Joyce-sponsored bill bolsters invasive species management efforts

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) last week proposed a bill to improve the federal government’s management of invasive species and would include such oversight for the Lake Erie Basin and the Ohio River Basin areas.

“As a life-long Ohioan who grew up on the shores of Lake Erie, I’m committed to preserving the Great Lakes and all they provide, both economically and environmentally, for our communities,” Rep. Joyce said. “This bill will ensure that Ohio can better control, manage, and inspect invasive aquatic plants that threaten Lake Erie’s fish and wildlife.”

Rep. Joyce sponsored the Aquatic Invasive Species Control Act, H.R. 8965, to amend existing control of aquatic plant growths and invasive species law by extending the authorization from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2028 and to increase the authorized invasive species partnerships funding level from $50 million to $75 million, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmaker’s office. 

Additionally, the legislation would add hydrilla to the list of prioritized control or eradication projects and would explicitly include the Lake Erie Basin and Ohio River Basin as listed areas under the invasive species partnerships section of the bill, the summary says.

The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“I’m hopeful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will support this legislation so that we can continue to prioritize the health and productivity of the Great Lakes,” said Rep. Joyce.