Michigan Congresswoman writes Asian carp bill

A Michigan Congresswoman has introduced a bill in the House to fight the spread of an invasive fish species in the Great Lakes.

Republican Candice Miller represents Michigan’s 10th District, which is the majority of the Thumb region. If her new bill is passed, it would result in decisive action to stop the Asian carp from migrating north into the Great Lakes.

“I introduced legislation recently that would give the Corps the authorization to design and construct a barrier that would completely separate the Mississippi River watershed from Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes basin,” she said.

The bill is the Defending Against Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2014. Congresswoman Miller says she believes total separation is the only way to keep the fish out of the region.

“This project will require the buy–in of stakeholders from across the country and significant resources, but we must have the political will to protect our magnificent Great Lakes,” she said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has told Congress within the last year that separation would be the best method of keeping Asian carp away. However, the Corps doesn’t have the legal authority to build a barrier. The new bill would give the Corps that authority.