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Stop Poisoning Florida Act

12/15/2023, 3:56 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2504

Bill 118 hr 2504, also known as the Stop Poisoning Florida Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the issue of toxic algae blooms in Florida's waterways. The bill seeks to provide funding for research and monitoring of harmful algal blooms, as well as support for efforts to mitigate their impact on the environment and public health.

Specifically, the Stop Poisoning Florida Act allocates resources to study the causes of algal blooms, such as nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff and wastewater discharges. It also includes provisions for improving water quality standards and implementing measures to prevent future outbreaks of toxic algae.

Additionally, the bill calls for increased coordination between federal, state, and local agencies in responding to algal blooms, as well as enhanced public education and outreach efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of exposure to harmful toxins. Overall, the Stop Poisoning Florida Act aims to protect Florida's waterways and the health of its residents by addressing the root causes of toxic algae blooms and implementing strategies to prevent their occurrence in the future.

Congressional Summary of HR 2504

Stop Poisoning Florida Act

This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to prohibit certain discharges of water from Lake Okeechobee, which is Florida's largest freshwater lake. Specifically, the USACE must prohibit discharges of water from the lake through the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam or the St. Lucie Lock and Dam when the water exceeds the maximum concentration of microcystins (a toxin that is produced by blue-green algae) recommended for recreational waters by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Current Status of Bill HR 2504

Bill HR 2504 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 6, 2023. Bill HR 2504 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 6, 2023.  Bill HR 2504's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. as of April 7, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2504

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2504

Primary Policy Focus

Water Resources Development

Potential Impact Areas

- Dams and canals
- Environmental health
- Florida
- Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
- Lakes and rivers
- Water quality

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2504

Stop Poisoning Florida Act
Stop Poisoning Florida Act
To require the Corps of Engineers to prohibit certain discharges of water at Lake Okeechobee, and for other purposes.

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