Harmful Algal Bloom Amendments

Summary#

This bill, introduced January 23, 2025, would amend the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998. It changes the federal Task Force's name and membership, adds the Department of Energy, and expands the focus from coastal waters and the Great Lakes to marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. The Task Force must produce an Action Strategy for harmful algal blooms at least once every 5 years and consult with States, Indian tribes, local governments, industries, academics, and nonprofits.

The bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out response work, develop operational observing and forecasting programs, study the effects of storms on nutrient resuspension, and follow data standards for observations. It directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lead research and operational monitoring for freshwater harmful algal blooms and to coordinate with NOAA in shared waters.

The bill creates a National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network to integrate federal, state, regional, and local observing systems. It would also create a national-level incubator program to test and help scale new strategies and technologies to prevent, mitigate, and control harmful algal blooms, and require a database cataloging these approaches. Definitions in the law are updated to include macroalgae and cyanobacteria and to clarify terms like subsistence use and tribal organizations.

The bill also amends a drought information statute to allow waiving non-Federal match requirements in certain cases and to allow grants and contracts to support assessment of major events.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Natural Resources. No publicly available information on further legislative action.

What it means for you#

  • Federal agencies would increase monitoring, forecasting, and response for harmful algal blooms in lakes, rivers, estuaries, coastal, and marine waters.
  • The bill directs more coordination with States, tribes, local governments, fisheries, subsistence communities, and research institutions.
  • It aims to expand access to toxin testing for subsistence and recreational harvesters and to support resilience of the seafood industry.
  • A national observing network and an incubator program would support new technologies and make observation data more available for decision-making.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes annual appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 of:
    • $19,500,000 to the Under Secretary (NOAA) each year, and
    • $8,000,000 to the Administrator (EPA) each year.
  • The bill adds authority to transfer funds among agencies if specifically provided in advance by appropriations Acts.
  • The drought information statute amendment authorizes $2,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended.
  • The incubator program would use amounts otherwise available to the Under Secretary for grants; the bill does not specify additional standalone appropriations for that program.
  • No publicly available information on estimated total federal costs, offsets, or a Congressional Budget Office score.

Proponents' View#

The bill directs agencies to improve detection, forecasting, monitoring, and response for harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. It adds coordination across agencies and with States, tribes, and local communities. The bill creates an observing network and an incubator to test and scale new solutions. It also aims to expand toxin testing access and support subsistence and rural communities, fisheries, and seafood industry resilience.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.