FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2010

House Passes Asian Carp Legislation
Measure to prevent the further spread of Asian carp to the Great Lakes

Washington, D.C.– Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announces that today the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act. This legislation would prevent the transportation and importation of Asian carp, an invasive species that has created problems in recent years throughout the Great Lakes region.

“I am pleased the House took action today to address the Asian carp issue,” said Rep. Paulsen. “Unfortunately the Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act does not go far enough to address the seriousness of this issue. Asian carp are a great threat to the $7.5 billion fishing industry and the 800,000 jobs the industry supports in the Great Lakes region.”

Rep. Paulsen remains a cosponsor of the CARP Act, introduced by Representative Dave Camp (MI-04). The CARP Act would actively prevent and eradicate existing Asian carp in our waters. This legislation would enhance existing barriers and monitoring systems, as well as call for the immediate installation of interim barriers in rivers where barriers currently do not exist.

“Although the legislation passed today is a step in the right direction, I urge the House to take up the CARP Act to strengthen our efforts against this invasive species,” said Rep. Paulsen.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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