Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Bonamici
Introduced
Summary
National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia program expansion would broaden federal coordination, science, and funding to address harmful algal blooms and low-oxygen zones across marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. It would create a standing interagency Task Force, require Action Strategies and scientific assessments at least every five years, and add the Department of Energy to participating agencies.
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- Families and subsistence users would see explicit consideration of food safety, subsistence use, and cultural impacts in assessments and strategies, with special focus on protections for low-income, Tribal, and rural communities.
- Federal science and response capabilities would be strengthened. NOAA and EPA roles in monitoring, forecasting, data management, and coordination would expand, a National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network would be created, and a National-Level Incubator would fund prevention and mitigation technologies.
- Federal agencies would get dedicated funding and tools to act. The bill would authorize annual appropriations for 2026–2030 of $19.5 million to NOAA, $8.0 million to EPA, and $2.0 million per year for amended Section 9(g) activities, and it would add limited transfer authority to move funds among agencies.
*This bill would authorize roughly $29.5 million per year for 2026–2030 and therefore increase federal spending.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NOAA and EPA program funding
If enacted, the bill would authorize $19.5 million per year to NOAA and $8 million per year to EPA for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to carry out this title. It would also authorize $2.0 million per year for subsection 9(g) for FY2026–2030, and those subsection 9(g) amounts would remain available until expended. These are authorizations; Congress must appropriate the money before it can be spent.
Task Force and national event rules
If enacted, the bill would add the Department of Energy to the federal Task Force on harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. The Task Force would submit an Action Strategy and scientific assessment to Congress at least every five years. Officials would follow specified factors when deciding if an event is of national significance and must consult leaders of affected Indian Tribes, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Broader harmful algal bloom definitions
If enacted, the bill would expand legal definitions to cover high concentrations of marine and freshwater algae, macroalgae (like Sargassum), and cyanobacteria. It would define 'subsistence use' as customary and traditional use of fish, wildlife, or water resources for personal, family, economic, nutritional, or cultural needs. The program scope would expand to marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems.
More EPA freshwater monitoring and tests
If enacted, EPA would expand research on freshwater harmful algal blooms and low‑oxygen events. EPA would improve monitoring, forecasting, toxin testing access, and near real‑time data for States, Tribes, and local groups. The agency would support seafood industry resilience and testing for subsistence and recreational harvesters, especially in rural or remote areas.
Grants to assess major bloom events
If enacted, the government could give grants or contracts to States, Tribes, local governments, and other groups to pay or reimburse costs for assessing harmful algal bloom or hypoxia events. A federal official could waive local matching rules when a recipient cannot reasonably meet the non‑Federal share. These grants would help local public health and response work after big events.
National harmful algal bloom network
If enacted, NOAA would build a national network to monitor, detect, and forecast harmful algal blooms across marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. NOAA would coordinate data through the Integrated Ocean Observing System and the Water Quality Portal and run an incubator program to test mitigation methods. Priorities would include public health, culturally important resources, low‑income areas, Indian Tribes, and rural communities.
Limited cross-agency fund transfers
If enacted, NOAA or EPA could transfer money for these programs to other federal agencies only when an appropriations Act specifically allows it in advance and the receiving agency head concurs. This would let agencies shift funds for program needs but only with Congress's prior approval.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bonamici
OR • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
OH • R
Sponsored 1/23/2025
Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/25/2025
McBride
DE • D
Sponsored 2/25/2025
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
MI • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Levin
CA • D
Sponsored 7/23/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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