House approves Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, with Higgins’ amendment

Higgins’ Measure Addresses Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives approved the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act (H.R. 729), a bipartisan package of legislation protecting Great Lakes and Coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.

The bundled legislation included an amendment submitted by Congressman Higgins directing United States Geological Survey research to include the impacts of harmful algal blooms, nutrient pollution, and dead zones on Great Lakes fisheries.

Congressman Higgins, a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force said, “The Great Lakes are one of this country’s most overlooked and underappreciated natural assets, representing the largest source of freshwater in the world. Climate change is impacting the health of our lakes and will continue to impact the health of our communities if we don’t act with urgency.”

The non-profit, non-partisan Environmental Working Group found that toxic algal blooms have been on the rise in recent years with a record number of blooms reported in 2019.

Algae pose a significant threat to clean water for recreation and drinking. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae—simple photosynthetic organisms that live in the sea and freshwater—grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal.”

In addition, the legislation:

• Authorizes $17.5 million annually through 2029 toward the study of habitats, invasive species and deepwater ecosystems;
• Establishes a Living Shoreline Grant Program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) providing $50 million toward matching grants each year;
• Authorizes $87 million for the Sea Grant program which provides research, education and conservation programs for Great Lakes and coastal communities;
• Adds $6 million each year through FY2025 for competitive grants supporting research on invasive species, harmful algal blooms and other threats;
• Provides $12 million in annual funding for ports, marinas and other working waterfronts;
• Reestablishes a data-sharing program between federal and non-federal partners on details specific to the Great Lakes and oceans.

The legislation will now proceed to the Senate for consideration and approval.