Steube Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms in Florida
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today cosponsored the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Essential Forecasting Act led by U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). This bipartisan legislation seeks to ensure that essential services related to harmful algal blooms continue to receive federal funding in the event of a lapse in appropriations.
“Water is the lifeblood of Florida with our thriving ecosystem offering vital resources for our local economies, agriculture, tourism and recreation,” Steube said. “As we are no strangers to harmful algal blooms and the negative effects they have on our water quality, this bipartisan legislation takes an important step in prioritizing Florida’s environment despite ongoing partisan gridlock in Washington.”
As outlined in Donalds’ statement, “the bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to ensure that during a lapse in appropriations, essential services relating to HABs receive critical federal funding.”
Improving Florida water quality has been a top initiative for Steube. Last Congress, he secured a win for Lake Okeechobee when his request for mechanical harvesting language was included in last year’s appropriations package. This language provides a safe alternative to the dangerous herbicide chemicals currently being sprayed to control Lake Okeechobee’s invasive species.
Steube joined President Trump in Florida last September to discuss water quality issues and initiatives across the state. Last Congress, Steube convened a water quality roundtable with Florida’s environmental experts and also toured water management projects around Lake Okeechobee.
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