NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Introduce Bill to Stop Spread of Golden Mussels Infesting California Water Systems, Aim to Protect Water Quality

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works' Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Senator Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), members on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, introduced the Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026, legislation to expedite the control and eradication of golden mussels - harmful species native to China and Southeastern Asia that pose a significant health risk to the public.

These invasive species latch onto pumps, pipes, and infrastructure compromising water delivery, clogging water screens, threatening water quality for 27 million Californians, harming native wildlife, and jeopardizing over $50 billion in agriculture production across the state.

"Golden mussels have spread across California with alarming speed, infesting our waterways, and destroying infrastructure and ecosystems. It is clear that we must intensify efforts with local, state, and federal partners to prevent further spread of this invasive species to our water systems, and to address threats to our water quality. As millions of Californians depend on the Delta and other critical sources of clean drinking water, we must strengthen our response to eradicating this problem once and for all - in order to put the health of the public first," said Senator Schiff.

"Golden mussels pose a threat to our water infrastructure by rapidly infesting our waterways across the state and releasing byproducts like nitrogen and phosphorus that can cause harmful algal blooms. Our bill would invest in immediate steps to prevent their invasion, including by deploying new technology, inspection stations, and rapid response programs to better address this invasive species and protect our fragile Delta ecosystems," said Senator Padilla.

"Don't let the name fool you, these golden mussels are sharp, slimy, and stinking invaders that clog our waterways with sludge and threaten our fragile Delta ecosystems. We need to act fast to stop their advance," said Representative Harder. "This bill protects our waterways and our Delta economy by jumpstarting eradication efforts right now, not when it's far too late."

Golden mussels were first detected in California in 2024 and now have spread to Santa Clara County. As they rapidly spread through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and other areas, the Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026 will:

• Establish a demonstration program to prevent, monitor, control, eradicate, research, and educate on golden mussels;
• Track dispersal and establishment of an early warning system to alert likely areas of future infestations;
• Establish a grant program, on a competitive basis, to state and local entities, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners to carry out similar projects that control and eradicate golden mussels;
• And invest in new technology developed under the grant program.

U.S. Representative Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09) led companion legislation in the House, along with Reps. John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), and Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13) as cosponsors.

The bill is endorsed by Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Water District, The Delta Counties Coalition, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Solano County Water Agency, and Sonoma County Water Agency.

"Golden mussels are a major threat to all water infrastructure connected to the San Joaquin - Sacramento River Delta (Delta). Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) is situated within the Delta and dependent on the Delta as our primary source of water supply. As such, we are experiencing firsthand the challenges caused by these invasive mussels and are at the forefront of developing monitoring, control and mitigation strategies. CCWD greatly appreciates the leadership by Senator Schiff and Senator Padilla to support the important research needed to develop guidance on best practices to manage impacted water systems and control the spread of golden mussels," said Rachel Murphy, General Manager, Contra Costa Water District.

"The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) supports the Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026. Lake Tahoe does not have golden mussels, but if introduced, golden mussels would irreversibly harm the lake's famed clarity, $5 billion annual outdoor recreation-based economy, and water supply infrastructure. The proposed development of a pilot program for prevention, education, monitoring, control, research and eradication will not only benefit Lake Tahoe, but also California waterbodies that are already plagued or threatened by this aquatic invasive species," said Julie W. Regan, Executive Director, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

"The Solano County Water Agency is pleased to support the Golden Mussel Eradication & Control Act sponsored by Sens. Schiff and Padilla to help prevent the spread of the invasive golden mussel. Preventing the spread of the invasive golden mussel is of critical importance to our agricultural, municipal, and recreational community. The bill is an important first step and we look forward to working closely with our Congressional Delegation to ensure this bill moves forward in the 119th Congress," said Chris Lee, General Manager, Solano County Water Agency.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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