Bill > HR7970

This bill, the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2022, aims to establish Ocean Innovation Clusters to strengthen the coastal communities and ocean economy of the United States. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Defining the "Blue Economy" as the sustainable industries related to the Great Lakes, oceans, bays, estuaries, and coasts, and establishing the "Ocean Innovation Cluster" as an eligible entity composed of various organizations that work to enhance collaboration, promote innovation, and contribute to the equitable and sustainable growth of the Blue Economy. 2. Directing the Secretary of Commerce to designate at least 7 Ocean Innovation Clusters, with at least one in each of the regions covered by the 5 regional offices of the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Great Lakes region, and the Gulf of Mexico region. 3. Establishing "Ocean Innovation Centers for Cross-Sector Collaboration" as physical spaces for partners within the Ocean Innovation Clusters to work together in areas such as workforce development, technology development, and research. 4. Authorizing the Secretary of Commerce to award grants, on a competitive basis, to the Ocean Innovation Clusters for their operation and administration, as well as for one-time capital investments to establish the Ocean Innovation Centers. The bill aims to promote cross-sector collaboration, job training, and economic development in the coastal communities and the overall ocean economy of the United States.