Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2991

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Last Updated

2025-05-08T18:05:49Z

AI-Generated Summary

Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act (H.R. 2991)

Purpose

The legislation aims to foster partnerships between the seafood industry and academic researchers to conduct collaborative studies on ocean acidification—a process where oceans become more acidic due to absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, harming marine life like shellfish. It seeks to integrate industry expertise with scientific knowledge to improve research, monitoring, and adaptation strategies, ultimately benefiting coastal economies and ecosystems.

Key Provisions

• Grants for Collaborative Projects: The Secretary of Commerce (through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) must award grants for research projects jointly developed by the seafood industry (e.g., fishermen, shellfish growers) and the academic community (e.g., universities, scientists).
• Approval Criteria: Projects must align with the national strategic research plan on ocean acidification and focus on building partnerships, including industry in research, sharing results for mutual benefit, incorporating industry insights on local environments, promoting awareness, and ensuring balanced contributions from partners.
• Funding Priorities: Preference goes to projects addressing vulnerable ecosystems or communities, those with local support (e.g., from states, tribes, or schools), or those using industry resources like boats for research.
• Implementation Guidelines: Within 180 days of enactment, NOAA must issue guidelines in consultation with stakeholders like state officials, industry groups, educators, tribes, and nonprofits.
• Proposal Requirements: Applications must detail team qualifications, partner roles, result dissemination plans (e.g., education programs, publications), alignment with national research goals, and other evaluation info.
• Flexibility and Reporting: Grants can include other marine industries if they fit the goals; grantees must submit progress reports. Federal funding is capped at 85% of project costs (with waivers possible), allowing in-kind contributions for the non-federal share.
• Funding Authorization: $5 million per year from fiscal years 2026 to 2030.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 (part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act) by adding a new section (12406A). The existing law coordinates federal ocean acidification efforts but lacks specific provisions for industry-academic partnerships or dedicated grants; this introduces targeted funding and collaboration mechanisms to expand research inclusivity.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: NOAA gains new grant authority, requiring administrative resources for guidelines, evaluations, and oversight, potentially enhancing federal coordination on environmental research.
• On Citizens: Coastal communities, especially in vulnerable areas like shellfish-dependent regions, may benefit from practical adaptation tools, improved seafood sustainability, and economic protections against acidification effects (e.g., reduced fishery yields).
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though collaborative research could indirectly support U.S. leadership in global ocean health discussions, such as through international environmental agreements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Seafood Industry: Fishermen, harvesters, and supply chain members gain research involvement and tools to address acidification threats.
• Academic Community: Universities, scientists, and educators access funding and industry data to refine studies.
• Government Entities: NOAA (lead agency), states, local governments, and tribes, who provide input and apply results for policy or resource management.
• Other Groups: Nonprofits, community organizations, and marine-dependent industries (e.g., aquaculture) that may participate or benefit from broader awareness and adaptation efforts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes clear grant criteria and matching requirements, promoting accountability without overriding existing environmental laws; waivers for matching funds allow flexibility for underserved applicants.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it supports the federal government's role in interstate commerce and environmental science under the Commerce Clause.
• Political: Encourages bipartisan collaboration (introduced by representatives from both parties) and stakeholder input, potentially building support for ocean conservation amid climate change debates, though funding levels depend on congressional appropriations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
• 2025-04-24: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-24: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (7 pages)