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Court Upholds Michigan Law to Stop Invasive Species

(National Wildlife Federation)

Published November 21, 2008

Court Upholds Michigan Law to Stop Invasive Species - Full Court Decision, Fednav v. Chester

Statement by Andy Buchsbaum, regional executive director, Great Lakes office of the National Wildlife Federation, on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholding the state of Michigan’s law to stop invasive species from entering the Great Lakes.

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (November 21, 2008)—“The court’s decision is a victory for the state of Michigan, the Great Lakes and the millions of people who depend on them for their jobs and way of life.

“The decision sends a clear message that Michigan’s law is constitutional and not pre-empted by federal law. The decision affirms that states have an important and powerful role to play in preventing the ongoing economic and environmental damage from invasive species.

“It is imperative that Great Lakes states remain vigilant in protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species which foul beaches, disrupt the aquatic food chain, damage infrastructure and cost citizens at least $200 million per year in damage and control costs.

“Absent aggressive state and federal actions, the problem of invasive species will only get worse and more costly. We have solutions. It is time to use them.”

National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.

For Immediate Release:
November 21, 2008

Contact:
Andy Buchsbaum, National Wildlife Federation, (734) 887-7100
Jordan Lubetkin, National Wildlife Federation, (734) 887-7109