Last Tuesday, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held a hearing on dangerous algae blooms. Florida is currently facing an unprecedented algae event, but a number of other states are experiencing harmful algae blooms and the problem continues to grow. The negative impact that toxic algae blooms have on the recreational boating community and marine businesses was mentioned by several witnesses and senators, including Patrick Neu, Executive Director of the National Professional Anglers Association, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Potential legislation that would assist in funding, research, and efforts to combat harmful algae blooms were also discussed during the hearing. 

“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I applaud the full Senate’s approval of these crucial provisions that I championed on behalf of Florida. With the harmful algal blooms impacting both coasts of Florida, my amendment provides funding for additional assistance to identify health impacts from the toxins,” Rubio said.

Additionally, Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson successfully secured funding from the center for disease control for responding to the blooms, with special priority given to any locations that are subject to a state of emergency designation within the previous 12 months because of blooms.

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