HR 2408119th CongressIn Committee

Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act

Introduced: Mar 27, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H.R. 2408, the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to add algal blooms to the list of events that qualify as a major disaster. Specifically, it would replace the current wording that includes drought with “drought, or algal blooms,” thereby allowing federal disaster relief programs to be triggered when harmful algal blooms cause significant damage to communities, infrastructure, or public health. The bill does not create new funding or new programs; it simply broadens the triggers for which federal disaster declarations can be made, enabling potential federal assistance under existing Stafford Act authorities when HABs occur.

Key Points

1Expands the definition of a major disaster to explicitly include algal blooms (harmful algal blooms, HABs) alongside drought.
2Enables federal disaster relief tools and programs (e.g., Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, Hazard Mitigation) to be applied to HAB-related events when a presidential major disaster declaration is made.
3Does not confer new funding or authorize new programs; relies on existing Stafford Act authorities and appropriations.
4Requires a presidential disaster declaration to activate the federal response, meaning HABs would still need to be judged by federal officials as needing supplemental assistance.
5Applies nationwide, to any HAB event that meets the major-disaster threshold, potentially affecting communities with freshwater and coastal HABs.

Impact Areas

Primary- State and local governments and water utilities dealing with HAB-related disruptions to drinking water, wastewater, and infrastructure.- Communities affected by HABs, including health risks to residents and economic impacts on tourism, fishing, and recreation.Secondary- Individuals and households in HAB-affected areas who may seek financial assistance or support.- Small businesses, particularly in tourism, hospitality, fishing, and agriculture sectors reliant on clean water and stable ecosystems.Additional impacts- Federal budgeting and disaster-relief administration: potential increases in federal obligations under major-disaster declarations for HAB events.- Interagency coordination needs (e.g., FEMA with EPA, NOAA, CDC) to assess HAB severity, health risks, and response requirements.- Potential influence on state and local planning for HAB monitoring, water treatment upgrades, and climate adaptation measures.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Nov 18, 2025