Bill > HR2408

This bill proposes to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by expanding the legal definition of a "major disaster" to include algal blooms. Currently, the Act defines major disasters as events like natural catastrophes, which traditionally included events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and droughts, but did not specifically mention algal blooms. By adding "algal blooms" to this definition, the bill would enable local communities affected by harmful algal blooms to potentially receive federal disaster relief assistance. Algal blooms are rapid increases in the population of algae in water systems, which can be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment, often causing water quality issues, ecosystem damage, and health risks. The bill is relatively straightforward, making a targeted amendment to existing disaster relief legislation to provide a mechanism for federal support in areas experiencing significant algal bloom events.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2408/all-info