Contact: Bernadette Green, (202) 225-2476
(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today had an amendment adopted to the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act (H.R. 3043).
The straightforward, bipartisan amendment that Grothman introduced with Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) requires federal decision-makers at the Department of the Interior to consider the threat of invasive species when ordering installations of fishways.
Fishways serve an important purpose of preserving and enhancing the populations of desirable, native fish by allowing them a way to travel around dams. However, invasive species use these same fishways to invade rivers and lakes and devastate native species and their habitats.
The state of Wisconsin is currently experiencing this problem. The Fish and Wildlife Service has ordered the installation of a fishway at the Prairie du Sac dam. Asian carp, an invasive species, has been found at the base of this dam; installing a fishway in this location would allow the Asian carp to migrate upstream to the Wisconsin River and Lake Wisconsin, and possibly the Great Lakes, which would wreak havoc on native species.
“Since invasive species can have a devastating effect on the environment, public health and the economy, this amendment is incredibly important,” said Grothman. “It will ensure that federal decision-makers consider all consequences before ordering the installation of fishways.”
The Wisconsin delegation is united in its commitment to protect the Great Lakes, and this amendment plays a large part in helping the Great Lakes thrive. Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04) also spoke on the House floor in favor of this amendment.
