Bill > HR644

This bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to expand and improve the federal government's approach to addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia in marine, freshwater, and estuarine environments. The bill establishes more comprehensive research, monitoring, and response strategies by requiring a Task Force to create a detailed action strategy every five years that examines the causes, ecological consequences, and economic impacts of HABs across different water systems. It enhances the roles of multiple federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by mandating improved monitoring, forecasting, and observing programs for HABs. The legislation also creates a national-level incubator program to develop and fund innovative strategies for preventing and mitigating HABs, with a priority on protecting habitats, biodiversity, public health, and supporting vulnerable communities. Additionally, the bill broadens the definition of harmful algal blooms to include both marine and freshwater ecosystems and expands consultation with affected stakeholders such as tribal organizations, local governments, and subsistence communities. The bill authorizes appropriations of $19.5 million for NOAA and $8 million for EPA annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these expanded efforts.