Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act

This bill would let the federal government treat harmful algal blooms (like severe “red tide” or toxic lake blooms) as a major disaster under the Stafford Act. That means big algal bloom events could be handled the same way as hurricanes, floods, or droughts for disaster response and recovery help. It does this by adding “algal blooms” to the law’s definition of a major disaster.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Communities hit by large, harmful algal blooms in oceans, lakes, and rivers.
• What changes: Algal blooms would qualify as a “major disaster” under the Stafford Act, unlocking federal disaster aid and support similar to other big disasters.
• When: This change would take effect if the bill becomes law by amending the definition in the Act.