0
0

Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act

12/29/2022, 10:03 PM

Summary of Bill HR 7206

Bill 117 HR 7206, also known as the Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the issue of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water across the country.

HABs are a natural phenomenon that occur when algae in water bodies grow out of control and produce toxins that can harm humans, animals, and the environment. These blooms can have serious health and economic impacts, as they can contaminate drinking water sources, kill fish and other aquatic life, and harm local economies that rely on tourism and recreation.

The bill seeks to improve monitoring and response efforts to HABs by authorizing funding for research, monitoring, and mitigation programs. It also aims to enhance coordination between federal, state, and local agencies to better address the issue of HABs. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for public education and outreach to raise awareness about the dangers of HABs and how to prevent them. Overall, the Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act is a bipartisan effort to address a pressing environmental issue that affects communities across the country. By providing resources and support for research and mitigation efforts, the bill aims to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of algal blooms.

Congressional Summary of HR 7206

Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act

This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster.

The bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to submit to specified congressional committees a detailed study relating to the health effects of exposure to cyanotoxins in the air that result from algal blooms.

Current Status of Bill HR 7206

Bill HR 7206 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 24, 2022. Bill HR 7206 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on March 24, 2022.  Bill HR 7206's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. as of March 25, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7206

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
16
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
12
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7206

Primary Policy Focus

Emergency Management

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7206

Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act
Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster, and for other purposes.

Comments