Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp
5/9/2025
Action Summary
- Objective: Prevent the migration and expansion of invasive carp into the Great Lakes Basin.
- Key Mechanism: Presidential memorandum directing rapid implementation of barriers, innovative technological deterrents, and streamlined permitting.
- Brandon Road Interbasin Project: Supports project development with a federal investment of $274 million; requires state cooperation, particularly from Illinois, to meet key deadlines.
- State and Local Deadlines: Illinois must acquire necessary land by July 1, 2025, and local permits must be granted within 30 days to facilitate construction.
- Federal Agency Coordination:
- Environmental Protection Agency: Prioritize projects to remove invasive carp from the Upper Illinois Waterway near Lake Michigan and maintain existing barriers.
- NOAA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Enhance research, prevention, removal, and control efforts for invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species.
- Environmental and Economic Importance: Protects the Great Lakes as a critical freshwater system, vital for shipping, fishing, recreation, drinking water, and economic activities.
- Broader Conservation Commitments: Reinforces President Trump’s longstanding approach to safeguard America’s natural resources, including forest management, wildlife protection, and ocean conservation.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order focuses on environmental protection, specifically targeting the prevention of invasive carp in the Great Lakes. While this is a regional issue, it highlights the administration’s approach to environmental management, which could influence broader environmental policies affecting universities.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how changes in federal environmental policies could impact its research programs, particularly those related to ecology, environmental science, and sustainability.
- The emphasis on swift action and cooperation among states and federal agencies could set a precedent for future environmental projects, potentially affecting how universities engage with government-funded environmental research and initiatives.
- There is a risk that the prioritization of certain environmental projects could divert federal resources away from other areas of environmental research and education, impacting funding opportunities for universities.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science and Engineering Programs may see increased opportunities for research and collaboration with federal agencies focused on invasive species management and environmental protection.
- The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could benefit from aligning its research priorities with federal initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources and ecosystems.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations might need to engage more actively with policymakers to ensure that the university’s research interests are considered in the development of environmental policies and funding allocations.
Financial Impact
- The focus on environmental protection and management could lead to increased federal funding for related research projects, presenting opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure grants and contracts in this area.
- However, the prioritization of specific projects, such as the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, may limit the availability of federal funds for other environmental research initiatives, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s funding landscape.
- Vanderbilt may need to adjust its grant application strategies to align with the administration’s environmental priorities and ensure continued access to federal research funding.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, particularly in environmental research and funding opportunities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department should consider conducting research on the ecological impact of invasive species like Asian carp in freshwater systems. This research could contribute to national efforts in managing invasive species and provide valuable insights for policy recommendations.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in federal environmental policies and funding opportunities related to invasive species management. Engaging with federal agencies like the EPA and NOAA could position Vanderbilt to secure research grants and collaborate on projects aimed at protecting natural resources.
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could explore technological innovations in environmental protection, such as developing new barriers or deterrents for invasive species. Collaborating with federal projects like the Brandon Road Interbasin Project could enhance the university’s role in environmental engineering solutions.
- The Department of Political Science should analyze the political and economic implications of environmental policies on regional economies, particularly those reliant on natural resources like the Great Lakes. This analysis can inform strategic decisions and advocacy efforts related to environmental legislation.
Opportunities
- The memorandum presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Environmental Policy Program to engage in policy analysis and advocacy related to invasive species management. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the program can influence policy decisions and contribute to national environmental protection efforts.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on environmental protection by developing partnerships with federal agencies and other research institutions. This could include joint research initiatives, technology development, and collaborative policy analysis, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation in environmental science and policy.
- The emphasis on protecting natural resources aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The university can develop targeted outreach and education programs to raise awareness about invasive species and promote conservation efforts within the community.
Relevance Score: 3 (The memorandum presents opportunities for research and collaboration in environmental protection, requiring some adjustments to processes and partnerships.)
Timeline for Implementation
- July 1, 2025: Deadline for Illinois to acquire the necessary land to begin construction.
- 30-day deadlines: For local permits to be granted to facilitate Army Corps construction.
The shortest timeline is the 30-day permit requirement, which falls within the 30-59 day range.
Relevance Score: 4
Impacted Government Organizations
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directed to prioritize and expedite infrastructure projects aimed at removing invasive carp from the Upper Illinois Waterway and maintaining existing barriers in the Great Lakes Basin.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Tasked with prioritizing research and management efforts to address invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species in the region.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Also charged with focusing on research and control measures to prevent the spread of invasive carp into the Great Lakes.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Implicated through requirements to streamline local permitting and facilitate construction for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project.
- State of Illinois: Required to acquire necessary land and complete permitting processes within set deadlines to enable the project’s progress.
Relevance Score: 2 (3-5 agencies are affected by the memorandum.)
Responsible Officials
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Instructed to prioritize infrastructure projects to remove invasive carp from the Upper Illinois Waterway and maintain existing barriers to guard the Great Lakes Basin.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Directed to prioritize research and management efforts to prevent, remove, and control invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Tasked alongside NOAA to prioritize research and management strategies for addressing invasive carp threats.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Required to expedite local permit reviews (with 30-day deadlines) to facilitate construction of earmarked projects such as the Brandon Road Interbasin Project.
- Illinois State Officials – Mandated to acquire necessary land by July 1, 2025, and secure prompt local permits, ensuring the federal investment yields timely project completion.
Relevance Score: 4 (Directs multiple agency heads and critical state officials to implement strategic, high-level environmental and infrastructural measures.)