FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday November 22nd, 2010

CONTACT: Alan Mlynek
Office: (202) 225-5802

PETERS URGES HOUSE TO ACT ON ASIAN CARP LEGISLATION BEFORE END OF YEAR

Bill to prohibit importation and interstate transportation of Asian carp already passed Senate

(Troy, MI) – Representative Gary Peters called on the House of Representatives to act on legislation to add the bighead carp species of Asian carp to the list of injurious species that are prohibited from entering the United States or being shipped between states.  The Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act, which is authored by Senator Carl Levin, passed the Senate on November 17th.

“We need to tighten our defense against Asian carp at every point possible,” said Rep. Gary Peters.  “An Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes would have a catastrophic impact on our economy and environment.  We are already behind the curve by not acting to stop the spread of this invasive species and further delay is simply inexcusable.  The time for action is now.”

Peters also supports the CARP Act, a bipartisan bill that would close the Chicago locks until a new, less regular, opening strategy can be developed.  He is also a co-sponsor of the Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act, which would expedite an Army Corps of Engineers study to permanently separate the Great Lakes from the Chicago Waterway System. 

A House-version of the Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act was introduced in July of 2009, but has not advanced through the committee process. 

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