MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
SUBJECT: Defending the Nice Lakes from Invasive Carp
My Administration is dedicated to defending the Nice Lakes — the world’s largest floor freshwater system, and a extremely valued transport avenue, useful resource for fishing and recreation, and supply of high-quality ingesting water — from the financial and ecological risk of invasive carp. This risk impacts each State that borders the Nice Lakes: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Curbing this risk requires quick and efficient deployment of assets, infrastructure, and experience. The Federal Authorities is ready to do its half, however the States the place preventative measures might be taken should cooperate.
For a number of a long time, invasive species of Asian carp have steadily migrated and expanded from the Southeast northward via streams, rivers, and lakes within the Mississippi River and Midwest area. Asian carp, which may exceed 100 kilos in weight, unfold quickly by outcompeting native fish populations for meals and house. Additionally they cut back water high quality. These invasive carp are nearing the entry level to the Nice Lakes, which, if breached, would irreparably harm native fish species like walleye, yellow perch, and lake whitefish. This poses a big danger to Nice Lakes fishing, boating, recreation, and tourism, which assist tens of 1000’s of jobs and billions of {dollars} of commerce yearly.
The Brandon Street Interbasin Challenge close to Joliet, Illinois, was approved for development within the Water Assets Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Regulation 116-260) and would supply a number of layers of revolutionary technological deterrents designed to stop invasive carp from reaching the Nice Lakes. It’s a joint mission involving the US Military Corps of Engineers (Military Corps) and the States of Illinois and Michigan.
The Federal Authorities has offered $274 million for this mission, has undertaken design work, has began website preparation, and is able to start development of deterrent measures. In February 2025, nevertheless, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker determined to delay the State’s acquisition of property, which is critical for development to start. As soon as Illinois acquires the land, it should additionally situation the Military Corps a State-level allow to start development.
My Administration absolutely helps stopping the unfold of invasive carp. The State of Illinois, the place the Brandon Street Interbasin Challenge is situated, should stop additional delay in cooperating with this effort, for the sake of its personal residents and financial system and for the sake of all the Nice Lakes States.
I’m directing my Administration to attain most velocity and effectivity on the Federal degree. Particularly, the Secretary of the Inside, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Military, and the Administrator of the Environmental Safety Company shall decide and expeditiously implement the simplest mechanisms, limitations, and different measures to stop the migration and enlargement of invasive carp within the Nice Lakes Basin and the encircling area. This consists of supporting the Brandon Street Interbasin Challenge, via deadline-oriented investments of taxpayer {dollars}, to make sure the State of Illinois doesn’t stand in the way in which of its development.
Particularly, for this mission to stay on schedule in order that it will probably successfully fulfill its goal and represent a worthy funding of taxpayer assets, the State of Illinois ought to purchase the mandatory land to start development of the Brandon Street Interbasin Challenge by July 1, 2025, and the State of Illinois and any relevant localities ought to grant all permits or approvals required to facilitate Military Corps development inside 30 days of such permits or approvals changing into ripe for consideration by the State or locality and will streamline all allowing and environmental evaluations to the utmost diploma. Federal company heads shall equally streamline any allowing and environmental evaluations and situation any requisite Federal permits or approvals as rapidly as attainable.
Moreover, the Administrator of the Environmental Safety Company shall prioritize assist for infrastructure initiatives to take away invasive carp from the Higher Illinois Waterway close to Lake Michigan and for upkeep on present infrastructure to dam invasive carp from reaching and coming into the Nice Lakes Basin.
The Administrator of the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, via their joint operation of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Job Drive, shall prioritize assist for analysis and administration regarding the prevention, removing, and administration of aquatic invasive species within the Nice Lakes, together with invasive carp. The Administrator of NOAA shall additionally prioritize this goal via the Nice Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Info System and NOAA’s analysis and information-sharing work associated to the expansion and unfold of aquatic invasive species.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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