Photo of the Week: New Mexico Senator Leo Jaramillo snaps a photo during the Border Legislative Conference, which convened September 19-21 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Photo by Joel Garcia Espinoza, Sonora State Legislature Communications Department. |
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Quagga Mussels Detected in Snake River, Sparking Renewed Eradication Efforts | |
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) recently confirmed the detection of a small number of quagga mussels in the Snake River near Twin Falls. This invasive species, initially identified in the area in 2023, has prompted ongoing efforts to manage and eradicate the population.
The ISDA has been working with partners to implement extensive water sampling, inspections, statewide communications, and a treatment plan to reduce the mussel presence. Despite significant progress, the agency is planning additional treatments for the river later this year to further curb the infestation. Recent detections occurred in areas like the Shoshone Falls pool and the Twin Falls Reservoir, with warm water temperatures contributing to increased mussel activity.
Quagga mussels pose a major threat to infrastructure by clogging pipes that support drinking water, energy production, and agriculture. Their unchecked spread could result in significant financial damage across various sectors in Idaho. To prevent further infestation, ISDA continues to promote cleaning, draining, and drying all watercraft and recreational gear.
Aquatic invasive species, including quagga mussels, were a focal point of discussion at the recent Legislative Council on River Governance (LCRG) held in Richland, Washington. This program brings together legislators from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington to tackle issues facing the Columbia and Snake River basins.
Additionally, during this year’s 77th CSG West Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, the CSG West Executive Committee adopted a resolution calling for harmonized approaches to managing invasive species across states and provinces. This resolution aims to combat the growing threat posed by species like quagga and zebra mussels, which endanger water infrastructure, hydro facilities, and recreational activities across western North America.
More information about efforts to combat invasive species in the Snake River can be accessed HERE.
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New Resource: AI and Disability-Inclusive Hiring Framework | |
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, CSG West is pleased to highlight a new resource from the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly powers recruiting and hiring tools, it presents both opportunities and challenges. PEAT is working to ensure that AI-based hiring technologies are more inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
In collaboration with the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED) and a team of experts, PEAT conducted listening sessions and gathered input from a national public dialogue to create the AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework. Based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework, this tool helps break down barriers to disability inclusion in AI hiring while maximizing its potential. From asking vendors key questions to ensuring human oversight, this resource covers the technology’s lifecycle in an approachable way.
SEED has been a key participant in past CSG West annual meetings and collaborated with CSG to publish reports that support state policymakers on disability workforce issues. It has also co-hosted virtual convenings with CSG, regionally and nationally, on disability-inclusive workforce development, mental health, apprenticeships, and related topics.
Click below to explore the new resource:
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Join the 2024 CSG Henry Toll Fellows at the CSG National Conference in New Orleans | The 2024 CSG Henry Toll Fellows, including 13 participants from the West, invite you to the CSG National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Join them, along with leaders from all three branches of government, for this exciting event taking place December 4-7. | | |
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Colorado River Forum
November 18-20
Phoenix, Arizona
| CSG West will host the Colorado River Forum (CRF) November 18-20 in Phoenix, Arizona. Be sure to save the date! This annual forum brings together legislators from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as other key stakeholders, to review and discuss issues and opportunities related to the Colorado River Basin. Issues of study and discussion this year will include: | The Current State of the Colorado River System Hydrology | Water Use, Re-Use, Recycling, and Conservation in the Desert | Current Status of Post-2026 Operating Guidelines | 2026 and Beyond: Key Considerations for Future Governance | Irrigated Agriculture in Arizona: This is How We Do It | Tribal Water Right Decisions Impacting the Colorado River | Additional information is available at the CRF website. Registration information can be found here. For additional questions, please contact Jackie Tinetti, Policy Analyst, at jtinett@csg.org. |
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Western Legislative Academy
December 10-13
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Each year, state legislators from the western region are selected to participate in the Western Legislative Academy (WLA), a multi-day training experience focused on sharpening leadership skills needed to excel in a legislative environment. Faculty from academic, nonprofit, and legislative backgrounds engage class members in interactive sessions designed to provide a learning experience that expands understanding and fosters relationships.
The 53 members accepted to the WLA Class of 2024 will convene December 10-13 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Recognized as the premier training event for lawmakers in their initial four years of service, WLA has seen alumni ascend to key leadership roles, including presiding officers, majority and minority leaders, committee and caucus leaders, lieutenant governors, and members of the U.S. Congress.
View the WLA Class of 2024 roster here. For more information about the program, please visit the WLA website, or contact Will Keyes, Professional Development Manager, at wkeyes@csg.org.
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THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST www.csgwest.org | |
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CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving western state legislatures. All active legislators are considered members of our organization and included in organizational correspondence regarding news and events. While we hope you find this information of use, we also understand the need for a tidy inbox. If you do not wish to receive email updates from us, please unsubscribe below to be removed from our email list. | | | | |
