110 HR 1091 IH: Save Our Shores U.S. House of Representatives 2007-02-15 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1091 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 15, 2007 Mr. Mack (for himself, Mr. Buchanan, and Ms. Castor) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To reauthorize the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Save Our Shores Act.

2.

Findings

The Congress finds the following: (1)A harmful algal bloom is a condition that occurs in ocean waters when a significantly large and highly concentrated growth of phytoplankton or algae produces biotoxins or otherwise causes negative effects. (2)A common harmful algal bloom event known as Red Tide occurs when appropriate conditions allow for massive overgrowth of micro algae, causing phytoplankton blooms that discolor the water. (3)Harmful algal blooms commonly occur in waters off the East and West coasts of the United States, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and the waters surrounding the offshore territories of the United States. (4)Harmful algal blooms cause dangerous respiratory distress, burning eyes, and other ailments to individuals in affected areas, as well as the nationwide potential of severe food poisoning from the consumption of contaminated shellfish. (5)Harmful algal blooms cause severe impacts to natural resources by way of illness and death to marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, and sea birds as well as coral reef and sea grass communities. As massive algal blooms die, their decomposition depletes oxygen from the water resulting in hypoxic and anoxic conditions leaving vast dead zones in our coastal oceans and lakes. (6)Harmful algal blooms cause significant economic harm to businesses and individuals engaged in fishing and shellfishing, as well as to communities and businesses that depend on their coastal location for tourism. (7)Because harmful algal blooms are affected by many variables, including weather and currents, it is impossible to predict the location, timing, or duration of harmful algal blooms, and further study is needed to understand how these variables, as well as other environmental factors, may cause or contribute to the formation or maintenance of harmful algal blooms. (8)The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 provided a research framework for addressing harmful algal blooms and for consolidating research efforts.

3.

Reauthorization of Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998

(a)

Reauthorization

Section 605 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 1451 note) is amended— (1)in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking $25,500,000 for fiscal year 2008 and inserting $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010; (2)in each of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and (6) by striking 2008 and inserting 2010; and (3)in paragraph (5) by striking fiscal year 2008 and inserting each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010. (b)

Annual report requirement

Section 603 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 1451 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: (j)

Annual report

At the time the President submits the President’s annual budget request to the Congress each year, the Task Force shall submit to the Congress a report on the status and accomplishments of activities under this Act during the preceding year. . (c)

Award of Federal financial assistance for harmful algal bloom research

All Federal financial assistance for harmful algal bloom research shall be awarded on a competitive, peer-reviewed basis.