House OKs rapid-response plan for invasive aquatic species and creates pesticide working group

The Connecticut House voted to establish a rapid-response framework to address newly discovered aquatic invasive plants — notably hydrilla — and to create a legislative working group to modernize pesticide reporting. The House adopted an amendment that directs the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s Office of Aquatic Invasive Species to develop a rapid-response protocol in consultation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, prioritized to identify and treat newly established infestations before seeding cycles.

Supporters including Representatives Parker and Lamarck Muir urged faster, coordinated action so small outbreaks do not become widespread infestations in lakes and rivers. Lawmakers emphasized that response may include mechanical harvesting, containment and targeted treatments, and that the approach is intended to be science-driven and to prioritize non-chemical options where effective. The amendment also created a multi-stakeholder working group — with representation from farmers, conservation groups, golf-course superintendents, and applicators — to define a balanced, searchable reporting system for pesticide use.

What’s next: The bill passed the House as amended. The working group will report back next year and the Ag Experiment Station will draft the rapid-response protocol; municipalities and lake associations should follow the group’s outreach and invite participation.