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S 4603

Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Alex Padilla and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a federally led program with grants to prevent, detect, and eradicate golden mussels, focusing on a demonstration, tech development, and rapid response.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 4603

Overview

  • Bill: S. 4603 (Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026)
  • Sponsor(s): Sen. Richard Schiff (primary) with Sen. Alex Padilla; co-sponsors include Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla
  • Date introduced: May 20, 2026
  • Purpose: Amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish a federal demonstration program and corresponding grant program focused on the prevention, monitoring, control, eradication, education, and research related to the golden mussel.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a federally led but partnership-based approach to address the golden mussel invasion.
  • Establish a structured demonstration program to test and implement prevention, detection, control, and eradication methods, with an emphasis on practical application in high-risk areas and waterways.
  • Fund research, technology development, and rapid-response capabilities to reduce spread and impact on ecosystems, water infrastructure, fisheries, and related components.

Key provisions and changes

  • Designation and structure:

    • Introduces a new subsection (j) within Section 1202 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, redesignating existing subsections (j) and (k) as (k) and (l).
    • Creates a “Golden Mussel Demonstration Program” managed by a Task Force in partnership with states, local entities, port authorities, industry, higher education institutions, and local nonprofits.

  • Demonstration program components (paragraph (1)(A)):

    • Research and development on:
    • Golden mussel biology and environmental tolerances
    • Impacts on fisheries, water quality, and other ecosystem components
    • Efficacy of control and eradication technologies
    • Tracking dispersal and establishing an early warning system for potential infestations
    • Development of control and eradication methods and plans, including:
    • In and around derelict vessels, public infrastructure, fish screens, and waterways
    • Hull inspections
    • Provision of technical assistance to regional, state, and local entities

  • Implementation area (paragraph (1)(B)):

    • Targeted in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and other U.S. waters deemed infested or at high risk of infestation.

  • Information sharing (paragraph (1)(C)):

    • Mandates collection and dissemination of control/eradication information to state/local entities and port authorities.

  • Control guidelines (paragraph (1)(D)):

    • Develop guidelines to prevent spread and eradicate the golden mussel within one year of enactment.
    • Includes establishing watercraft inspection stations.

  • Response and containment research grant program (paragraph (2)):

    • Establish a competitive grant program for state/local entities, universities, nonprofits, and industry partners.
    • Fund projects that:
    • Identify effective technologies and methods to remove mussels from water intakes, conveyance infrastructure, fish screens, derelict vessels, boat hulls, waterways, and other areas
    • Improve understanding of the mussel's biology and containment science
    • Allow technology transfer, including agreements to use or sell new technologies to accelerate control/eradication efforts.

  • Coordination and delegation (paragraph (3)):

    • The Demonstration Program will guide other federal agencies, states, port authorities, local governments, and regional entities.
    • The Task Force may delegate implementation to capable entities when appropriate to improve efficiency or effectiveness.

  • Authorization of appropriations (paragraph (4)):

    • Authorizes $15 million per fiscal year for 2026 through 2030 to carry out the section.

  • Definitions (paragraph (5)):

    • Clarifies terms: Demonstration Program, Grant Program, and Institution of Higher Education (as defined in the Higher Education Act).

Who would be affected

  • Federal level:
    • The Task Force within the federal framework implementing the demonstration and grant programs.
  • State and local governments:
    • Participation in the demonstration program, access to guidance, and eligibility for grants.
  • Port authorities and industry partners:
    • Involvement in prevention, monitoring, and deployment of control technologies; potential implementation of new measures at ports and waterways.
  • Institutions of higher education and nonprofits:
    • Eligibility to apply for grants to conduct research, development, and dissemination related to the golden mussel.
  • Water users and infrastructure operators:
    • Potential need to adopt watercraft inspection stations, monitoring systems, and control measures near water intakes, fish screens, and other affected infrastructure.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implementation timeline:
    • Within one year of enactment, the Task Force must develop control and eradication guidelines, including watercraft inspection stations.
  • Funding:
    • Authorization of $15 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to support demonstration and grant activities.
  • Reporting and information sharing:
    • Requires dissemination of methods, plans, and findings to states, port authorities, and local entities to enable rapid adaptation and action.
  • Coordination and potential delegation:
    • Allows delegation of certain responsibilities to capable entities to improve efficiency.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Aims to slow or halt the spread of the golden mussel in critical U.S. waterways, with an emphasis on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
  • Seeks to accelerate development and deployment of practical control technologies and practices.
  • Establishes a formal funding stream and collaborative framework that includes academia, local governments, and industry.
  • The program emphasizes early warning, transparency of information, and standardized guidelines for preventing spread through watercraft and infrastructure.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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