Bill > SB338

This bill establishes a new requirement for national marine sanctuary designations in Oregon, mandating that the Governor must certify to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce that a proposed marine sanctuary within Oregon's seaward boundary is unacceptable unless the state Legislature explicitly confirms all terms of the sanctuary through a joint resolution. This means that any new national marine sanctuary proposed for Oregon's coastal waters will need formal approval from the state Legislature, either during the current legislative session or in the next regular or special session following the sanctuary's initial designation. The bill gives the state Legislature a formal role in reviewing and potentially blocking marine sanctuary designations, which previously might have been made solely at the federal level by the Secretary of Commerce. By requiring legislative confirmation, the bill ensures that state lawmakers have a direct say in marine conservation and environmental management decisions that affect Oregon's coastal waters.

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB338