Two Katko priorities included in House-approved environmental bill

The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 10 voted to approve a bipartisan coastal waters bill that includes two provisions authored by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) addressing issues the congressman said matter most to his central New York district.

“These amendments will help ensure families in our community have access to clean drinking water, and protect shoreline communities against future costly flooding along Lake Ontario,” Rep. Katko said.

The Coastal and Great Lakes Community Enhancement Act, H.R. 729, on Dec. 12 advanced to the U.S. Senate, which referred it to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.

The bill contains two bipartisan provisions from Rep. Katko to authorize research on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and to provide grant eligibility for projects focused on tackling high water levels and flooding in shoreline communities, such as those along Lake Ontario.

Specifically, one amendment would authorize the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct research on HABs in the Great Lakes system, said Rep. Katko from the House floor.

“This research would help to address the significant risks that HABs pose to freshwater ecosystems, including the production of toxins that endanger humans and animal life,” the congressman said, noting that his district has faced rising HAB outbreaks for several years that threaten the drinking water of his constituents.

“Unfortunately, this issue extends beyond my district and even further beyond the Great Lakes,” added Rep. Katko. “These algal blooms have been reported in all 50 states, necessitating increased federal support for research and mitigation.”