Michigan congressman proposes protection against Asian Carp

WASHINGTON DC – A Michigan congressman is sponsoring a bill that would close two Chicago-area locks. This comes on the heels of reports this week that Asian Carp DNA has been found touching southern Lake Michigan.

Republican Congressman Dave Camp’s legislation would not only close Chicago-area locks, it would also erect permanent barriers to stop invasive species coming from the Mississippi River. Camp says electrical barriers aren't doing the trick. He says “the stakes are so huge,” because of the potential of Asian Carp to eat everything other fish eat, and destroy the Great Lakes eco-system.

But shipping interests from the American Ports Association and American Waterways oppose closing the Chicago Canal. Wisconsin Port Association's Dean Haen says the port of Milwaukee will suffer since it gets river barges from the Chicago canal. He says officials need to take some time and assess the situation to figure out solutions.

Congressman Camp is the ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, so he has power to swiftly move this legislation. But even if Camp gets the support he needs, it could be another two months before it reaches President Obama's desk.

Tags: invasive species, asian carp, news