California lawmakers broadly agree that golden mussels are a rapidly escalating threat to the state’s water system. Another would cut through permitting hurdles that water agencies say are slowing their ability to kill mussels already clogging pumps and pipelines. The argument behind the bill is that once golden mussels establish themselves in a lake, getting them out may be impossible. The Association of California Water Agencies has taken a support-if-amended position, cautioning lawmakers that reciprocity between inspection programs will require rigorous standards. The Newsom administration has also sought permanent CDFW staffing for a golden mussel containment program, initially supported with Proposition 4 climate bond dollars.