Carp Control Project Stalled Amid Political Tensions

A $1 billion initiative aimed at preventing invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes has become a point of political contention between the federal government and Illinois state leadership.

In May, President Trump issued a memorandum supporting the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, a planned barrier system at the Des Plaines River near Joliet, backed by both state and federal agencies from Illinois and Michigan. The goal is to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem by utilizing technologies such as bubble curtains, sound waves, and electrical deterrents.

According to administration officials, the project has stalled due to a lack of cooperation from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office, with several outreach attempts reportedly unreturned. Pritzker’s spokesperson, Matt Hill, strongly disputes these claims, stating that the governor remains actively engaged in the effort.

The dispute highlights growing friction between Trump and Pritzker, set against the backdrop of broader political disagreements—perhaps most notably, Pritzker’s decision to host Texas Democrats fleeing a redistricting battle in their state.

Beyond the immediate rift, the project gains urgency from its scale and potential benefits. Environmental and economic experts point to the $7 billion value of the Great Lakes fishing industry and the $16 billion boating and recreation sector, both at risk if carp establish a foothold in the lakes.

Illinois previously rebranded the invasive fish as “copi” in 2022, promoting consumption as a strategy to reduce carp populations.

Looking ahead, the project’s success hinges on renewed clarity and coordination among federal, state, and local stakeholders. With the recent exchange of assurances and disputes, all eyes are on whether this collaborative environmental initiative can overcome the political headwinds and proceed toward completion.