News & Action

Coast Guard proposed rule on Ballast Water Discharge Standards

The Coast Guard has published a proposed rule on Ballast Water Discharge Standards in the Federal Register.

You can find the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Document# 2009-20312 Standards for Living Organisms in Ships’ Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters ) here. The DEIS is available by clicking here.

Broadly, while the timelines for implementation are protracted and we are carefully reviewing whether the practicability review could create a loophole, the rulemaking is excellent in regards to :

- The proposed national ballast water discharge standard is as strong as the most  stringent state standard (California’s  and New York’s for new builds)
- The rule is being made under the National Invasive Species Act, which protects the Clean Water Act and the ability of states to protect their waters from biological pollution (read: No controversy
over preemption of EPA or state authorities).

Next up, the Coast Guard will conduct a 90-day public comment period and hold public meetings across the US.  Following the public comment period, the Coast Guard will prepare responses to comments and prepare the final rulemaking for publication.

Stay tuned for additional updates on this proposed rulemaking.

Ballast Water Invasions Prevention Report

Ships have introduced many invasive species into the Great Lakes through discharging ballast water, but to date regulators have struggled to put a stop to new invasions. The Environmental Law Institute has issued a white paper identifying financial responsibility approaches regulators can use to protect the Great Lakes economy and environment from biological pollution introduced in ballast water. You can read the full report by clicking here.

International Pre-Import Risk Screening Report

The summary report is now available of the proceedings of the University of Notre Dame live animal trade expert workshop, held April 2008, printed by the Global Invasive Species Programme. Entitled Best Practices in Pre-Import Risk Screening for Species of Live Animals in International Trade it was supported by several NECIS groups. The report provides valuable information on the why and how of pre-import risk screening for invasiveness and disease, with extensive
background on how it is done in some countries, the various challenges involved, and how screening can be done more broadly and better.  Download Proceedings of the University of Notre Dame live animal trade expert workshop

Myths vs. Facts on H.R. 669

The Facts on the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act:

Why We Need H.R. 669 to Prevent Invasive Species

Recently, a bill was introduced into the United State House of Representatives titled “The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act”, also known as H.R. 669. The bill aims to stop the spread of invasive species in the U.S. by preventing the introduction of non-native wildlife species that pose excessive risk to the economy, the environment, human health or native wildlife. The act would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to first assess the potential risks associated with a species proposed for import before deciding whether to allow or prohibit it. It would establish a comprehensive law regulating non-native wildlife that will keep potentially harmful animals out in the first place.

You can read additional information about H.R. 669 by clicking on the link below:

• Download: Myths vs Facts on HR 669

NECIS Sends Letter to Chair of CEQ about Guidance on Invasives

NECIS sent a letter to the new Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Nancy Sutley, urging CEQ to finalize a long-overdue formal Guidance document on Invasive Species under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Download Letter to Sutley – NEPA guidance

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