Proposed Updates to Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research

Where This Stands

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Signed

Currently IN_COMMITTEE. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

The Frame

What this does

If passed, this bill would authorize $34.6 million annually through 2028 for research and response, and create a new mechanism for local and Tribal governments to receive federal funding to mitigate the economic and health impacts of severe water contamination events.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

State, local, and Tribal governments

These entities may request federal determinations of significance and receive financial assistance for mitigation efforts.

Fisheries and recreation industries

These industries are explicitly included in research and assessment efforts regarding the economic costs of algal blooms.

Subsistence communities

The bill mandates that research and mitigation efforts prioritize the protection of resources used for subsistence and allows for federal cost-share waivers for these communities.

What changed

Current stage: IN_COMMITTEE.

What's next

Floor Vote.

Summary

This bill updates federal research and response programs for harmful algal blooms and (low-oxygen water conditions) to include freshwater systems alongside marine environments. It establishes a new national incubator program for control technologies and creates a dedicated fund to provide financial assistance to state, local, and Tribal governments during significant bloom events.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'harmful algal bloom'?

The bill defines it as marine or freshwater algae or macroalgae that grow to high concentrations, causing nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on ecosystems, communities, or human health.

How can a local government get help during a bloom event?

Eligible requesters, such as Governors or Tribal leaders, can request a 'determination of significance' from federal officials. If granted, the government may receive financial assistance from the new Fund.

Does this bill cover freshwater lakes and rivers?

Yes, the bill explicitly expands the federal program's scope to include freshwater systems, including the Great Lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

Why It Matters

If passed, this bill would authorize $34.6 million annually through 2028 for research and response, and create a new mechanism for local and Tribal governments to receive federal funding to mitigate the economic and health impacts of severe water contamination events.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift100% confidence

Expansion to Freshwater

The bill marks a significant shift by formally integrating freshwater systems into a program that was historically focused on coastal and marine environments.

Environmental Protection Agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Connected Entities

organizationCongress“The body to which the Action Strategy must be submitted”Map →

bill_numberHarmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998“The act being amended”Map →

locationGreat Lakes“A specific system targeted by the Act”Map →

personBonamici, Michelle“Lead sponsor of the bill”Map →

organizationU.S. Government Publishing Office“Source of the Congressional Bill”Map →

organizationInteragency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia“The group responsible for implementing the Act's provisions”Map →

personJoyce, Anthony J.“Co-sponsor of the bill”Map →

locationupper reaches of estuaries“A specific system targeted by the Act”Map →

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance75
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy20
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment5
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz30
Current news / social attention level