Portman Statement on GAO Report on Harmful Algal Blooms

Press Release

The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on federal expenditures related to harmful algal blooms. The report was requested as part of Sen. Rob Portman's (R-OH) Drinking Water Protection Act, which was signed into law in August of 2015. Portman authored the legislation in response to the water emergency caused by harmful algal blooms in Toledo, Ohio, in August 2014.

"The Great Lakes play a vital role in Ohio's economic and ecological system while providing an important source of drinking water for millions of Ohioans," said Portman. "This report will allow federal agencies to better prepare, coordinate, and prevent future disasters like the one we experienced in Toledo. This report gives us a better sense of where and how federal resources are being directed which will help to establish a strategic plan to ward off harmful algae, an important step in our efforts to protect Ohioans and keep our drinking water safe. As I continue my work stop harmful algal blooms, this report will ensure that we best direct resources and develop policies that support such efforts."

Note: Portman has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Ohioans have safe drinking water. He worked with Senators Stabenow, Inhofe, and Peters to reach an agreement that would address lead exposure to drinking water systems in Ohio and other states. This legislation will not only address the crisis in Flint, Michigan but also help Ohio and other states should emergencies arise. The Senate approved this measure in September as part of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), and congressional leaders are working to finalize the bill before the end of the year.

Portman has also worked this year with Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) on legislation to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) one year after Portman secured $300 million in funding for the program, which provided $5.9 million in grants to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and $1.5 million to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency after the Toledo water crisis of 2014. This funding has been used to eliminate harmful algal blooms and reduce phosphorous loading into Lake Erie. The legislation authorizes GLRI to receive $300 million annually, which is $50 million more than President Obama requested in his budget. The Senate also approved this measure in September as part of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), and the measure is expected to be finalized before the end of the year.

In fact, Portman recently received a Clean Water Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for his efforts.

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