Bill > S2699

This bill, the OCEAN Research Act, reauthorizes the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 and expands its scope to include coastal acidification. Key provisions include: - Expanding the focus of the existing program to address coastal acidification in addition to ocean acidification, including impacts on marine organisms, ecosystems, and coastal communities. - Establishing an interagency working group and an Ocean and Coastal Acidification Advisory Board to coordinate research, monitoring, and public outreach efforts. - Requiring the development of a strategic research plan to address the socioeconomic impacts of ocean and coastal acidification and identify adaptation and mitigation strategies. - Enhancing NOAA's role in coordinating federal efforts, maintaining data systems, and establishing standards for data collection and sharing. - Creating a new grant program for collaborative research projects between the seafood industry and academic community. - Authorizing $35.5 million annually for the program from 2020 to 2024. The bill aims to improve understanding of ocean and coastal acidification, their impacts on marine resources and coastal communities, and support development of strategies to address these environmental changes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/2699/all-info