Western Governors urge Congress and the Administration to “support and empower state-led rapid response programs” to manage the risks of aquatic invasive species including zebra and quagga mussels. “Western states already have effective invasive mussel rapid response programs developed around states’ individual capacity, needs and expertise,” states the May 23, 2019 letter signed by WGA Chair Hawaii Gov. David Ige and WGA Vice Chair North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. “Federal agencies should look for opportunities to expand cooperation with respect to these programs.” The outreach to House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Chair Betty McCollum and Ranking Member David Joyce includes recommendations to support interagency cooperation, and notes previous collaboration with the Department of the Interior on this issue. Read, download the letter.