Murphy Leads Successful Bipartisan Effort to Research Solutions to Harmful Algal Blooms

Statement

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved two measures authored by Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., to fund research on solutions to harmful algal blooms, which are particularly problematic in Florida and can be detrimental to human health, water quality, recreation and tourism, and the broader economy. The Murphy-led measures were included in a House-passed bill that funds the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The first measure provides $1.75 million for NOAA to sponsor an independent study on the economic impacts of harmful algal blooms, both nationally and in states like Florida that are especially affected. The last time a similar study was conducted was in 2006, over a decade ago. Murphy's measure requires the new study to examine the effects of harmful algal blooms on public health, drinking water, commercial fisheries, property values, and recreation and tourism. The purpose of the study is to increase public awareness about the serious consequences of harmful algal blooms, which will push policymakers at the federal, state and local levels to dedicate more attention and resources to address this problem.

The second Murphy measure increases the amount of funding that NOAA will dedicate in the coming fiscal year to scientific research on harmful algal blooms by $2 million, from $10 million to $12 million. The measure was cosponsored by a bipartisan group of Murphy's colleagues who are leaders on the issue of harmful algal blooms, Democrats Mary Kaptur of Ohio, Darren Soto and Charlie Crist of Florida, and Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, and Republicans Brian Mast and Bill Posey of Florida. NOAA will use this funding to support research into ways to address the public health, economic, and environmental consequences of harmful algal blooms.

"Florida families are at the frontlines of the dangers associated with the rise of harmful algal blooms across our shores. We need the best available data on the potential health and economic hazards associated with this environmental crisis," said Murphy. "These bipartisan measures will move us a step closer towards solutions that will help reverse the way algal blooms are endangering the health of all Floridians and the well-being of local businesses that drive our tourism industry."

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