Sep 8: The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) announced the appointment of John Goss as the Asian Carp Director. Goss joins CEQ from the Indiana Wildlife Federation, the Indiana State affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, where he served for four years as the Executive Director. In his role, John will serve as the principal advisor to CEQ Chair Nancy Sutley on Asian carp issues, and oversee the coordination of Federal, state, and local efforts to keep Asian carp from establishing in the Great Lakes ecosystems. In his role at the Wildlife Federation, he worked with conservation, business and industry groups to support the Great Lakes Compact. Goss previously served as Director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and as Vice Chair of the Great Lakes Commission.
Nancy Sutley, CEQ Chair said, "With a strong background focused on natural resources, John will be an excellent addition to our team as we continue to combat the spread of Asian carp. He will help to ensure coordination among government agencies and the most effective response across all levels of government to this threat." Goss will chair the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC), which is a team of Federal, state and local agencies working together to prevent Asian carp from establishing populations in the Great Lakes. The Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework, released in February, 2010 and updated in May, 2010, unifies Federal, state and local action in an unparalleled effort to combat invasive species.
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm issued a statement saying, "We have to do everything possible to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. As the new Asian Carp Director, John Goss clearly understands this mandate, and he will ensure that all federal agencies understand it as well. John Goss shares our passion for protecting the Great Lakes, and his skills and experience make him a great choice for this vital mission." In his role, Goss will serve as the principal advisor to Council of Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley on Asian carp issues and oversee the coordination of federal, state, and local efforts to keep Asian carp from establishing in the Great Lakes ecosystems.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded the announcement and said, "I commend the President for hearing my concerns and making the ecological and economic viability of Lake Michigan a national priority by appointing John Goss, an exceptionally qualified candidate and a longtime friend of the Great Lakes. We have to redouble our efforts and do everything in our power to stop this invasive species from entering Lake Michigan. I am confident that with this step, we have made real progress towards a well-coordinated approach that takes this invasive species very seriously."
Access a release for CEQ (click here). Access a release from the Governor Granholm (click here). Access a release from Senator Durbin (click here).
