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
# Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill does:** This legislation extends federal funding and programs through 2030 to address harmful algal blooms (toxic algae buildup) and hypoxia (low oxygen conditions) in American waters—oceans, estuaries, and freshwater systems like lakes and rivers. These blooms can harm human health, kill fish and wildlife, damage the fishing industry, and make water unsafe. The bill requires the government to develop a comprehensive strategy every five years to prevent and manage these problems, and adds the Department of Energy to the federal task force overseeing these efforts. **Who it affects:** The bill impacts coastal communities, fishing industries, states with freshwater systems (particularly the Great Lakes region), and the general public who rely on safe water for recreation and food.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) will handle most of the day-to-day work monitoring and predicting blooms. **Current status:** The bill has already passed the Senate and is moving through the legislative process. It's a bipartisan effort focused on environmental monitoring and research rather than imposing new regulations on businesses or individuals.
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.
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