H.R.2408 - Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2408, the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, aims to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The amendment would include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster. This would allow affected communities to access federal disaster relief funds and assistance.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 27, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill is sponsored by Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Soto.
The intended purpose of the bill is to provide resources to communities impacted by harmful algal blooms.
Expected Effects
If passed, H.R.2408 would expand the scope of the Stafford Act to include algal blooms as major disasters. This change would enable communities experiencing such blooms to receive federal aid for response and recovery efforts. This could lead to increased funding for research, monitoring, and mitigation of algal blooms.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to federal disaster relief funds for communities affected by algal blooms.
- Enhanced resources for monitoring, research, and mitigation efforts related to algal blooms.
- Improved public health outcomes by addressing the risks associated with harmful algal blooms.
- Potential for economic recovery in areas heavily impacted by algal bloom events, particularly in tourism and fisheries.
- Greater preparedness and resilience of local communities in responding to future algal bloom events.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on federal disaster relief funds due to the increased scope of coverage.
- Possible delays in the allocation of resources due to bureaucratic processes.
- Risk of inconsistent application of the amended Stafford Act across different regions.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
- Potential for political considerations to influence the allocation of disaster relief funds.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which empowers Congress to "promote the general Welfare." By providing disaster relief for algal blooms, the bill seeks to protect public health and the environment. The bill also falls under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8), allowing Congress to enact laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers, such as providing for disaster relief. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or limitations on federal power outlined in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).