,i #aaith ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #hhgf ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #ai1 #bjbf,mr4 ,walberg 7for himself and ,ms4 ,elfreth7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij to provide for the prevention1 management1 control1 and eradication of aquatic nuisance species1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,aquatic ,invasive ,species ,control and ,prevention ,act of #bjbf4 #b4 ,aquatic nuisance species 7a7 ,definitions ,section #ajjc of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgba7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting and the term aquatic invasive species before means a nonindigenous2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#ah71 by striking and at the end2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#ai71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#bj7 rapid response activities means timely actions taken upon the detection of an aquatic invasive species-- 7,a7 to-- 7i7 eradicate the aquatic invasive species2 or 7ii7 control and prevent the establishment of the aquatic invasive species2 7,b7 to ensure conservation outcomes of noninvasive species and the habitats of such species2 7,c7 to maintain ecosystem functions of ecosystems affected by the aquatic invasive species2 and 7,d7 to avoid1 reduce1 or mitigate significant economic harms and consequences associated with the aquatic invasive species2 and 7#ba7 regional panels means the regional panels convened pursuant to section #abjc1 including the-- 7,a7 ,great ,lakes ,regional ,panel2 7,b7 ,western ,regional ,panel2 7,c7 ,gulf and ,south ,atlantic ,regional ,panel2 7,d7 ,northeast ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,regional ,panel2 7,e7 ,mississippi ,river ,basin ,regional ,panel2 and 7,f7 ,mid-,atlantic ,regional ,panel4 4 7b7 ,grant program for control and eradication of aquatic invasive species ,subtitle ,b of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgab et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #aaje4 ,grant program for control and eradication of aquatic invasive species 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,task ,force1 in consultation with the regional panels1 shall establish a grant program to fund research1 development1 demonstration1 and verification of environmentally sound and cost-effective technologies1 methods1 and practices to control and eradicate aquatic invasive species4 7b7 ,purposes ,proposals funded under the grant program established under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 support ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 regional1 or local officials or nongovernmental organizations in the control and eradication of aquatic invasive species in an environmentally sound and cost-effective manner2 7#b7 increase the number of environmentally sound and cost-effective technologies1 methods1 or practices ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 regional or local officials and nongovernmental organizations may use to control or eradicate aquatic invasive species by researching1 developing1 demonstrating1 or verifying such technologies1 methods1 or practices2 7#c7 provide for the demonstration or dissemination of such technologies1 methods1 or practices to potential end-users2 and 7#d7 verify that any such technology1 method1 or practice meets any appropriate criteria developed for effectiveness1 cost-effectiveness1 and environmental soundness established by the ,task ,force4 7c7 ,merit review ,the ,task ,force shall award grants under this section through a process that is competitive1 peer-reviewed1 and merit-based4 7d7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,task ,force shall submit to ,congress a report regarding the grant program established under subsection 7a71 including findings and recommendations with respect to technologies1 methods1 and practices described in that subsection4 4 7c7 ,prevention and control of aquatic nuisance species dispersal 7#a7 ,aquatic nuisance species task force ,section #abja of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgba7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#i71 by striking and at the end2 7ii7 in paragraph 7#aj71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 #a representative from each of the regional panels4 2 7,b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7i7 by striking and after ,state agencies and inserting a comma2 and 7ii7 by inserting 1 and nongovernmental organizations engaged in monitoring1 prevention1 or control of aquatic nuisance species or other impacts relating to aquatic nuisance species1 including impacts to outdoor recreation1 after other governmental entities2 7,c7 in subsection 7f7-- 7i7 by striking ,each ,task ,force and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,task ,force 2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,national ,invasive ,species ,council ,in addition to the requirement described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,task ,force shall develop a plan to enhance coordination of any action to carry out this subtitle with the ,national ,invasive ,species ,council established by ,executive ,order #acaab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba note2 relating to ,invasive ,species74 2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,details from other ,federal agencies ,upon request of the ,task ,force1 and with the concurrence of the head of the ,federal agency concerned1 the head of any ,federal agency may detail1 on a reimbursable basis1 any of the personnel of such ,federal agency to the ,task ,force to assist the ,task ,force in carrying out the duties of the ,task ,force under this subtitle4 7i7 ,applicability of ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,chapter #aj of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act71 shall not apply to actions of the ,task ,force4 4 7#b7 ,aquatic nuisance species program 7,a7 ,in general ,section #abjb of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgbb7 is amended-- 7i7 in subsection 7c77#a7-- 7,i7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and at the end2 7,,ii7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7,,iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 identification of ecosystems that are particularly susceptible to invasion by aquatic invasive species under changing environmental conditions1 which such ecosystems shall be considered in the development of national and regional management control plans for aquatic nuisance species under subparagraph 7,e72 and 7,e7 in collaboration with the heads of relevant ,federal agencies and stakeholders1 development1 implementation1 and periodic updates of national and regional management control plans for aquatic nuisance species4 2 7ii7 by redesignating subsections 7j7 and 7k7 as subsections 7m7 and 7n71 respectively2 and 7iii7 by inserting after subsection 7i7 the following3 7j7 ,study on ,federal laws and regulations and other authorities governing rapid response activities 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this subsection1 the ,task ,force1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 ,director1 and ,under ,secretary1 shall conduct a comprehensive study of ,federal laws and regulations and other authorities that govern rapid response activities4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in conducting the study required by paragraph 7#a71 the ,task ,force shall-- 7,a7 in coordination with the regional panels and ,states1 identify ,federal laws and regulations and other authorities that govern rapid response activities or may impede rapid response activities1 including categorical exclusions1 waivers1 and other regulatory exemptions that facilitate rapid response activities2 7,b7 review such ,federal laws and regulations and other authorities2 and 7,c7 recommend changes to such ,federal laws and regulations and other authorities to expedite rapid response activities1 including the creation of such categorical exclusions1 waivers1 and other regulatory exemptions4 7#c7 ,partnerships ,the ,task ,force may enter into partnerships or contracts with members of the ,task ,force1 regional panels1 ,states1 ,indian tribes1 universities1 nongovernmental organizations1 or the ,national ,laboratories of the ,department of ,energy to conduct the study required by paragraph 7#a74 7k7 ,watercraft inspections and decontaminations 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,decontamination ,the term decontamination means an action to remove aquatic invasive species to prevent the introduction or spread of aquatic invasive species into aquatic ecosystems in which the aquatic invasive species is not present or does not have a large presence4 7,b7 ,federal land and water ,the term ,federal land and water means ,federal land and water operated and maintained by the head of a ,federal member of the ,task ,force4 7,c7 ,inspection ,the term inspection means an action to find aquatic invasive species to prevent the introduction or spread of aquatic invasive species into aquatic ecosystems in which the aquatic invasive species is not present or does not have a large presence4 7,d7 ,noncontaminated watercraft ,the term noncontaminated watercraft means watercraft that1 prior to entering a body of water1 is subject to inspection or decontamination4 7,e7 ,watercraft ,the term watercraft means any vessel or other contrivance used or designed for transportation or navigation on1 under1 or immediately above1 water4 7#b7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this subsection1 the ,task ,force1 in consultation with the regional panels1 shall develop a plan for the heads of the ,federal agencies represented on the ,task ,force1 in coordination with ,states1 to conduct inspections and decontaminations of watercraft at stations4 7#c7 ,requirements ,the plan developed under paragraph 7#b7 shall include-- 7,a7 a process for the installation of stations at boat launches and access points on ,federal and non-,federal waterways and roadside locations along ,federal highways at which to conduct inspections and decontaminations of watercraft2 7,b7 the development of an interagency certification system to reciprocally recognize inspections and decontaminations carried out by the heads of the ,federal agencies represented on the ,task ,force to minimize disruption1 to the maximum extent practicable1 of public access for boating and recreation in noncontaminated watercraft2 7,c7 recommendations for the development of a penalty structure for noncompliance with inspections and decontaminations of watercraft carried out by the heads of ,federal agencies represented on the ,task ,force2 7,d7 an analysis of existing studies and research on the siting and effectiveness of decontamination stations1 including a plan for recommending and prioritizing siting of such stations at waterways at high risk of introduction of an aquatic invasive species that is not present1 or does not have a large presence1 in the waterway2 7,e7 recommendations for a process to incentivize watercraft1 engine1 accessory1 fishing gear1 equipment and trailer manufacturers to develop and adopt new and innovative designs and models that-- 7i7 limit unwanted transfer of aquatic nuisance species and standing water2 and 7ii7 aid in safely expediting watercraft inspection and decontamination protocols approved by the regional panels or ,task ,force2 7,f7 recommendations for the siting of user-operated cleaning stations to supplement decontamination programs carried out by the heads of the ,federal agencies represented on the ,task ,force in coordination with ,states pursuant to the plan developed under paragraph 7#b72 and 7,g7 measures to ensure that1 to the maximum extent practicable1 inspections and decontaminations carried out pursuant to the plan developed under paragraph 7#b7 do not limit access for recreational watercraft to non-,federal lands and waters or ,federal lands and waters4 7l7 ,interbasin and intrabasin monitoring program 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this subsection1 the ,task ,force1 in coordination with the regional panels and ,states1 shall establish an interbasin and intrabasin monitoring program4 7#b7 ,required elements ,the monitoring program established under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 track aquatic invasive species moving through-- 7i7 the ,chicago ,sanitary and ,ship ,canal2 7ii7 the ,champlain ,canal2 7iii7 other interbasin waterways2 and 7iv7 as recommended by the regional panels1 major river systems1 such as the ,mississippi ,river1 in which interbasin transfers of aquatic invasive species have been shown to pose a significant threat to fish and wildlife resources2 7,b7 assess the efficacy of dispersal barriers and other measures in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through waterways2 and 7,c7 identify waterways suitable for dispersal barrier demonstration projects1 in addition to the waterways at which dispersal barrier demonstration projects were carried out before the date of the enactment of this subsection4 7#c7 ,reports ,the ,task ,force shall biennially issue a report describing the findings of the monitoring program established under paragraph 7#a71 which shall include a plan to provide for additional dispersal barrier demonstration projects and related research projects4 4 7,b7 ,aquatic nuisance species national and regional management control plans update ,not later than #e years after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,task ,force established under section #abja of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgba71 in carrying out the program implemented under section #abjb of that ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgbb71 shall update each national and regional management control plan for aquatic nuisance species 7as that term is defined in section #ajjc of that ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgjb77 to incorporate novel and proven practices for the prevention1 monitoring1 and control of aquatic nuisance species1 including best practices submitted by participating ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal agencies and researchers4 7#c7 ,aquatic nuisance species management plans ,section #abjd of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgbd7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,interstate and regional coordination ,the ,director1 in coordination with the ,task ,force1 shall facilitate and encourage regional and interstate coordination with respect to the implementation of the comprehensive aquatic nuisance species management plans and public facility management plans developed under this section4 4 7#d7 ,rapid response activities grant program ,subtitle ,c of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgba et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #abaj4 ,rapid response activities grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,task ,force shall establish a competitive1 merit-based grant program to award amounts to eligible entities to carry out eligible activities4 7b7 ,identification of aquatic invasive species ,in awarding amounts under the grant program established under subsection 7a71 the ,task ,force may only award amounts to an eligible entity to carry out an eligible activity if the ,task ,force determines the eligible entity has confirmed identification of the aquatic invasive species that is the subject of the eligible activity4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible activity ,the term eligible activity means each of the following activities3 7,a7 ,the implementation of an action that supports or leads to the eradication of an aquatic invasive species4 7,b7 ,determining the spatial extent and abundance of an isolated aquatic invasive species population4 7,c7 ,analyzing and assessing potential response measures with respect to the eradication or containment of an aquatic invasive species4 7,d7 ,developing measures to contain a population of an aquatic invasive species during an assessment of the aquatic invasive species or while a long-term response plan for the aquatic invasive species is formulated4 7,e7 ,monitoring the population of an aquatic invasive species and the effectiveness of response measures applied with respect to the population4 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 an entity participating in a ,federal program other than the grant program established under subsection 7a72 7,b7 an interstate organization2 7,c7 a ,state or political subdivision thereof2 7,d7 an ,indian tribe2 7,e7 a university2 and 7,f7 a nongovernmental organization engaged in activities related to the prevention and control of aquatic invasive species4 4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #acja of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgda7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 to read as follows3 7b7 ,task ,force and ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,program ,there are authorized to be appropriated-- 7#a7 to the ,director to carry out the program established under section #abjb7;a7 #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjca2 7#b7 to the ,director to carry out subsection #abjb7l7 #c1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjca2 7#c7 to the ,director to award grants under section #abaj #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjca2 and 7#d7 to the ,director to fund regional panels under section #abjc #a1ejj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjca4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7c71 to read as follows3 7c7 ,grants for ,state ,management ,programs ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,director to award grants under section #abjd #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjca4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,technology development demonstration and verification grant program ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,director to carry out the program established under section #aaje7;a7 #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjca4 4 #c4 ,use of grant awards under coastal aquatic invasive species mitigation grant program to encourage installation of certain ballast water management systems ,section #ijc7;f77#b77;,c77i7 of the ,frank ,lo,biondo ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjah 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgbi7b77;,c77i77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subclause 7,,iv71 by striking 2 or and inserting a semicolon2 7#b7 in subclause 7,v71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,,vi7 to encourage the installation1 use1 or maintenance of ballast water management systems that conform to or exceed the standards of1 and regulations imposed under1 international maritime agreements4 4