WGA's Ogsbury urges more focused federal approach to invasive species management before Congress

Invasive species remain a growing threat in the West. In California alone, more than 1,000 non-native species have been identified. 

WGA Executive Director James Ogsbury addressed the challenges presented by invasive species and suggested a path to dealing with the issue during testimony Thursday (May 16) at an oversight hearing of the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, which included (shown above) Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo).

Some of the major issues Ogsbury addressed on the behalf of western governors:

Invasions of non-native species decrease biodiversity of native plants, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Aquatic invasive species such as zebra and Quagga mussels impair water supplies for drinking, energy production & irrigation.

The "Restore New Mexico Partnership," a state and federal collaboration, has treated more than 2 million acres of invasive species in the past eight years.

Ogsbury closed by urging the subcommittee to pursue and champion invasive species legislation that would ensure aggressive programs delivering more on-the-ground prevention & eradication, while also ensuring transparency and accountability regarding how federal funds are allocated and used for invasive programs.

After the testimony, the panel fielded questions from the subcommittee members.

Here's a story about the hearing by Jim Malewitz of Stateline. Read the complete testimony.

 The Western Governors' Association is an independent, non-partisan organization of Governors from 19 Western states, two Pacific-flag territories and one commonwealth. Follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook.