State Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) warned Wednesday that California is quickly running out of time to contain the rapid spread of invasive golden mussels, an emerging threat to the state’s water infrastructure, agriculture, recreation and ratepayers.
Golden mussels, first detected in California near the Port of Stockton in 2024, are small invasive mollusks that attach to boats, piers, water intake pipes and other surfaces. They form dense colonies that can clog pipes, damage infrastructure and disrupt water deliveries for farms and cities.
Ransom addressed the issue during a budget hearing, urging immediate state action before the problem becomes far more expensive and difficult to manage.
“My community in San Joaquin County is ground zero for this infestation, and we are already seeing the damage firsthand. California has a narrow window to get ahead of this, and we are already missing it. If we don’t act now, this will only get more expensive and harder to control,” Ransom said.
The mussels have already spread beyond the initial detection site and are now impacting the Delta region, with concerns they could move into other waterways across the state. Once established, eradication is considered nearly impossible, leaving officials focused on slowing their expansion.
Ransom has previously secured $20 million in state funding as an initial investment to combat golden mussels and other invasive species. She has also introduced legislation, including AB 2032, aimed at strengthening fish and wildlife regulations related to the mussels and restricted species permits.
Local impacts are already being felt in the San Joaquin Delta, where the mussels threaten water supplies for agriculture and urban use, as well as recreational boating and fishing. The species is believed to have arrived from another region or country, putting all of California’s waterways at risk.
Ransom called for stronger coordination between state agencies, local governments and potentially federal partners to contain the invasion. She emphasized that proactive measures now will protect ratepayers and prevent billions in potential future costs to water systems and infrastructure.