Mack: Red Tide a National Problem; Congress Must Close Funding Disparity
Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) urged members of the House Science and Technology Committee to improve how federal funds are authorized and distributed for red tide research. Mack spoke at a hearing of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment about the harmful health, environmental and economic effects of red tide and other harmful algal blooms on Southwest Florida and other coastal communities in the United States.
Mack is a leader in Congress on the red tide issue.In the 110th Congress, language from his Save Our Shores Act was incorporated into the fiscal year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The bill authorized $90 million over a three-year period for research on red tide and other harmful algal blooms. Mack continues to fight for fully funding federal red tide research.
Mack said:
“Red tide isn’t just a regional issue; it’s a national issue that affects coastal communities across the country, from New England to California, the Great Lakes to Florida. The health, environmental, and economic impacts are staggering. For regions like Southwest Florida that depend on our scenic beaches and waterways for tourism and fishing, the potential economic losses could be crippling.
“There is a lot of research being done on the causes of red tide, but we must ensure that the research is not duplicative. We must also ensure that funding is distributed through a peer-reviewed, scientific process.
“I hope that we can come together to develop meaningful legislation that closes the gap between authorized funding and appropriated funding, and strengthens the peer-review process. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important issue.”