S.93 - Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.93, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025, aims to amend the 1998 Act to enhance research, monitoring, and control efforts related to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. The bill emphasizes a more comprehensive approach, including freshwater systems, and incorporates new technologies and data integration methods. It also establishes a national-level incubator program for innovative mitigation strategies.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to improved monitoring and forecasting of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events across marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. This will also lead to better coordination among federal agencies and increased support for state, tribal, and local entities. Ultimately, it should result in more effective strategies to protect public health, ecosystems, and economies dependent on water resources.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced monitoring and forecasting capabilities for harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
- Improved coordination among federal agencies and with state, tribal, and local entities.
- Increased research into the causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies for these events.
- Support for innovative technologies and measures to prevent and control harmful algal blooms.
- Better protection of public health, ecosystems, and economies dependent on water resources, including subsistence use.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on industries such as agriculture and fertilizer.
- Possible delays or challenges in implementing new programs and initiatives.
- The effectiveness of the incubator program for novel technologies is uncertain.
- Funding may be insufficient to address all aspects of the problem adequately.
- Potential for unintended consequences from mitigation strategies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting activities that protect public health, the environment, and economic interests related to water resources. Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for federal involvement in addressing harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, particularly when they affect navigable waters and interstate fisheries. The bill also acknowledges the role of states and tribes, respecting principles of federalism.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).