Rep. Ellison Testifies On Bill To Stop Spread Of Asian Carp In Minnesota

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement after he testified in front of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs on Thursday morning on the Upper Mississippi Conservation and River Protection (CARP) Act of 2013 (H.R. 709), a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Army to take actions to manage the threat of Asian carp traveling up the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

"Invasive Asian carp pose an economic and environmental threat throughout the country. These non-native fish continue to spread north throughout the Mississippi and into its tributaries, and threaten the recreation that is such an essential part of our culture as Minnesotans. We currently invest every year to slow and prevent the spread of these carp into new waterways, and manage populations of these species where they have become established, but we need to do more.

"The Upper Mississippi CARP act would direct the Secretary of the Army to shut the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock and Dam in Minneapolis to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp into Northern Minnesota waters. This legislation is a zero-cost, proactive approach to invasive carp prevention and management efforts in Minnesota, simultaneously protecting a vital industry while saving government dollars that would go to carp management programs if these fish invade northern Minnesotan waters.

"Congress must address the issue of Asian carp on the national, regional, and local level. Closing the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is the most proactive, viable, and cost-efficient measure Congress can take to prevent the spread of invasive carp into northern Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. We must act immediately in order to protect lakes and rivers that are integral to recreation and small businesses throughout the state."

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