WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement on his introduction of the bipartisan H.R.873––the Water Quality & Environmental Innovation Act. The bill seeks to repurpose unused federal dollars to fund innovative projects that utilize emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, eDNA, aquatic muck harvesting, etc. These projects will address various water quality challenges, such as harmful algal blooms (HABs), sea-level rise, acidification, pollution, erosion, hydraulic alterations, etc. The bill is co-led by Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).

“Every day, nutrient-filled water flows into Lake Okeechobee and is subsequently discharged throughout East, West and South Florida¬––ultimately resulting in poor water quality and the outbreak of HABs. We know all too well that this is a bipartisan challenge that must be addressed. This practical bill is a commonsense measure that will turn unused government waste into environmental restoration. I am proud to introduce this bill on a bipartisan basis to directly assist Southwest Florida and communities throughout our country,” said Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL).

"Harmful Algal Blooms have wreaked havoc on New Jersey's lakes, our businesses, our families, and our broader community. This is an environmental crisis, which is why we’ve successfully pushed the State of New Jersey for targeted local investment, and why we've successfully clawed back federal investment through the American Rescue Plan, to continue our work to prevent another summer of algae," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "With this new bipartisan legislation, I'm working with my colleague Congressman Byron Donalds to utilize innovative, emerging technologies to ensure our lake water is safe for visitors this summer and help stabilize tourism and the economy in our lake communities. I will continue fighting for clean water on behalf of New Jersey families and businesses of all sizes.”

More Here: "Byron Donalds Launches New Bipartisan Water Bill"