Florida Delegation Members Reintroduce The Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Bilirakis, Donalds, Diaz-Balart, Franklin, Posey, Wasserman Schultz, Frost, Luna, Frankel,  Waltz,  Moskowitz, Mast, Cherfilus-McCormick, Salazar, and Castor reintroduced H.R. 1008 the Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act, to help preserve vital marine ecosystems.  Algae blooms have frequently proven to harm ecosystems, and Florida has plenty of wetlands worthy of preservation.  This bill amends Section 102 of the Robert T Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to expand its definition of "major disasters" to include algal blooms harmful to the environment. As such, federal disaster funding would be allocated to combatting this issue in the same way funding goes to tornado and hurricane recovery.  Algae blooms, such as Red Tide, can contain toxic substances that kill marine life and potentially harm humans. Additionally, these conditions can force beach closures, fishing restrictions, tourism declines, and property value drops.

“Protecting our pristine natural resources is not a partisan issue.  Unfortunately, communities throughout the state of Florida have seen the devastation that harmful algae blooms and red tide can have on our eco-system and tourism-related industries,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who serves as Co-Chairman of the House Travel and Tourism Caucus.  “Florida’s combined recreational and commercial fisheries alone generate an estimated $27.2 billion and support nearly 300,000 jobs.  When these disasters occur, Florida needs to be able to access the same emergency resources that are provided to help Americans recover from other natural disasters.  Additionally, I’ll continue to support efforts to determine how best to prevent, treat and mitigate these conditions should they occur in the future.”

“Water is Florida’s most important natural resource and serves as the heart & soul of Southwest Florida,” said Rep. Donalds. “I’m committed to advancing bipartisan policies that promote the preservation of our waterways against potential long-term damage resulting from harmful algal blooms. This bill gives state and local leaders the opportunity to request federal funding to protect their waterways for future generations to come. I’m thankful for my colleagues’ support in this effort to protect our nation’s marine ecosystems.”

“Florida’s waterways are integral to our economic growth and prosperity,” said Rep. Waltz. “As Floridians, we have seen firsthand the devastating effects that algal blooms and red tides have had on our coastal communities. Moving forward, we must work together at every level of government, including federal, to better protect Florida’s beautiful waterways and our way of life.”

“Our unique and beautiful ecosystem in Florida is one of America’s treasures. Not only is it the center of a robust tourism industry, it is home to thriving fisheries and precious minerals,” said Rep. Luna. “Algal blooms and events like red tide are a disastrous threat to this vibrant resource, which is why it’s extremely important we do what we can to protect it and conserve our waterways: for our livelihoods, local economy and flourishing habitat!”

“Florida’s waterways are critical to our state’s tourism industry and ecosystems. In recent years, algal blooms have had devastating effects on our environment, wildlife and economy so it makes sense to ensure they are eligible for disaster relief funding,” said Rep. Franklin. “I’m pleased to join Rep. Donalds and my Florida colleagues in supporting this bill so we can keep our state’s water clean and beautiful for generations to come.”

“Time after time, Treasure Coast communities have seen the utter disaster toxic algal blooms cause for our environment, economy, and public health.” said Rep. Mast. “Much of it could be prevented if it weren’t for the federal government’s mismanagement of waterways in Florida.  By forcing the federal government to pay for some of the damage caused, this bill will force our government to think twice before they discharge toxic water into our communities.”