Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives [1] voted [2] 395 to 7 to restrict the discharge of ballast water by oceangoing vessels into American waterways. Ballast water, taken in by ships' tanks in one part of the world and discharged in another, is a main culprit in the introduction of invasive species.

Invasive species like the zebra mussel, disrupt local ecosystems and economiesNon-native species, such as the zebra mussel of the Great Lakes, destroy local fishing industries, ecosystems and tourism economies while costing states millions of dollars.

The legislation requires ships to have new technology by 2012 to treat the ballast water before it is discharged. Although the White House [3] is concerned about how the bill will affect recreational craft, lawmakers feel they can address these concerns and have the votes to override a veto.