Environmental groups are sounding the alarm over new ballast water regulations approved by the U-S House.
The new regulations are less stringent than those already in place on the Great Lakes.
Not only are the new standards weaker than those of many Great Lakes states, but they would also prevent states from adopting regulations that are stronger than the federal ones.
That could lead to even more invasive species entering the Great Lakes.
"If you're a zebra mussel or a ship that carries them in its ballast water, it's really the season to thank the U.S. House for passing this bill. But for the rest of us, it's no thanks," said Marc Smith who's with the National Wildlife Federation.
Smith said ballast water is the number one vector for invasive species entering the Great Lakes, and that stricter regulations are needed to keep new species out.
Shipping interests have been calling for a single, nationwide ballast water standard instead of having different standards in different states.
Smith agrees with that idea, but said a nationwide standard would have to be strong enough to protect inland lakes. He said the regulations passed by the house would not do that.
The new regulations are less stringent than those already in place on the Great Lakes.
Not only are the new standards weaker than those of many Great Lakes states, but they would also prevent states from adopting regulations that are stronger than the federal ones.
That could lead to even more invasive species entering the Great Lakes.
"If you're a zebra mussel or a ship that carries them in its ballast water, it's really the season to thank the U.S. House for passing this bill. But for the rest of us, it's no thanks," said Marc Smith who's with the National Wildlife Federation.
Smith said ballast water is the number one vector for invasive species entering the Great Lakes, and that stricter regulations are needed to keep new species out.
Shipping interests have been calling for a single, nationwide ballast water standard instead of having different standards in different states.
Smith agrees with that idea, but said a nationwide standard would have to be strong enough to protect inland lakes. He said the regulations passed by the house would not do that.