California lawmakers approve bill streamlining invasive golden mussel response
A California bill that would make it easier to respond to the threat of the invasive golden mussel has made its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 2032, and it will ultimately be up to the governor whether to sign it into law. The measure, authored by Assembly Member Rhodesia Ransom, would ease the permitting process, allowing agencies that operate a water supply to respond more quickly to the spread of golden mussels.
Golden mussels pose a risk to both the environment and man-made structures. The rapidly reproducing species can attach to any surface, clogging water pipes and pumps. They can also affect the food fish eat, disrupting local ecosystems.
A bill analysis states that supporters said “current regulatory pathways were not designed for the speed required to respond to an invasive aquatic species spreading through interconnected water systems.” Permitting delays of even a few months can be catastrophic, the analysis said.
See where golden mussel presence has been detected in California below
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Arguments in support of the bill believe it will help streamline responses and allow officials to act faster in halting the spread of golden mussels. There are no listed arguments in opposition to AB 2032.
Multiple jurisdictions have since declared local emergencies since golden mussels were first discovered in the Port of Stockton in November 2024, which wildlife officials say was the first known occurrence of the species in North America.
When a local emergency is declared, it allows a jurisdiction to request that the governor proclaim a state of emergency and that other state agencies assist with the issue.
To avoid the spread of the golden mussel, watergoers in areas where the species has been found have been asked to clean, dry and drain their vessels. That includes personal watercraft, kayaks and boats.
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Golden mussels are native to the rivers and creeks of China and Southeast Asia, but they are also found in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.
If you see anything that you think might be a golden mussel, officials are asking you take a picture and send it to the CDFW.
Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto this measure.
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