Steube Cosponsors Legislation to Improve and Protect Florida’s Waterways
OKEECHOBEE, FLA. – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today cosponsored H.R. 74, the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, and H.R. 565, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2021, to help protect and improve Florida’s water quality.
“I am honored to work with my colleagues to support new initiatives to reduce harmful algal blooms in Lake Okeechobee and our coastal communities,” Steube said. “These bills will build on our previous progress and make new strides in protecting our waterways while promoting recreation, tourism, and environmental interests.”
H.R. 74, the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, was introduced by U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and would add algal blooms under the Stafford Act allowing for major disaster declarations to be made when necessary.
H.R. 565, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2021, was introduced by U.S. Representative Brian Mast (R-Fla.) and would require the Inter-Agency Task Force to develop an action plan to address potential approaches to reduce harmful algal blooms in the South Florida Water Management District, regional coastal waters like the Caloosahatchee Estuary, and the Florida Reef Tract.
These cosponsorships follow Steube’s previous initiatives to support Florida’s waterways. In March, Steube joined U.S. Representative Byron Donalds’ (R-Fla.) bipartisan legislation which seeks to ensure that essential services related to harmful algal blooms continue to receive federal funding in the event of a lapse in appropriations.
Outside of working to curb algal blooms, Steube has also fought to promote mechanical harvesting techniques in controlling invasive species and protect waterways from dangerous herbicides. Through convening water quality roundtables in the District and touring state projects, Steube has been able to work effectively with the community towards long-term water quality solutions.
You can find the full text of H.R. 74 here and the full text of H.R. 565 here.
###
