Katie Porter: “invasive animal and plant species know no boundaries. That is why I introduced H.R. 658, the Natural Resource Protection…”

“invasive animal and plant species know no boundaries. That is why I introduced H.R. 658, the Natural Resource Protection Cooperative Agreement Act. The passage of this legislation today has significance to my district, given the recent infestation at Lake Mead of quagga mussels. These are a species capable of causing massive destruction and billions of dollars in damages. The quagga mussel is a resilient species that multiplies at exponential rates and can cause enormous ecological, recreational, and economic damage. In recent years, the mussel has caused an estimated $5 billion in damages to the Great Lakes region. As the law currently exists, the National Park Service does not have the legal authority to enter into cooperative agreements with neighboring States and local governments or private entities. Rather, the Park Service must wait until invasive species cross into their lands and waterways before they can be dealt with. Part of responsible stewardship of our local environment is being proactive and not merely responsive to new ecological challenges. H.R. 658 enables the National Park Service to take preventative measures in order to preserve our lands and natural resources. By entering into cooperative agreements with State and local experts, we will be able to eradicate invasive species before they encroach onto Federal lands. We have an obligation to our children and to our community to be responsible stewards of our local environment.”