Meet An Iron Triangle: Invasive Species (Sofia)

Iron Triangle: Invasive Species Control

By: Sofia Leo

Congressional Committees

InvasiveSpecies

Interest Groups

Bureaucracy

IMPACT OF ISSUE NETWORKS:

Issue networks make the relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups more complicated by adding the public, media and nonprofit organizations into the mix. For example, when tackling invasive species in Louisiana, groups like The Nature Conservancy might work with the House Agriculture Committee to push for better funding or laws. Also, the Associated Press could make a report on USDA programs, which would help the public understand what’s going on and might push people to speak out or get involved. New ideas and perspectives will be brought to the table, but they can also make it harder to get everyone on the same page since each group has its own priorities. The iron triangle becomes messier with issue networks, but it is stronger in that there are numerous connections, and there is much more involvement in the policies.

CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTES:

• House Committe on Natural Resources
• This committee oversees federal land management, fisheries, wildlife, and ocean resources.
• Senate Committee on Enviroment & Public Works
• This committee addresses issues involving the environment, including invasive species that affect ecosystems, water quality, and public lands.

• House Committee on Agriculture
• This committee is involved when invasive species impact agriculture, forestry, or rural development, as these species can harm crops, livestock, and related industries.

https://naturalresources.house.gov/about/ https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/jurisdiction https://agriculture.house.gov/

Interest Groups:

• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
• A global conservation organization that works to protect ecosystems and biodiversity. They aim to control and prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals.
• National Wildlife Federation (NWF)
• A nonprofit organization focused on protecting wildlife and their habitats. They advocate for policies to manage invasive species and educate the public about their environmental impacts.
• Center for Invasive Species Prevention (CISP)
• A group that focuses on policy and regulatory measures to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. They typically promote science-based solutions.

https://www.nature.org/en-us/ https://www.nwf.org/ https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/

Bureaucratic Agencies:

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
• APHIS is responsible for safeguarding agriculture and natural resources against the introduction and spread of invasive species. It oversees inspections, quarantines, and eradication programs to prevent invasive species from damaging crops, livestock, and ecosystems.
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
• USFWS conserves and protects wildlife and their habitats, including taking care of invasive species that threaten endangered species and biodiversity. They focus on prevention and management of invasive species in the wildlife.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• NOAA focuses on aquatic invasive species, especially those affecting marine and coastal ecosystems. They do research to help with monitoring and implementing ways to manage invasive species that hurt fisheries, coral reefs, and other marine areas.

https://www.usda.gov/https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-protection-quarantinehttps://www.fws.gov/program/invasive-species https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/invasive-and-exotic-marine-species

Congressional Committee Stakeholders:

• National Geographic:
• National Geographic reports on environmental challenges, including invasive species. The work that they publish educates the public and can pressure lawmakers by making the public more aware of the current enviromental issues. For example, they could publish an article about legislation that's being debated in the Senate dealing with invasive species managment and make the public aware of it, pressuring lawmakers.
• Louisiana Farmers:

• Farmers affected by invasive pests can contact representatives in the House Agriculture Committee to advocate for policies that protect their crops. By contacting congressional committees, they can inform them how invasive species harm local economies and agriculture, influencing how the comittees take action and how quickly.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/invasive-species

Interest Group Stakeholders:

• The Nature Conservancy:
• The Nature Conservancy lobbies interest groups like the National Wildlife Federation to push for stronger policies combating invasive species.
• Recreational Fishermen:
• Fishermen concerned about invasive species disrupting ecosystems can join interest groups. These groups amplify fishermen's voices to ensure Congress funds programs to prevent invasive aquatic species.

https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/protect-water-and-land/land-and-water-stories/invasive-plant-species-invasive-species-education-1/https://wildlife.org/coalition-releases-federal-invasive-species-priorities/

Bureaucracy Stakeholders:

• Associated Press:
• The Associated Press frequently reports on federal agencies like APHIS when they release updates about invasive species outbreaks or control measures. Their local newspapers and online platforms spread awareness of agency actions and their impact on public and private sectors.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
• WCS can address invasive species threatening wildlife habitats. They might help implement education campaigns or collaborate on eradication strategies.

https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/monitoringhttps://www.wcs.org/about-us