Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law that aims to better combat aquatic invasive species, two Capital Region lawmakers said Friday.

The new legislation enables town boards to further address and combat invasive aquatic invertebrate species, as they are currently only able to address invasive plants under state law.

“Stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species requires vigilance and providing our communities with the flexibility to take them on,” state Sen. Dan Stec said in a statement. “This bi-partisan legislation Assemblymember Woerner and I sponsored and helped pass provides town boards with the flexibility to control invasive aquatic invertebrate species, such as Asian clams or Zebra mussels, that aren’t covered by current law. I’m pleased that the governor has signed this important quality of life bill into law, which helps to ensure our region is now better equipped to manage aquatic invasive species.”

“Invasive aquatic species cause harm to our environment, health, and recreation economy by negatively effecting the natural habits of fish and wildlife in our beloved lakes,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. “I am grateful Governor Hochul has signed legislation that better enables our community leaders to reduce their rapid and damaging spread.”