We would like to thank CEO, Jim Gintner for taking the time to forward this article to us so we could pass along the concerns we have about our industry and livelihood. The link below will take you directly to a page where you can write to your local Congressman/Congresswoman. I did it this morning and it only took me a few minutes. Please take a few minutes to do this. We appreciate your support!
Dear Customers and AquaNerd Readers,
A newly proposed legal change is huge and real threat to all of our businesses and the aquarium hobby.
Please take time to review the below and TAKE ACTION NOW:
via Central Segrest Inc. and PIJAC
A last-minute amendment has been made to the America COMPETES Act (HR4521) that would
impact all pet animals except cats and dogs, despite the originally stated purpose of HR4521
being to strengthen America’s economic and national security. We need you to take action
today!
What’s at stake: The amendment to HR4521 is concerning for the pet care community because
it would:
• Create a white list of approved species that can be imported, where any animal not listed is
treated as an injurious species by default and banned from importation into the United
States;
• Change the Lacey Act shipment clause to ban the intersate transport of species listed as
injurious; and
• Establish new emergency powers that would allow USFWS to use an “emergency designation”
that is effective immediately after publication in the Federal Register unless extended up to
60 days to prohibit importation of species if found injurious to humans, ag, horticulture,
forestry, wildlife or wildlife resources of U.S. for no more than 3 years.
What you can do:
1. Send a message to your US Representative urging them to VOTE NO to amendments
to HR4521 impacting the Lacey Act.
2. Spread the word: Contact everyone you know in the pet trade and urge them to use this
Alert and send emails to their Representatives.
It will only take a few minutes, but it is vital to the pet industry that you send a letter to your
representative. The House Rules Committee heard the COMPETES Act amendment on Feb 1,
2022, and it may be up for a vote on the House floor in the coming days.
impact all pet animals except cats and dogs, despite the originally stated purpose of HR4521
being to strengthen America’s economic and national security. We need you to take action
today!
What’s at stake: The amendment to HR4521 is concerning for the pet care community because
it would:
• Create a white list of approved species that can be imported, where any animal not listed is
treated as an injurious species by default and banned from importation into the United
States;
• Change the Lacey Act shipment clause to ban the intersate transport of species listed as
injurious; and
• Establish new emergency powers that would allow USFWS to use an “emergency designation”
that is effective immediately after publication in the Federal Register unless extended up to
60 days to prohibit importation of species if found injurious to humans, ag, horticulture,
forestry, wildlife or wildlife resources of U.S. for no more than 3 years.
What you can do:
1. Send a message to your US Representative urging them to VOTE NO to amendments
to HR4521 impacting the Lacey Act.
2. Spread the word: Contact everyone you know in the pet trade and urge them to use this
Alert and send emails to their Representatives.
It will only take a few minutes, but it is vital to the pet industry that you send a letter to your
representative. The House Rules Committee heard the COMPETES Act amendment on Feb 1,
2022, and it may be up for a vote on the House floor in the coming days.
