Washington, D.C. – After hearing from Wisconsinites, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) is cosponsoring legislation to investigate ways to curb harmful blue-green algal blooms, which plague some lakes in Wisconsin.  Feingold has heard concerns from Wisconsinites about the excessive levels of blue-green algae in Lakes Tainter and Menomin that pose toxic risk to humans and wildlife.  The legislation, entitled the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 (S. 952) was introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and would provide competitive grants to groups to research the problem and come up with solutions.  During his Dunn County listening session on May 27, 2009, Feingold heard from area residents concerned about the algae.  On August 26^th, Feingold visited Lake Menomin to assess the blue-green algal blooms. 

“I was troubled by what I saw when I toured Lake Menomin and what I have learned about the alarming levels of blue-green algae in some Wisconsin lakes,” Feingold said.  “Folks in Wisconsin brought to my attention the harm the algae presents to them, the lakes, and the wildlife.  I hope this legislation will shed light on what actions we can take to address the problem.”  

Experts suggest excess levels of phosphorus in the lakes are causing the blue-green algal blooms.  In order to help lower phosphorus levels in lakes and rivers, Feingold is also cosponsor of legislation (S. 675) introduced by Senator Levin (D-MI) to prohibit the U.S. sale of dishwashing detergent containing more than .05 percent of phosphorus effective July 2010.

For audio of Senator Feingold's remarks on blue-green algae, please click here.