Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act
Description: This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster . The bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to submit to specified congressional committees a detailed study relating to the health effects of exposure to cyanotoxins in the air that result from algal blooms.
Sponsors: Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
Target Audience
Population: People living near bodies of water affected by harmful algal blooms
Estimated Size: 50000000
- Harmful algal blooms occur in fresh, marine, and brackish waters, impacting people who live near such water bodies.
- The CDC study focuses on airborne cyanotoxins, indicating populations that may be exposed to airborne toxins are of particular concern.
- Communities dependent on affected water bodies for drinking supply, recreation, or their livelihoods will be significantly impacted.
- The legislation considers algal blooms a 'major disaster', suggesting the target population is substantial and likely to include communities repeatedly threatened by such events globally.
Reasoning
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are common in certain regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and coastal areas of Florida. People living near these areas are at risk due to both waterborne and airborne toxins.
- Communities that rely on affected water bodies for drinking, recreation, or economic activities like fishing and tourism are more affected.
- The policy's budget constraints mean that not all affected individuals will see improvements immediately; priority may be given to areas experiencing frequent and severe outbreaks.
- Considering Cantril wellbeing scores before and after policy implementation helps highlight perceived improvements or detractions in life satisfaction tied to environmental improvements.
Simulated Interviews
Hotel Manager (Florida Gulf Coast)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Algal blooms have been really bad for our hotel's business, and the health warnings scare tourists away.
- Knowing that there's more emphasis on understanding and managing these blooms gives me some hope.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Great Lakes Region)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a much-needed step towards addressing a long-term problem that is getting worse with climate change.
- I hope it supports more thorough studies and better response plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Freelance Writer (Southern California)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is good, but California doesn't get hit as often as other places, so I'm not sure how much it will help here.
- There needs to be more education on the risks of airborne cyanotoxins.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Florida Panhandle)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen these blooms get worse over the years, ruining fishing.
- It's about time something was done. I just hope it's enough.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Agricultural Worker (Mississippi River Delta)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We depend a lot on the river for our crops, and blooms sometimes affect the water.
- I support the policy but I hope it includes support for agricultural impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
University Student (Texas Gulf Coast)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is exciting for my studies and future career, as it could enhance funding for research.
- I'm optimistic about the potential for positive environmental impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Fisherman (Oregon Coast)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Algal blooms have hurt the industry and made me wary about seafood safety.
- The policy is long overdue; I wish it had been in place years ago.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Teacher (Lake Erie)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need policies like these to protect our communities and educate the next generation about these challenges.
- I'm hopeful this will lead to fewer school closures and healthier communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Water Treatment Specialist (Chesapeake Bay)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could lead to better resources for managing our water supply challenges.
- I'm looking forward to more research on airborne toxins since that's a growing concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Fisherman (Gulf of Mexico)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every time there's a bloom, my income drops and my family's at risk.
- I sincerely hope this policy helps because it's been rough.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 2: $60000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $90000000)
Year 3: $65000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $100000000)
Year 5: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $110000000)
Year 10: $80000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $120000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $150000000)
Key Considerations
- Algal blooms frequency and severity vary by year, complicating precise cost estimates.
- CDC study outcomes could lead to further policy or spending actions.
- Partnerships and local efforts may influence effectiveness and efficiency of the disaster response.