Overview
Title
To amend the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to address harmful algal blooms, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
This bill wants to make bigger and better plans to stop yucky algae from growing too much in the water, which hurts fish and other life, by giving money and support to smart people to study and fix it. But, it doesn’t quite explain clearly how some of the money will be used or shared, so people are worried about spending it wisely.
Summary AI
The bill titled “Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025” seeks to revise existing legislation to better address the issues of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in marine and freshwater environments. It proposes changes to enhance research, monitoring, and response efforts through various federal agencies, and emphasizes coordination with state, tribal, and local entities. It also introduces new programs and strategies to improve forecasting, mitigate impacts, and increase research in this field. Furthermore, it outlines specific appropriations to support these initiatives from 2026 through 2030.
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AnalysisAI
Overview of the Bill
This bill, known as the “Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025,” seeks to modify and enhance the existing Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998. It updates and expands federal efforts to tackle harmful algal blooms and hypoxia—a condition of low oxygen levels in water bodies that can harm aquatic life. By integrating more federal agencies and promoting cooperation among them, the bill aims to improve the strategies deployed to monitor, control, and mitigate these environmental issues, which have significant ecological, health, and economic impacts.
Significant Issues
One key issue highlighted in the bill is the substantial allocation of funds—$19,500,000 to the Under Secretary and $8,000,000 to the Administrator for the years 2026 through 2030—without clear justification for these amounts. This raises concerns about the financial accountability and effectiveness of the proposed initiatives. Additionally, the language used in the bill is highly technical, which may not be easily understood by non-experts. This complexity could lead to public misunderstandings about the bill's objectives and potential impacts.
Another issue is the vague terminology regarding the criteria for cost-effective methods in sections like 603B, which could allow for inconsistent application and potential inefficiencies. The potential overlap among federal agencies' activities due to lack of clear distinctions in roles and responsibilities might also result in duplicated efforts and resource waste.
Furthermore, the provisions for stakeholder consultation are broad and lack a defined mechanism for effective collaboration. This ambiguity might hinder successful stakeholder engagement, which is crucial for implementing the bill's provisions efficiently.
Broad Public Impact
The bill could have a broad impact on various aspects of society, including public health, environmental conservation, and local economies. By attempting to improve the management of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events, it could contribute to healthier ecosystems and safer water quality, thereby protecting the health and safety of communities that rely on these water resources. However, the effectiveness of these measures will largely depend on how well the bill addresses its implementation challenges, such as avoiding duplicative efforts and ensuring efficient use of funds.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For environmental groups, the bill could be seen as a positive step toward addressing ecological concerns associated with algal blooms and hypoxia. The inclusion of a national observing network and incubator program might lead to the development of innovative strategies and technologies to combat these issues.
Communities that rely on fishing, tourism, and agriculture might experience direct benefits if the bill succeeds in reducing harmful algal blooms, which can adversely affect these industries. However, the complex language and lack of clear funding guidelines might lead to implementation challenges, potentially delaying or diluting these benefits.
The language around stakeholder engagement and collaboration could impact Indigenous tribes, as well as rural and low-income communities. While the bill attempts to include a broad range of stakeholders, the lack of specificity in the engagement process could lead to insufficient incorporation of these groups' needs and insights.
Overall, while the bill aims to address significant ecological and public health issues, its effectiveness will hinge on how well it manages the outlined challenges and ensures transparent and inclusive implementation processes.
Financial Assessment
The bill titled "Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025" includes several financial references and authorizations for appropriations related to the management and research of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
Financial Appropriations
The legislation authorizes a total of $19,500,000 annually to the Under Secretary and $8,000,000 annually to the Administrator for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030. These funds are intended to support the initiatives outlined in the bill, including enhancing research, monitoring, and response efforts related to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
Analysis of Financial References
Appropriations Concerns
One significant issue identified is the authorization of these considerable appropriations without a clear demonstration of the need or effectiveness of such funding. This could raise financial concerns about whether the funding will be used effectively and justifiably. The large amounts allocated underscore the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in their use.
Ambiguity in Funding Sources
The bill outlines various activities for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under Section 603B but lacks specific budget details or funding sources. This omission leads to ambiguity about how these activities will be financed, raising concerns over financial accountability and the sustainability of the initiatives.
Lack of Specific Financial Allocations
Similarly, Section 606 proposes the establishment of a national harmful algal bloom observing network but does not specify financial allocations for this network. This creates uncertainty about how the network will be funded or sustained over the long term, potentially impacting its effectiveness.
Potential Duplication of Efforts
There is a potential for duplication of efforts among various federal agencies as noted in Sections 603B and 603C. These sections cover overlapping activities regarding harmful algal blooms, which could lead to inefficiencies and wastage of resources unless addressed through clear financial oversight and coordination mechanisms.
Vague Criteria for Cost Effectiveness
The bill makes reference to using "cost-effective methods" in Section 603B concerning NOAA activities. However, it does not define what constitutes cost effectiveness, which could lead to inconsistent application of this principle. Establishing clear criteria is essential to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently.
Additional Financial Provisions
In addition to the primary appropriations, the bill also includes a clause allowing for the transfer of funds between federal departments or agencies, as needed and with concurrent approval. This flexibility aims to accommodate the execution of relevant provisions but also necessitates careful management to prevent misuse.
Overall, while the bill outlines robust financial support for addressing harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, several areas call for further clarity and detailed planning to ensure effective financial management and accountability.
Issues
The amendments to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, specifically in Section 2, authorize considerable appropriations ($19,500,000 to the Under Secretary and $8,000,000 to the Administrator) for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 without a clear demonstration of the need or effectiveness of such funding, raising financial concerns.
The language used in Section 2 is highly technical and may be difficult for non-experts to understand, which could lead to misunderstandings about the bill's intent and implications among the general public.
Section 603B lacks specific budget or funding sources for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration activities, leading to ambiguity in how these activities will be financed and potential concerns over financial accountability.
The provisions for consultation with various stakeholders in Section 2, such as states, Indian tribes, and industries, are broad and lack a clear mechanism for effective collaboration, which might hinder the successful implementation of the bill.
In Section 606, the establishment of a national harmful algal bloom observing network lacks specific financial allocations, creating uncertainty about how it will be funded or sustained.
There is a potential for duplication of efforts among various federal agencies, as highlighted in Sections 603B and 603C, due to overlapping activities regarding harmful algal blooms, which could lead to inefficiencies and waste of resources.
The term 'cost effective methods' used in Section 603B of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration activities is vague, and the criteria for determining cost effectiveness are not defined, potentially leading to inconsistent application and financial inefficiencies.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides the short title of the Act, naming it the “Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025.”
2. Amendments to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The amendments to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 enhance the assessment and strategy for addressing harmful algal blooms and hypoxia by including more federal agencies and improving coordination among them. It also requires the development of new strategies for monitoring and controlling harmful algal blooms through research and partnerships, with a focus on protecting public health and ecosystems.
Money References
- term ‘Tribal organization’ has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).”. (h) Authorization of appropriations.—Section 610 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4009) is amended— (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: “(a) In general.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title, for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030— “(1) $19,500,000 to the Under Secretary; and “(2) $8,000,000 to the Administrator.”; and (2) by adding at the end the following: “(c) Transfer authority.—As specifically provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Under Secretary or the Administrator may transfer funds made available to carry out this title to the head of any Federal department or agency, with the concurrence of such head, to carry out, as appropriate, relevant provisions of this title and section 9(g) of the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 4010).”.
603B. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration activities Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section tasks the Under Secretary with managing activities related to harmful algal blooms and low oxygen levels in marine, coastal, and Great Lakes waters. These activities include improving observation and forecasting systems, enhancing cooperation among federal agencies, and using resources from local institutions. Data collection must follow established standards and be shared through a national ocean observation system.
603C. Environmental Protection Agency activities Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency is directed to research and monitor the effects of harmful algal blooms and low oxygen conditions in freshwater, coordinate with other agencies, and use cost-effective methods. The activities should focus on new approaches and avoid duplicating existing programs.
606. National harmful algal bloom observing network Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines the creation of a national network to monitor harmful algal blooms. The Under Secretary will work with various organizations to combine Federal, State, and local resources, use new technologies, and manage data to forecast and understand these blooms better.
606A. National-level incubator program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text outlines a national-level incubator program established by the Under Secretary with various partners to develop new ways to tackle harmful algal blooms. The program will assess new strategies, offer funding for effective solutions, create a database for related information, and focus on projects that protect the environment and help disadvantaged communities.
3. Other harmful algal bloom and hypoxia matters Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill amends the law to allow Federal officials more flexibility in how they manage funding related to algal blooms and hypoxia events, such as by waiving some funding requirements and allowing contracts with various organizations to assess the harmful impacts. It also outlines considerations for public health and economic impacts, provides definitions for key terms like "Indian Tribe" and "Native Hawaiian Organization," and authorizes $2 million in funding per year from 2026 to 2030.
Money References
- “(G) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘Tribal organization’ has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).”; and (4) by adding at the end the following: “(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended.”.