Rep. Valentine offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 309.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact strong legislation to end the flow of new aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes from ballast water.

            Whereas, The Great Lakes suffer from an infestation of aquatic invasive species introduced from the ballast water of ocean-going ships entering the Great Lakes. These exotic animals and plants cost millions of dollars annually to control and have irreversibly disrupted and displaced native plants and animals; and

            Whereas, Federal regulations to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes are ineffective. On average each year, one new aquatic invasive species is introduced to the Great Lakes from ballast water. New strong federal regulation of ocean-going ships is imperative to protect the Great Lakes and all the people and industries who depend on them; and

            Whereas, Current legislation in Congress would unnecessarily delay for years the adoption of meaningful standards for ballast water and implementation of available and effective treatment technology for ballast water. The Ballast Water Management Act of 2007 (S. 1578) and the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 (H.R. 2830) should require environmentally protective standards for ballast water discharges that must be met within five years with an ultimate goal of zero discharge of viable organisms. In addition, federal legislation should not preclude action under the Clean Water Act to address ballast water discharges from ocean-going ships; and

            Whereas, Most importantly, federal legislation should not preempt the possibility of state actions to improve on federal standards as needed to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Congress should not remove the power of states to protect their waters as they see fit; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact strong legislation to end the flow of new aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes from ballast water; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.