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Legislature urges state action to monitor and prevent harmful algal blooms
Summary
The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution urging the state to pass legislation to improve monitoring, prevention and funding for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in New York waterways, citing public-health and tourism impacts on Cayuga Lake and other local waters.
The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution May 20 urging New York State lawmakers to support legislation to strengthen monitoring, prevention and funding for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in state waterways.
Legislator Anne Korman moved the resolution and said local advocates and scientists are seeking consistent statewide monitoring, clearer guidance on causes and funded prevention measures. Committee and floor discussion noted that HABs present public-health risks for swimmers and pets, affect drinking-water sources and can damage tourism and recreational uses of Cayuga Lake and other Finger Lakes.
Legislators referenced volunteer testing programs and community groups that currently provide data and said state funding would allow standardized monitoring and mitigation efforts. The resolution calls on the county’s state delegation — including assembly and senate offices sponsoring related bills — to support legislation and appropriations for HABs prevention and response.
The resolution passed without opposition; proponents asked county staff to transmit the legislature’s support to state committee members and sponsors.
