The Golden Mussel Response Act awaits Governor's signature

Legislation that addresses the dire problem of invasive golden mussels in state waterways is now sitting on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, awaiting his signature after passing in both houses in the state legislature. Assembly Bill 2032, also known as the Golden Mussel Response Act, was authored by Assembly Member Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) and aims to help local water agencies respond more quickly to the invasive golden mussel crisis. The legislation calls for streamlining the permitting process and providing clearer guidance so water agencies can take swift action to prevent, control, and eradicate golden mussels. "Golden mussels are spreading on biological time, and California cannot afford to respond on traditional administrative time," said Ransom. "Local water agencies are already on the ground dealing with clogged pipes, damaged infrastructure, and rising maintenance costs. AB 2032 gives them the tools to move faster, cut through unnecessary delays, and protect the water systems our families, farms, and communities depend on." Golden mussels were first discovered in the Port of Stockton in November of 2024; their discovery was extremely concerning to state officials due to how invasive, destructive and fast-reproducing they are. The golden mussel attaches to any surface, including boats, water pipes and pumps. They can also be harmful to water quality, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems and infrastructure. "The San Joaquin Delta is ground zero for the golden mussel infestation," said Ransom. "San Joaquin County is already seeing the impacts of golden mussels on flood gates, water infrastructure, and boats. As they continue to spread, water agencies face higher maintenance costs and more challenges protecting critical infrastructure." The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the most common way invasive mussels are unintentionally moved between waterbodies is by hitchhiking on watercraft and equipment. In April 2025, federal and state officials took steps to try to stop that migration in state waterways. The US Bureau of Reclamation began requiring all trailered or motorized vessels launching at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine to participate in a vessel inspection/quarantine program. Vessel owners wanting to launch at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine at Auburn State Recreation Area are required to have their vessels inspected and a quarantine seal (watercraft band) applied for 30 days. During the quarantine, the vessel is not permitted to launch. Supporters of AB 2032 say the current process still does not allow authorities to move fast enough to keep the invasive species from spreading through water systems and are hopeful the passage of this bill would have a meaningful impact. The bill is co-sponsored by the Contra Costa Water District and the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. There were no opposing arguments listed against the legislation in its write-up. Newsom has until the end of the month to either sign or veto the bill. To read more details on the legislation, click here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2032