Fong Leads Letter Urging Funding to Combat Golden Mussels

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Brian Nesvik urging immediate emergency federal funding to combat the rapidly spreading invasive golden mussel in California waterways. Representative Fong was joined on the letter by Representatives David Valadao (CA-22), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Josh Harder (CA-9).

Golden mussels, first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024, have already spread across more than 350 miles of connected California waterways, threatening the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project, which together supply water to millions of Californians and irrigate more than 4 million acres of farmland. Kern County and San Joaquin County have both declared local states of emergency in response to active infestations within critical water infrastructure, citing immediate operational risks to drinking water supply, agriculture, energy production, and regional economic stability.

The letter warns that without immediate federal support, California water agencies, farmers, and communities will continue to bear escalating costs as this invasive species spreads unchecked.

"Golden mussels pose a unique threat given they reproduce at exponential rates, clog water delivery systems, and damage water infrastructure," the letter states. "Golden mussels spawn several times throughout the year producing microscopic larvae in numbers reaching up to one million eggs annually per female…Golden mussel colonies infiltrate critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, pumps, and hydropower systems, by attaching to surfaces, reducing water flow, overheating pumps, and potentially causing catastrophic failure of water conveyance systems."

"Water is the lifeblood of the Central Valley, and we cannot allow an invasive species to threaten the infrastructure our farmers, families, and communities depend on," said Congressman Fong. "Golden mussels are spreading fast, clogging pipes, damaging equipment, and straining critical water systems across our region. I'm grateful for the partnership of the Fish and Wildlife Service and our federal partners, and I urge them to move quickly to get our communities the critical resources they need. Early action now will prevent significant damage down the road."

"Golden mussels pose a serious and growing threat to California's water supply, environment, and agricultural infrastructure due to their aggressive reproduction and ability to clog pipes and jam pumps," said Congressman Valadao."We cannot afford to let this invasive species spread further and jeopardize the systems families, farmers, and communities rely on. That's why I'm proud to join my colleagues in urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take immediate action to contain this threat and prevent long-term damage to the Central Valley's water infrastructure."

"Water infrastructure is the backbone of the San Joaquin Valley's economy and our way of life. The spread of invasive golden mussels is already creating costly challenges for water agencies, farmers, and communities that depend on reliable water delivery systems," said Rep. Costa. "Federal agencies must act quickly to support mitigation efforts already underway while also investing in early detection, containment, and long-term prevention before the damage becomes even more costly."

"The growing golden mussel infestation is an existential threat to our families, and we're running out of time to stop their advance," said Rep. Harder. "These sharp, slimy, stinking invaders are destroying our waterways and threatening the regional Delta economy - that's why investing in control and eradication right now is so important. I will continue fighting to protect our community from golden mussels and keep our precious waterways protected."

Specifically, the letter urges USFWS to:

• Expedite emergency funding through existing invasive species authorities.
• Prioritize California for assistance under existing grant funding and future funding cycles.
• Increase funding allocations for early detection, rapid response, and containment efforts for water infrastructure systems.
• Coordinate with federal partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, and EPA, to ensure a whole-of-government response.
• Expedite the listing of golden mussels on the injurious species list under the Lacey Act.
• Develop a golden mussel National Control and Management Plan to prevent further spread and to eradicate and control existing populations.

"Without immediate federal support, California water agencies, farmers, and communities will continue to bear escalating costs as this invasive species spreads," the letter continues. "Early intervention and sustained investment are essential to prevent long-term, systemwide damage to the nation's most critical water infrastructure network.