Bill · H.R. 2408· House(119-HR-2408)
Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act
- Introduced
- 3/27/2025
- Last activity
- 3/27/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Sponsored by
- Vern Buchanan
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act," aims to change how the government defines a major disaster. It specifically seeks to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The change involves adding "algal blooms" to the existing definition of a major disaster. Currently, the definition includes drought, but this bill would include algal blooms as well. This legislation was introduced by Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Soto.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?+7
It expands the definition of a major disaster to include algal blooms, facilitating faster federal disaster relief.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The bill provides a mechanism for federal relief in response to environmental events like harmful algal blooms.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
Communities affected by algal blooms, which often impact rural water sources, will have better access to federal aid.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Redefining Major Disasters: By striking "or drought" and inserting "drought, or algal blooms" in Section 102(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the bill would include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster. This could provide relief and assistance to communities affected by these blooms.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+7Improves Environmental Protections+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 3/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Darren SotoDemocrat · Florida