Bennet, Daines Introduce Bill to Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species Across the West

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, legislation to slow the movement of aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, into Colorado, Montana, and other Western States.

"With the American West's water supply already strained, we have to do everything we can to protect the water resources that are vital to our communities, local economies, and outdoor recreation," said Bennet. "Our bipartisan legislation will help Colorado keep harmful, invasive mussels out of our water and help to ensure it's free from contamination."

"Montana's rivers and lakes are a key part of our communities and our recreation economy, but aquatic invasive species threaten these thriving ecosystems. It's critical we empower Montana's local communities with the tools and resources they need to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that have the potential to devastate Montana's water infrastructure, agriculture, recreation economy, and pristine waterways valued by all Montanans," said Daines.

Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to Western rivers and reservoirs. Once established, these intruders are nearly impossible to eradicate and wreak havoc on crucial water infrastructure, limit recreation opportunities, and harm ecosystems and local economies. As invasive mussels spread across the West, preventative measures -- like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations -- are key to limiting their spread.

The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act would:

Strengthen prevention efforts by providing the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) explicit authority to partner with states and municipalities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations;
Provide all federal agencies who participate in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force the same authorities to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters, eliminating problematic differences between the various agencies;
Ensure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding.

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