Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) applauded the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve actions to control the invasive zebra and quagga mussels in Christmas Lake and Lake Independence in Hennepin County. Recently, Paulsen sent a letter to the EPA asking for a Section 18 exemption for the use of potassium chloride, also known as liquid potash, to fully eradicate zebra mussels in Christmas Lake. Zebra mussels can potentially produce up to 500,000 eggs a year and threaten the health of a lake’s ecosystem if not controlled. Previous instances of using liquid potash have resulted in 100% eradication.

“The EPA’s responsiveness in approving an exemption for liquid potash will make a difference in keeping Christmas Lake free of invasive species so that families can enjoy its waters for years to come,” said Paulsen.  

Congressman Paulsen’s letter to the EPA can be read here. 

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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