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HR 8876

To amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to provide for the prevention, management, control, and eradication of aquatic nuisance species, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Sarah Elfreth and 5 co-sponsors

Would strengthen NANPCA to prevent, detect, and rapidly eradicate aquatic nuisance species across U.S. waters through expanded prevention, coordination, and funding.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8876

Overview

HR 8876, introduced in the 119th Congress, would amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to enhance nationwide prevention, management, control, and eradication of aquatic nuisance species (ANS). The bill is aimed at strengthening federal tools and coordination to address invasive aquatic species and their impacts on ecosystems, commerce, and public health.

Main purpose and intent

  • Improve prevention, management, control, and eradication of aquatic nuisance species across U.S. waters.
  • Update and expand authorities and programs under the existing Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (NANPCA) to respond more effectively to ANS threats.
  • Promote interagency coordination, stakeholder engagement, and science-based decision-making to reduce introduction and spread of invasive aquatic organisms.

Key provisions and changes (expected themes based on NANPCA enhancements)

  • Expanded prevention measures:
    • Enhanced risk screening and inspection protocols for transfers of water, vessels, gear, and equipment that can transport ANS.
    • Strengthened ballast water controls and other vectors contributing to ANS introductions.
  • Improved rapid response and eradication capabilities:
    • Streamlined authorities for federal, state, and local partners to detect, contain, and eradicate new ANS infestations.
    • More robust funding mechanisms or grant authorities to support rapid response actions.
  • Increased monitoring, reporting, and data sharing:
    • Expanded surveillance programs and mandatory reporting of ANS detections.
    • Better integration of data across agencies to track spread and effectiveness of control measures.
  • Interagency coordination and governance:
    • Clarified roles among federal agencies (likely including NOAA, EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and others) and state partners.
    • Establishment or empowerment of a coordinating body or program to align prevention, management, and eradication efforts.
  • Stakeholder engagement and public awareness:
    • Provisions to involve industry, recreational users, and the public in prevention campaigns and compliance efforts.
  • Funding and authorization:
    • Potentialnew or enhanced appropriations, grants, or cost-sharing mechanisms to support programs and activities under NANPCA.

Who would be affected

  • Federal agencies involved in marine and freshwater resource management, environmental protection, and transportation.
  • State and local governments implementing ANS prevention and response programs.
  • Industries and sectors affected by preventive controls (e.g., commercial shipping, ballast water management, boating and recreational industries, aquaculture).
  • general public and recreationists, who may face new compliance requirements or receive enhanced information about preventing ANS spread.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: As of the cited action history, HR 8876 was introduced on May 19, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources for consideration of provisions within their jurisdictions.
  • Next steps typically involve committee hearings, markups, and potential amendments before proceeding to floor consideration.
  • Any enacted provisions would take effect according to the bill’s text, with related regulations and implementation timelines determined by the administering agencies and any authorizations Congress provides.

Potential impact

  • Strengthened framework to prevent introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species, potentially reducing ecological and economic harms caused by invasive ANS.
  • Increased capability for rapid response could limit ecological damage and reduce long-term remediation costs.
  • Greater alignment and funding support for state, local, and tribal partners in implementing NANPCA-related programs.
  • Enhanced data collection and transparency may improve decision-making and public awareness.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated aims and typical NANPCA-directed mechanisms. For precise provisions, language, deadlines, funding levels, and regulatory implications, please refer to the bill’s text and any official Congressional summaries or accompanying committee reports.

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

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