Bipartisan Algal Bloom Bill Introduced

On April 4, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) and Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) introduced legislation to examine the causes of algal blooms in the Great Lakes and evaluate mitigation efforts.
The as yet unnumbered bill, the Great Lakes & Fresh Water Algal Blooms Information Act, authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to compile research and information on algal blooms in the Great Lakes, their tributaries, and surface fresh waters.  It also requires that findings be reported to Congress and be made available to the public.  The Great Lakes region contains 84 percent of North America’s fresh surface water, providing 40 million Americans with drinking water, and generating tens of billions of dollars in fishing and tourism revenue.
“As more research is conducted on the causes of algal blooms and the best way to mitigate their effects, this bipartisan legislation empowers NOAA to create a comprehensive information center that can be a valuable resource as we tackle this issue,” Latta said.
ASDWA expects that the bill will be posted on www.congress.gov in the next few day.