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Public Law114th CongressEnvironmental Protection
H.R. 212Became Law

To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide for the assessment and management of the risk of algal toxins in drinking water, and for other purposes.

This bill became law

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Law

What it doesSummary public law (Aug 7, 2015)

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 24, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Drinking Water Protection Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have the ability to produce cyanotoxins, or algal toxins. When certain conditions are favorable, algae can rapidly multiply causing blooms, or dense surface scums, that may be toxic.

The plan must include steps and time lines to:

  • evaluate the risk to human health from drinking water contaminated with algal toxins;
  • establish, publish, and update a comprehensive list of algal toxins that may have an adverse effect on human health, taking into account likely exposure levels;
  • summarize the known adverse human health effects of algal toxins and the factors that cause toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae to grow rapidly and make toxins;
  • determine whether to publish health advisories for algal toxins and establish guidance regarding feasible analytical methods to quantify the presence of algal toxins and guidance regarding the frequency of monitoring necessary to determine if the algal toxins are present;
  • recommend feasible treatment options, including procedures, equipment, and source water protection practices; and
  • enter into cooperative agreements with, and provide technical assistance to, affected states and public water systems to manage risks associated with algal toxins.

The EPA must update and resubmit the plan as appropriate.

The EPA must identify gaps in its understanding of algal toxins. It must also assemble and publish information from each agency that has examined or analyzed cyanobacteria or algal toxins or addressed public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms.

The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress an inventory of funds expended by the United States for each of FY2010 through 2014 to examine or analyze toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae or address public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms. The inventory must include the specific purpose for which the funds were made available, the law under which the funds were authorized, and the agency that received or spent the funds.

What just happenedAug 7, 2015

Became Public Law No: 114-45.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5](R-OH)Sponsor
6 cosponsors2 D4 R
Read on Congress.gov
6cosponsors1committees26actions2related bills7subjects
  • Enrolled Bill
  • Received in SenateFeb 25, 2015
  • Engrossed in HouseFeb 24, 2015
  • Reported in HouseFeb 24, 2015
  • Introduced in HouseJan 8, 2015
  • Public LawAug 8, 2015
  1. Aug 7, 2015President

    Became Public Law No: 114-45.

  2. Aug 7, 2015BecameLaw36000

    Became Public Law No: 114-45.

  3. Aug 7, 2015President

    Signed by President.

  4. Aug 7, 2015BecameLaw36000

    Signed by President.

  5. Aug 6, 2015Floor

    Presented to President.

  6. Aug 6, 2015President28000

    Presented to President.

  7. Aug 6, 2015Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  8. Aug 5, 2015Floor

    Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S6348-6349)

  9. Aug 5, 2015Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S6348-6349)

  10. Feb 25, 2015IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate, read twice.

  11. Feb 24, 2015FloorH38800

    The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

  12. Feb 24, 2015FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 375 - 37 (Roll no. 84). (text: CR H1094)

  13. Feb 24, 2015FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  14. Feb 24, 2015Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 375 - 37 (Roll no. 84).(text: CR H1094)

  15. Feb 24, 2015FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1100-1101)

  16. Feb 24, 2015FloorH37220

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  17. Feb 24, 2015FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 212.

  18. Feb 24, 2015FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1094-1095)

  19. Feb 24, 2015FloorH30300

    Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  20. Feb 24, 2015CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 18.

  21. Feb 24, 2015CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-26.

  22. Feb 24, 2015Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-26.

  23. Jan 9, 2015Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.

  24. Jan 8, 2015IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  25. Jan 8, 2015IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  26. Jan 8, 2015IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Public LawAug 7, 201549

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 24, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Drinking Water Protection Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have the ability to produce cyanotoxins, or algal toxins. When certain conditions are favorable, algae can rapidly multiply causing blooms, or dense surface scums, that may be toxic.

The plan must include steps and time lines to:

  • evaluate the risk to human health from drinking water contaminated with algal toxins;
  • establish, publish, and update a comprehensive list of algal toxins that may have an adverse effect on human health, taking into account likely exposure levels;
  • summarize the known adverse human health effects of algal toxins and the factors that cause toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae to grow rapidly and make toxins;
  • determine whether to publish health advisories for algal toxins and establish guidance regarding feasible analytical methods to quantify the presence of algal toxins and guidance regarding the frequency of monitoring necessary to determine if the algal toxins are present;
  • recommend feasible treatment options, including procedures, equipment, and source water protection practices; and
  • enter into cooperative agreements with, and provide technical assistance to, affected states and public water systems to manage risks associated with algal toxins.

The EPA must update and resubmit the plan as appropriate.

The EPA must identify gaps in its understanding of algal toxins. It must also assemble and publish information from each agency that has examined or analyzed cyanobacteria or algal toxins or addressed public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms.

The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress an inventory of funds expended by the United States for each of FY2010 through 2014 to examine or analyze toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae or address public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms. The inventory must include the specific purpose for which the funds were made available, the law under which the funds were authorized, and the agency that received or spent the funds.

Passed Senate without amendmentAug 5, 201582

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 24, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Drinking Water Protection Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have the ability to produce cyanotoxins, or algal toxins. When certain conditions are favorable, algae can rapidly multiply causing blooms, or dense surface scums, that may be toxic.

The plan must include steps and time lines to:

  • evaluate the risk to human health from drinking water contaminated with algal toxins;
  • establish, publish, and update a comprehensive list of algal toxins that may have an adverse effect on human health, taking into account likely exposure levels;
  • summarize the known adverse human health effects of algal toxins and the factors that cause toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae to grow rapidly and make toxins;
  • determine whether to publish health advisories for algal toxins and establish guidance regarding feasible analytical methods to quantify the presence of algal toxins and guidance regarding the frequency of monitoring necessary to determine if the algal toxins are present;
  • recommend feasible treatment options, including procedures, equipment, and source water protection practices; and
  • enter into cooperative agreements with, and provide technical assistance to, affected states and public water systems to manage risks associated with algal toxins.

The EPA must update and resubmit the plan as appropriate.

The EPA must identify gaps in its understanding of algal toxins. It must also assemble and publish information from each agency that has examined or analyzed cyanobacteria or algal toxins or addressed public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms.

The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress an inventory of funds expended by the United States for each of FY2010 through 2014 to examine or analyze toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae or address public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms. The inventory must include the specific purpose for which the funds were made available, the law under which the funds were authorized, and the agency that received or spent the funds.

Passed House amendedFeb 24, 201536

Drinking Water Protection Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have the ability to produce cyanotoxins, or algal toxins. When certain conditions are favorable, algae can rapidly multiply causing blooms, or dense surface scums, that may be toxic.

The plan must include steps and time lines to:

  • evaluate the risk to human health from drinking water contaminated with algal toxins;
  • establish, publish, and update a comprehensive list of algal toxins that may have an adverse effect on human health, taking into account likely exposure levels;
  • summarize the known adverse human health effects of algal toxins and the factors that cause toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae to grow rapidly and make toxins;
  • determine whether to publish health advisories for algal toxins and establish guidance regarding feasible analytical methods to quantify the presence of algal toxins and guidance regarding the frequency of monitoring necessary to determine if the algal toxins are present;
  • recommend feasible treatment options, including procedures, equipment, and source water protection practices; and
  • enter into cooperative agreements with, and provide technical assistance to, affected states and public water systems to manage risks associated with algal toxins.

The EPA must update and resubmit the plan as appropriate.

The EPA must identify gaps in its understanding of algal toxins. It must also assemble and publish information from each agency that has examined or analyzed cyanobacteria or algal toxins or addressed public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms.

The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress an inventory of funds expended by the United States for each of FY2010 through 2014 to examine or analyze toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae or address public health concerns related to harmful algal blooms. The inventory must include the specific purpose for which the funds were made available, the law under which the funds were authorized, and the agency that received or spent the funds.

Introduced in HouseJan 8, 2015

Drinking Water Protection Act

This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with cyanotoxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. (Cyanotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.)

The plan must include steps and time lines to:

  • evaluate the risk to human health from drinking water contaminated with cyanotoxins;
  • establish, publish, and update a comprehensive list of cyanotoxins that are harmful to human health;
  • summarize the known adverse human health effects of cyanotoxins and the factors that cause cyanobacteria to grow rapidly and make toxins;
  • determine whether to publish health advisories for harmful cyanotoxins and establish relevant guidance;
  • recommend feasible treatment options; and
  • enter into cooperative agreements with, and provide technical assistance to, affected states and public water systems to manage risks associated with cyanotoxins.