Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025
Key claim: The bill extends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act through FY2030 and expands NOAA and EPA duties to build national observing networks, forecasting, prevention/mitigation incubators, and freshwater HAB monitoring while adding the Department of Energy to the interagency task force.
Abstract
(HR644 · 119th Congress) Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 This bill extends through FY2030 and modifies the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act to address algal blooms and hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen) in U.S. marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. Harmful algal blooms are high concentrations of algae that may create nuisance or toxic conditions that are harmful to humans, animals, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. The bill directs the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to submit to Congress an action strategy for harmful algal blooms at least once every five years. The bill also expands the task force’s membership to include the Department of Energy. The bill also expands the duties of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia program. NOAA must also carry out a variety of activities related to monitoring, predicting, preventing, mitigating, and responding to marine, coastal, and Great Lakes harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events. For example, NOAA must establish (1) a national network of observing systems for monitoring, detecting, and forecasting harmful algal blooms; and (2) a national-level incubator program to increase the number of strategies, technologies, and measures available to prevent, mitigate, and control harmful algal blooms. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency must develop and enhance operational freshwater harmful algal bloom monitoring, observing, and forecasting programs in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs and carry out other activities related to researching freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events. Latest action (2025-01-23): Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Why this matters
Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia impose recurring costs on drinking water utilities, fisheries, tourism, and public health across coastal, Great Lakes, and inland freshwater systems, and the underlying federal research and control program requires periodic reauthorization to continue. Extending the statute through FY2030 while broadening NOAA and EPA monitoring, forecasting, and mitigation-incubator duties and adding DOE to the interagency task force signals continued federal engagement without imposing new regulatory obligations on states or dischargers.