Bill Designates Harmful Algal Blooms as Federal Emergency
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) formally filed the Federal Do No Harm Act today. The bill acknowledges the federal government’s role in perpetuating the recurring environmental and economic crises caused by Lake Okeechobee discharges. The legislation would authorize the President to declare a federal emergency when certain U.S. Army Corps water transfers lead to damaging harmful algal blooms and provide federal assistance for disaster cleanup, including the removal of toxic algal biomass and muck from affected waterways.
Rep. Mast unveiled the legislation at an event in Jensen Beach on April 14, 2017. More information on the bill, including bill text, is available here. Video of the Congressman discussing the legislation can be downloaded here.
