Strengthening Harmful Algal Bloom Control: Enhanced Research, Forecasting, and Response.
This Act expands and strengthens federal programs dedicated to researching, monitoring, and controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia (low oxygen levels in water). Citizens will benefit from improved public health protection and food safety, as the law enhances the ability to predict and respond to these phenomena across marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. New funding is authorized for research and technologies aimed at protecting communities reliant on water resources, including fisheries and tourism.
Key points
Improved Threat Forecasting: NOAA and EPA must develop real-time monitoring, observation, and forecasting systems for algal blooms, allowing for faster public warnings.
Protecting Health and Economy: Research will focus on the impact of algal blooms on food safety, public health, and socio-economic costs, particularly for Indigenous and rural communities.
New Technology Development: A national incubator program will be established to test and deploy new technologies designed to prevent, mitigate, and control algal blooms (e.g., through biological, chemical, or physical means).
Financial Support for States: Federal funds are authorized for states and tribes to cover costs associated with assessing and responding to severe HAB events of national significance, with the possibility of waiving the non-federal cost-share requirement.
Expired
Citizen Poll