Substitute for House Resolution No. 21.

            A resolution to encourage the President and Congress of the United States, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United State Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies to continue efforts to prevent the introduction of new aquatic species into the Great Lakes from the Chicago Area Waterway System and to consider new research and technologies.

            Whereas, The Great Lakes and the people, industries, and communities that depend on them have suffered significant harm from the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Studies indicate that past invasions by sea lampreys, zebra mussels, and other aquatic species likely cost the Great Lakes region more than $100 million annually, with impacts on fishing, power generation, manufacturing, municipal drinking water systems, tourism, and recreation; and

            Whereas, The introduction of new aquatic invasive species remains a real and imminent threat. Bighead and silver carp are less than 50 miles from Lake Michigan. If they were to invade the Great Lakes, they could displace native species, disrupt fisheries, and injure boaters, negatively impacting the $7 billion Great Lakes sport fishery and $5 billion Great Lakes boating industry; and

            Whereas, There are ongoing efforts by the state of Michigan, the other Great Lakes states, and the federal government to prevent the introduction of bighead and silver carp and other new aquatic invasive species. Among other actions, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources employs active enforcement, outreach, education, and monitoring for bighead and silver carp while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and other federal agencies work to prevent bighead and silver carp from reaching the Great Lakes; and

            Whereas, New research and technologies can enhance action already being taken to prevent and control aquatic invasive species. Ozone, carbon dioxide, hot water, sound, and microparticles have all shown promise in preventing an invasion and are being actively studied. Restoring native fish populations may also help support a healthy fish community and provide ecosystem resiliency to limit the spread of aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage the President and Congress of the United States, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies to continue efforts to prevent the introduction of new aquatic species, specifically bighead, silver, and black carp, into the Great Lakes from the Chicago Area Waterway System; and be it further

            Resolved, That we encourage the open consideration of new research and the development of new technologies that may provide innovative and effective methods to prevent and control aquatic invasive species; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, President of the United States Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the Michigan congressional delegation, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the commanders of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division and Mississippi Valley Division, the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the other members of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee.