The states of Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are suing the federal government and demanding it take more active steps to prevent the spread of damaging Asian carp from penetrating the Great Lakes, according to the Associated Press.

The states filed a similar lawsuit three years ago, which the government finally approved new legislation for, requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to create a plan that shields the lakes from the foreign species of fish within 18 months. But, the states are continuing to press their case saying that the timetable isn't quick enough.

In addition, the states are demanding that the Army destroy a man-made link between Lake Michigan and carp-infested waters near Chicago. The new legislation does not guarantee this will be done. Whereas, the Army Corps believes an electric barrier is blocking the carps' progress toward the lake. State officials say that carp DNA has been found in water samples as recent as June.

"The bill passed by Congress puts a limit on the Army Corps' endless studies but doesn't address future actions," said Joy Yearout, the spokeswoman for Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, to the AP. "We're hopeful the lawsuit could result in permanent separation."

While the lawsuit may involve several Midwestern states, any litigation taking place in Wisconsin may require the need for Wisconsin court reporters to help provide the most accurate court transcripts. In addition, using a Wisconsin-based court reporter service that also provides video depositions can ensure that all the parties have the most accurate recordings of the deposition proceedings and hearings. 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 at 10:20 am and is filed under All Posts, Wisconsin Legal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.