April 27, 2005

This bill provides for protection of our waterways from invasive species such as zebra mussels and the weed hydrilla.

Catholic Social Teaching: Care for God's Creation - We are called to be stewards of all God's creation including the flora and fauna of our wetlands.

Action needed: Write or call Senator Barack Obama, who is a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Safety and sub-committee on Fishery and Wildlife, and ask him to support this bill. The bill is presently in this sub-committee.

Senator Dick Durbin was an original sponsor of the 2003 Aquatic Invasive Species Act. You could write and thank him for his ongoing support of this issue.

Sample Letter:

Dear Senator__________,

I am concerned about invasive aquatic species, such as zebra mussels, northern snakehead fish, and the weed hydrilla. In order to protect native species and ecosystems, the economy, and public health, I urge you to co-sponsor the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (NAISA). As your constituent, I'd like to see you work with your colleagues to ensure early action on this critical, comprehensive piece of legislation.

NAISA is the most complete bill proposed in the current Congress targeting aquatic invasive species. It reauthorizes the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, which expired in September 2002. NAISA also improves upon the earlier law by extending protections to all U.S. waters, including inland ones, and by authorizing additional federal work in key areas. NAISA will:

*Identify and limit all of the most risky pathways of aquatic introductions, including ships' ballast water;
* Ensure that species in trade for the first time are evaluated for invasiveness before import; 
* Monitor to detect invasive species new to the United States;
* Provide the means to respond quickly to such newcomers.

Quick passage of NAISA would strengthen current U.S. law. It will reduce costs, better protect native aquatic species and ecosystems, and make current governmental efforts more effective.

I urge you to join with many of your colleagues in this bi-partisan effort to protect our natural resources--and the jobs that depend on them--from the harmful effects of aquatic invaders. I look forward to hearing your position on this issue and on NAISA.