News

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded the Senate Committee on Commerce’s unanimous approval of his bipartisan, bicameral Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019 (S. 2429) and South Florida Coastal Clean Waters Act (S. 10). Read more about Rubio’s efforts to protect Florida’s water quality and fight against harmful algal blooms here.
 
Rubio’s Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019 would restore and conserve America’s coral reefs by reauthorizing and modernizing the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. The bipartisan, bicameral bill received widespread praise from government leaders, the business community, conservation groups, environmental advocacy groups, and research experts.
 
“When I toured the Keys National Marine Sanctuary in February and saw firsthand the devastated condition of our coral reefs, I promised a comprehensive response,” Rubio said. “I applaud the Senate Commerce Committee for approving this bipartisan bill to ensure federal agencies are partnering effectively with state and local governments, as well as the communities who rely on the vitality of these critical habitats. Florida’s Reef Tract is an integral component of the economic and ecological character of Florida, and the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019 will ensure future generations will be able to enjoy this natural wonder.”
 
Rubio’s South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act would direct the Interagency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) to assess the causes and consequences of HABs in Lake Okeechobee and around Florida’s south and southwestern coast to determine the federal resources available to solve these challenges. Rubio originally introduced this legislation in August of 2018.
 
“South Florida continues to deal with the effects caused by blue-green algae and red tide, and I applaud the Senate Commerce Committee for approving my South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act,” Rubio said. “This important, bipartisan bill would focus federal resources on understanding these issues and developing an action plan to bring much-needed relief to impacted communities.”