Costa, Bipartisan Central Valley Members Urge Emergency Federal Funding to Combat Invasive Golden Mussels

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), alongside Representatives Vince Fong (CA-20), Josh Harder (CA-09), and David Valadao (CA-22), led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Brian Nesvik urging immediate emergency federal funding to combat the rapidly spreading invasive golden mussel in California waterways. 

Golden mussels, first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024, have spread rapidly across California waterways, threatening the infrastructure that delivers water to millions of residents and supports more than 4 million acres of farmland. Kern and San Joaquin Counties have declared local states of emergency as infestations continue to jeopardize drinking water supplies, agricultural production, energy generation, and regional economic stability.

The lawmakers cautioned that without swift federal action, the costs of controlling and preventing further spread will continue to escalate, leaving local water agencies, farmers, and communities to shoulder the burden of a growing threat to California’s water system.

The letter states:

“Golden mussel colonies infiltrate critical infrastructure, including pipelines, pumps, and hydropower systems, by attaching to surfaces, reducing water flow, overheating pumps, and potentially causing catastrophic failures of water conveyance systems.

“Without immediate federal support, California water agencies, farmers, and communities will continue to bear escalating costs as this invasive species spreads. Early intervention and sustained investment are essential to prevent long-term, systemwide damage to the nation’s most critical water infrastructure network.”

Specifically, the letter urges USFWS to:
 

• Expedite emergency funding through existing invasive species authorities.
• Prioritize California for assistance under existing grant funding and future funding cycles.
• Increase funding allocations for early detection, rapid response, and containment efforts for water infrastructure systems.
• Coordinate with federal partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, and EPA, to ensure a whole-of-government response.
• Expedite the listing of golden mussels on the injurious species list under the Lacey Act.
• Develop a golden mussel National Control and Management Plan to prevent further introduction and spread, and to eradicate and control existing populations.
   

To read the full letter, click HERE.