Rep. Bonamici Statement on Toxic Algae Legislation

Beaverton, OR – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) released the following statement in response to the Oregon Health Authority’s announcement that the algae found in a stretch of the Willamette River is toxic.

“Today the Oregon Health Authority announced that preliminary test results of algae found along a stretch of the Willamette River is toxic blue-green algae. Such harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur in freshwater and marine environments throughout the country and can have devastating effects on aquatic plants and animals as well as on human health.

“HABs can occur in nature, but events like this have been increasing in the U.S. in recent years. We’re still learning about potential causes for this trend, which range from natural occurrences to human-related activities, including nutrient enrichment. The factors that cause blue-green algae to produce toxins are not fully understood. As ranking member of the House Science, Space, and Technology’s Environment Subcommittee, and a representative and resident of a state that depends on clean and safe marine and freshwater resources, I take the threat HABs pose very seriously.

“I recently introduced the bipartisan Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act, which passed and was signed into law by the President in June of this year. This law improves coordination between local, state, and federal agencies working to identify and mitigate HAB events. The law also reestablishes the U.S. Interagency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Human Health. This Task Force will, among other things, develop and submit to Congress a comprehensive research plan and action strategy to address marine and freshwater HABs and their impacts. The law also provides for much needed HABs and hypoxia research. Better research will help those responding on the ground understand the nature of the threat and how to reduce the frequency of such events.”

WATCH Congresswoman Bonamici’s remarks on harmful algal blooms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kwxowc_yf4

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