The Senate approved legislation Wednesday to address concerns with algal blooms and wildfires, as well as federal ocean use restrictions.
An amended version of S. 93, the “Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act,” from Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), passed by unanimous consent. It would improve monitoring of algal blooms and hypoxia.
Also approved was S. 306, the “Fire Ready Nation Act,” from Commerce, Science and Transportation ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), would expand NOAA forecasting work on wildfires.
The “Modernizing Access to Our Public (MAP) Oceans Act,” S. 759, from Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), would require NOAA to develop advanced maps identifying recreational boating- and fishing-restricted offshore areas.
