Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025
Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of HR 644: Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 **What the bill does:** This legislation extends federal funding and programs through 2030 to address harmful algal blooms (excessive algae growth that can be toxic) and hypoxia (low oxygen levels) in U.S. waters. The bill strengthens government efforts to monitor, predict, prevent, and respond to these environmental problems, which damage ecosystems, harm wildlife, and affect fishing and recreation industries. **Key provisions and who it affects:** The bill requires a government task force to develop an action strategy for algal blooms every five years and adds the Department of Energy to the task force.
It expands NOAA's (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) responsibilities to conduct research and monitoring activities. This affects communities dependent on fishing, tourism, and recreation; coastal states and inland water regions; and environmental and public health agencies working to protect water quality. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025This bill extends through FY2030 and modifies the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act to address algal blooms and hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen) in U.S. marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. Harmful algal blooms are high concentrations of algae that may create nuisance or toxic conditions that are harmful to humans, animals, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.The bill directs the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to submit to Congress an action strategy for harmful algal blooms at least once every five years. The bill also expands the task force's membership to include the Department of Energy.The bill also expands the duties of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia program. NOAA must also carry out a variety of activities related to monitoring, predicting, preventing, mitigating, and responding to marine, coastal, and Great Lakes harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events. For example, NOAA must establish (1) a national network of observing systems for monitoring, detecting, and forecasting harmful algal blooms; and (2) a national-level incubator program to increase the number of strategies, technologies, and measures available to prevent, mitigate, and control harmful algal blooms.Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency must develop and enhance operational freshwater harmful algal bloom monitoring, observing, and forecasting programs in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs and carry out other activities related to researching freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.