Sponsors (6)
Last progress June 4, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 4, 2025 by Josh Harder
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Creates a Golden mussel demonstration program that directs a federal Task Force to plan, research, and carry out prevention, monitoring, control, and eradication of the invasive golden mussel. The Task Force must issue control and eradication guidance within one year, establish a competitive grant program to fund research and removal technologies, and may share or sell technologies developed. Authorizes $15,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to support the program, and gives the Task Force authority to coordinate activities, develop guidance, fund projects, and transfer or commercialize technologies produced under the program.
Amends Section 1202 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4722) by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as (k) and (l), and inserting a new subsection (j) establishing the Golden mussel demonstration program.
The Task Force, in partnership with State and local entities, port authorities, industry partners, institutions of higher education, and local nonprofits, must develop a demonstration program for prevention, monitoring, control, eradication, education, and research on the golden mussel. This program must include research and development on the mussel’s biology, environmental tolerances, and the efficacy of control mechanisms and technologies; tracking dispersal and an early warning system; development of control and eradication methods and plans (including hull inspections); and provision of technical assistance to regional, State, and local entities.
Demonstration program implementation area: the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and any other U.S. waters the Task Force determines are infested or likely to become infested by golden mussel.
The Task Force must collect and make available to State and local entities and port authorities information developed under the demonstration program through direct reports, publications, and other means as necessary (information relating to control and eradication methods and plans).
Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Task Force must develop guidelines to control the spread of and eradicate the golden mussel, including establishing watercraft inspection stations.
Who is affected and how:
Water utilities and public water systems: may receive grants, guidance, and technologies to detect and control mussel fouling in intake structures, pipes, and treatment systems; could face implementation costs for deploying control measures but benefit from federal support.
Hydropower, irrigation, and other infrastructure operators (owners/operators of electric generating units and irrigation systems): could face reduced maintenance costs and fewer outages if effective control technologies are deployed; they are likely targets for demonstration projects and may adopt patented or licensed technologies developed by the program.
Boaters, recreational water users, and commercial/recreational fishers: may see increased monitoring, outreach, and prevention programs to limit spread (e.g., cleaning protocols); short-term restrictions or pilot controls could affect access in demonstration areas.
State, local, and Tribal natural resource agencies: will be partners in coordination, monitoring, and grant-funded projects; they may receive federal assistance but could also need to contribute staff time and matching resources for certain projects.
Researchers and technology developers: will benefit from competitive grants to advance detection, removal, and control methods; the program also creates potential commercialization pathways through technology sharing or sale.
Federal agencies and the Task Force: will take on planning, oversight, and grant administration responsibilities; issuing guidance within one year creates a near-term work requirement.
Overall effects: The program aims to reduce ecological and infrastructure harm from golden mussels by funding R&D and practical demonstrations, improving coordination, and accelerating technology transfer. Costs and operational responsibilities will be shared among federal agencies, grant recipients, and local operators; the authorization requires later appropriations to provide actual funding.