Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025
Held at the desk.
Introduced:Jan 22, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Dan Sullivan
Senator
Republican
AK
Cosponsors
15
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Environmental Protection
Summary
This bill reauthorizes harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research through FY2030. It expands the inter-agency task force to include DOE and requires action strategy updates every five years. NOAA must establish national monitoring networks and an incubator program for prevention technologies. EPA must enhance freshwater monitoring in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The bill addresses toxic algae threatening water quality and ecosystems.
Latest Action
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AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill reauthorizes harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research through FY2030. It expands the inter-agency task force to include DOE and requires action strategy updates every five years. NOAA must establish national monitoring networks and an incubator program for prevention technologies. EPA must enhance freshwater monitoring in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The bill addresses toxic algae threatening water quality and ecosystems.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Reauthorizes harmful algal bloom research through FY2030
Expands inter-agency task force membership
Requires five-year action strategy updates
NOAA must create monitoring network and technology incubator
EPA must enhance freshwater bloom monitoring
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Harmful algal blooms threaten drinking water supplies, recreation, and aquatic life. Climate change and nutrient pollution are increasing bloom frequency and severity. This reauthorization ensures continued federal research and response capabilities. The incubator program for new technologies addresses the need for better prevention and mitigation tools as the problem worsens.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Environmental Protection
Related Subjects
Aquatic ecology
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental health
Environmental technology
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Great Lakes
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Higher education
Lakes and rivers
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
+5 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
93, 119th Congress (2025). "Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-93
