Assistant Leader Neguse Introduces Bill to Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels in the Colorado River

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse introduced the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, to help slow and prevent the spread of highly invasive aquatic species, including fast-spreading zebra mussels, in the Colorado River and other waters across the West. More specifically, the bicameral bill strengthens efforts led by states and agencies in partnership with the U.S. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to implement preventative measures—like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations—that help limit the spread of these invasive species. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Steve Daines (R-MO) are championing companion legislation in the United States Senate. 

Neguse, who also serves as founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, took action following reports that researchers have identified highly invasive zebra mussels in the Colorado River. Zebra mussels are considered the most costly invasive species in the U.S., rapidly attaching themselves to underwater infrastructure and causing fractures and clogs. 

“Invasive species are costly and pose significant threats to our ecosystems,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “I am proud to work alongside Senator Bennet on the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act to help protect waters in Colorado and across the Rocky Mountain West. We must safeguard our water supply and work to prevent these aquatic species from doing greater harm to our infrastructure and ecosystems.” 

“We have to do everything we can to protect our rivers, lakes, and waterways that are vital to our local communities and outdoor recreation economy,” said Senator Michael Bennet. “This legislation invests to reduce the spread of invasive species in Colorado – saving money for taxpayers and ensuring the health of our ecosystems.”

“With the discovery of zebra mussel veligers in the Colorado River and in the Government Highline Canal near Grand Junction, CO, Representative Neguse’s legislation is needed now more than ever to protect our state’s waterways and critical infrastructure,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “We commend Representative Neguse for being a continued champion of legislation to expand collaboration between state and federal partners, which will be critical to preventing these harmful species from further taking root in western rivers.” 

 The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act will strengthen efforts to prevent and manage the spread of aquatic invasive species by improving federal and state partnerships, enhancing agency coordination, and providing funding support for inspections and decontamination programs. 

More specifically, the legislation will: 

• Strengthen prevention efforts by providing the Bureau of Reclamation with the authority to partner with states and municipalities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations; 
• Provide all federal agencies participating in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force with the authority to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters and take steps to improve data sharing between agencies; and 
• Ensure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding. 

The bill is supported by the Colorado Water Congress, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Aurora Water, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Northern Water. 

Find all quotes of support here. 

Background

Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, whose district includes the headwaters of the Colorado River, has been working to address water and drought-related issues, securing funding and enacting significant bills that invest in water management. Earlier this year, he successfully secured passage of his Bipartisan WATER Data Improvement Act and Bipartisan Drought Preparedness Act through the House of Representatives. Together, these policies extend the authorization of emergency drought relief measures and increase water measurement and monitoring technologies.

Additionally, as founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, Rep. Neguse formed a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, each representing a state along the Colorado River Basin. The lawmakers are working to build consensus on critical issues plaguing the river, support the work of the Colorado River Basin states on how best to address the worsening levels of drought in the Colorado River Basin, and ensure western communities have stable access to safe and clean drinking water. 

###