Legislation Defines Harmful Algal Blooms as “Major Disaster,” Unlocks FEMA Assistance
Follows Recent Health Alerts Linked to Red Tide in Southwest Florida
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Florida delegation, and Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.), introduced legislation to protect Southwest Florida’s economy and environment from harmful algal blooms like red tide. The Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act would include algal blooms in the definition of a “major disaster,” providing both technical and financial assistance from the federal government to states suffering from outbreaks of harmful algal blooms.
“On Florida’s Suncoast, we rely on clean water and white sandy beaches to support our economy and our way of life,” said Buchanan. “Red tide has wreaked havoc on marine life, our coastal waters and the many businesses that rely on Florida’s tourism-based economy. This bill is crucial to protect our economy and environment for generations to come. We must take immediate action to combat red tide and other harmful algal blooms.”
“Florida’s waterways are the backbone of our environment, economy, and way of life—but harmful algal blooms threaten their health and our communities,” said Rep. Soto. “This legislation will provide critical resources to combat these outbreaks, protect public health, and support our local economies that rely on clean water. By reintroducing this bill, we’re taking a stand for Florida’s environment and the livelihoods that depend on it.”
Buchanan’s Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act would amend the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a “major disaster.” This would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to provide both technical and financial assistance to states suffering from outbreaks of harmful algal blooms like red tide.
Southwest Florida is uniquely vulnerable to red tide, a harmful algal bloom caused by toxin-producing algae that is extremely deadly to fish and other marine life. Last month, a large red tide bloom in the Gulf of America raised concerns across Southwest Florida, with several popular beaches placed under health alerts.
As co-chair of the bipartisan 30-member Florida congressional delegation, Buchanan has an extensive record of preserving Florida’s waterways and pristine coastline. He previously secured $8 million for red tide research and backed a proposal signed into law by President Trump to provide more than $100 million to combat harmful algal blooms. In 2019, the U.S. House overwhelmingly approved Buchanan’s measure to study the impact of red tide on human health. Buchanan’s amendment instructs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to designate $6.25 million to research the long-term health effects of red tide and other harmful algal blooms.
