California’s two U.S. senators are seeking a stronger federal response to golden mussels, the fast-spreading invasive species now threatening Delta water infrastructure, fisheries and farm water deliveries.
Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, both Democrats, introduced the Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026, which would amend 1990’s Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act to establish a federal demonstration program focused on preventing, monitoring, controlling and researching golden mussels. The bill would be implemented in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and any other U.S. waters deemed infested or at risk.
The proposal would authorize $15 million annually through 2030 for the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to work with state and local agencies, port authorities, universities, nonprofits and industry partners. The money could support research into the mussel’s biology, environmental tolerances, impacts on fisheries and water quality, and the effectiveness of control technologies.
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Golden mussels, native to China and Southeast Asia, were first detected in California in 2024 and have since spread through the Delta and into other water systems. The mussels can latch onto pumps, pipes and other infrastructure; clog water screens; threaten water quality for 27 million Californians; and jeopardize more than $50 billion in statewide agricultural production.
“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,” said Padilla.
The bill would require the task force to develop control and eradication guidelines within one year, including recommendations for watercraft inspection stations. It also calls for an early warning system to track dispersal; technical assistance to regional and local entities; and competitive grants for projects targeting mussels in water intakes, conveyance infrastructure, fish screens, derelict vessels, boat hulls and waterways.
Rep. Josh Harder, D-Calif., introduced companion legislation in the House, with support from Democratic Reps. John Garamendi, Doris Matsui, Mike Thompson, Mark DeSaulnier and Adam Gray. The measure is backed by the Contra Costa Water District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Solano County Water Agency and Sonoma County Water Agency.
