Quagga mussel bill passes the House

On a vote of 65 to 4, the Idaho House has approved legislation that would step up the fight against aquatic invasive species. House Bill 211, sponsored by House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding, would increase the invasive species sticker fee for out-of-state boaters from $22 to $30. The in-state fee would remain at $22. The extra money would be used to combat invasive species like the Quagga mussel, which have infested waterways in some surrounding states, including Nevada and Montana. “Invasive species, particularly Quagga mussels, are an enormous threat to Idaho’s economy and way of life,” said Rep. Mat Erpelding (D-Boise). “If we do not address this growing danger now, it will wreck our tourism industry, damage our hydroelectric facilities and permanently foul our most treasured water resources.” It is estimated that Quagga mussel infestation could cost Idaho $94 million per year in lost economic activity. It would also cost millions of dollars a year in infrastructure repairs. The bill now moves on to the Senate.