Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 8876
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-05-19: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-06-05T15:24:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation This bill amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to strengthen federal efforts for preventing, managing, controlling, and eradicating aquatic nuisance species (also referred to as aquatic invasive species). It focuses on improving coordination, funding research and rapid response, and updating management practices.

Key Provisions Outlined

Definitions and Terminology: Updates definitions to include "aquatic invasive species," "rapid response activities" (timely actions to eradicate or control species while protecting ecosystems and reducing economic harm), and lists specific "regional panels" (e.g., Great Lakes, Western, Gulf and South Atlantic).
New Grant Programs:
Establishes a grant program for research, development, demonstration, and verification of technologies to control and eradicate aquatic invasive species, with merit-based review and a required report to Congress.
Creates a competitive grant program for rapid response activities, limited to entities with confirmed species identification, covering actions like eradication, population assessment, and monitoring.
Task Force Enhancements: Expands the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to include representatives from regional panels and nongovernmental organizations; requires coordination with the National Invasive Species Council; allows personnel details from other agencies; and exempts Task Force actions from the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Program Updates: Requires identification of invasion-susceptible ecosystems, development of national and regional management plans, a study on laws affecting rapid response, a plan for watercraft inspections and decontaminations (including certification and incentives for manufacturers), and an interbasin monitoring program for waterways like the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
Coordination and Updates: Mandates interstate coordination for management plans and updates to national/regional plans within five years to incorporate new practices.
Authorizations of Appropriations: Provides funding through fiscal year 2031 for the Task Force program ($10M–$20M annually across sections), rapid response grants ($5M), regional panels ($1.5M), and technology grants ($10M).
Ballast Water Amendment: Allows Coastal Aquatic Invasive Species Mitigation grants to encourage installation of ballast water management systems meeting or exceeding international standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

Adds multiple new sections and subsections to the 1990 Act, including grant authorities and monitoring requirements not previously present.
Broadens Task Force membership and duties beyond prior state and federal agency focus.
Introduces specific mandates for studies, plans, and interbasin monitoring that expand the scope of the existing aquatic nuisance species program.
Increases and extends authorization levels for multiple programs through 2031, with new dedicated funding streams.
Amends an existing grant program under the 2018 Coast Guard Authorization Act to include ballast water system incentives.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities and coordination duties for the Task Force, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director, and other federal members; enables agency personnel details and regulatory reviews for faster response.
Citizens: Aims to reduce economic and recreational harms from invasive species through better prevention and control at waterways and boat launches.
International Relations: Supports alignment with international maritime agreements on ballast water management, potentially aiding compliance for U.S. vessels.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal agencies on the Task Force and regional panels.
State, Tribal, and local governments.
Nongovernmental organizations, universities, and interstate groups involved in monitoring or control.
Watercraft operators, manufacturers, and recreational users.
Entities eligible for new grant programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Exempts the Task Force from the Federal Advisory Committee Act, reducing administrative requirements for its operations.
Directs a study recommending changes to federal laws and regulations (including waivers or exemptions) to expedite rapid response activities.
Emphasizes merit-based, peer-reviewed grant processes and environmental soundness criteria without altering core constitutional authorities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

Recent Actions

2026-05-19: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-05-19: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-05-19: Introduced in House
2026-05-19: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (20 pages)