Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025

Bill: 119-s-93
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2025-01-14 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
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
Marine pollution
Research administration and funding
State and local government operations
Water quality
Wetlands

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-14
text: 

Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025

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.

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.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-09-11
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2025-09-11
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2025-09-11
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2025-09-10
text: Passed Senate without amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2025-09-10
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2025-07-01
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 109.
action_date: 2025-07-01
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 119-34.
action_date: 2025-07-01
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 119-34.
action_date: 2025-02-05
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2025-01-14
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2025-01-14
text: Introduced in Senate