WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Josh Harder (CA-09) to send a 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.

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. This has led to the unrestrained spread of larvae throughout California and has made eradication efforts nearly impossible.

"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. These impacts have reduced water conveyance capacity, damaged equipment, and driven-up maintenance costs for water agencies and ratepayers alike.

"After golden mussels were first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) in late 2025, they have rapidly spread, threatening major water systems like the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. These projects supply water to millions of Californians and irrigate more than 4,000 acres of farmland.

"Kern and San Joaquin Counties recently declared a local state of emergency in response to an active infestation within critical water infrastructure, citing 'immediate operational risks' to drinking water supply, agriculture, energy production, and regional economic stability. The scale and reach of these water projects underscore the statewide risk to California's water supply, environment, and agricultural infrastructure."

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 Environmental Protection Agency 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 introduction and spread, and to eradicate and control existing populations

Read the full letter here.

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