Sponsors (8)
The bill directs federal funds and fast action to detect, control, and prevent golden mussel infestations—protecting waterways and reducing long‑term damage—while imposing modest federal costs and compliance burdens and creating some risks of uneven benefits to private contractors or resource diversion.
State and local governments receive dedicated federal funding and technical assistance to detect, control, and rapidly respond to golden mussel infestations, with requirements to prioritize high‑risk waters quickly (e.g., inspection stations within one year).
Residents and water users in affected waterways benefit from improved monitoring, early‑warning systems, and inspection stations that reduce spread and protect water infrastructure and recreation.
State/local governments, ports, and small businesses gain support for R&D and technology transfer to develop effective control and eradication tools, which can lower long‑term management costs and improve response options.
Boat owners, ports, and industry may face time and out‑of‑pocket costs from compliance measures like mandatory hull inspections and watercraft stations.
All taxpayers shoulder increased federal spending—the program is estimated to cost about $75 million over FY2026–FY2030.
Rapid deployment of control technologies and technology‑transfer/sale agreements could advantage the private firms that win grants, raising competition and equity concerns for smaller entities and some nonprofits.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a Task Force-led golden mussel demo program, grants for R&D and control, early-warning systems, inspection guidance, and authorizes $15M/year for FY2026–2030.
Official title: To amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish a demonstration program with respect to the golden mussel.
Introduced June 4, 2025 by Josh Harder · Last progress June 4, 2025
Creates a federal demonstration and competitive grant program to study, detect, control, and help eradicate the invasive golden mussel in U.S. waters. It directs the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to partner with states, port authorities, industry, colleges, nonprofits, and local entities to fund research, install early-warning tracking and inspection measures, share control information publicly, and issue control/eradication guidelines within one year. The bill also authorizes $15 million per year for FY2026–FY2030 to carry out these activities.