Zebra and quagga mussels, and other invasive species, are negatively impacting water users and costing millions of dollars in mitigation costs annually.

Federal agencies that manage recreation need the authority to conduct WID entering and exiting their reservoirs, according to ANS Task Force approved protocols. There should be a shared responsibility to conduct WID at multi-jurisdictional waters between states, federal agencies, and tribal nations. Also needed is a cost share program in the US Bureau of Reclamation to help fund WID at their reservoirs in partnership with states and local governments.

The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act (S.2015) is an important piece of legislation that will resolve existing gaps in federal legal authority and provide much needed funding to be used as cost-share to implement prevention, containment, monitoring, and rapid response that will protect water supply and storage infrastructure necessary for municipal, agricultural, and industrial uses. This legation will help to protect the biodiversity of our nation's natural resources and allow outdoor recreation to flourish.

As your constituent, I ask that you please work to prevent the spread of invasive zebra/quagga mussels and other AIS through recreational boats by co-sponsoring the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act (S.2015) in the Senate and ensuring that a companion bill is introduced into the House. Please work to advance and pass this bill to protect water infrastructure, aquatic resources and outdoor recreation.  

Thank you and I look forward to your response.

Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act