WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Brian Mast in releasing the following statements after President Joe Biden signed into law their South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act, which would direct the Interagency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) to develop a plan in coordination with state and local stakeholders for reducing, mitigating and controlling harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in South Florida.

Senator Rick Scott said, “As Governor and now as Senator, I’ve worked hard to address harmful algal blooms and naturally-occurring red tide in Florida’s waters. I’m glad to see this important, bipartisan legislation signed into law, which will build on our efforts to protect Florida’s beautiful waters, environment and natural resources for future generations.”

Senator Marco Rubio said, “This law will make a tremendous difference in our ability to develop a comprehensive plan to prepare for and mitigate against the devastating impacts of harmful algal blooms on South Florida’s coastal communities. I thank President Biden for finally signing this bill into law so we can begin addressing these serious challenges.”

Representative Brian Mast said, “For far too long, the east and west coasts of Florida have been treated like Florida’s septic tank. This law is an important step in undoing the harm our government caused when it manipulated our waterways to flush toxins into our community with no regard for public health. We must build on this momentum to permanently end harmful discharges and send the water south.”

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