Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4256
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-31: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 310.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to extend and improve the Digital Coast Act, a law that supports the development and provision of geospatial data, tools, and services for U.S. coastal areas. This helps with coastal management, hazard mitigation, economic development, and environmental protection by making relevant information more accessible and comprehensive.
Key Provisions
- Enhanced Data Accessibility: Requires that geospatial data and tools be not only readily accessible but also fully and freely available to users.
- Expanded Data Scope: Includes specific data on underground infrastructure (like pipes or cables) and subsurface utilities (such as buried lines or systems) in the types of information provided.
- Extended Authorization Period: Reauthorizes the program through fiscal year 2030, previously set to expire in 2025.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 4 of the original Digital Coast Act (codified at 16 U.S.C. 1467):
- Adds requirements for free availability of data, building on existing accessibility standards.
- Broadens the definition of covered data to explicitly include underground and subsurface elements, which were not previously specified.
- Extends the sunset date of the program's authorization from 2025 to 2030, allowing continued funding and operations without interruption.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which leads the Digital Coast program, will have more time and clearer mandates to expand data services, potentially improving coordination with other federal, state, and local agencies for coastal planning and disaster response.
- On Citizens and Communities: Coastal residents, businesses, and local governments gain better access to free, detailed mapping data, which could enhance resilience to storms, support real estate development, and aid in infrastructure maintenance, reducing risks from hazards like flooding or erosion.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved U.S. coastal data could indirectly support international collaborations on shared marine issues, such as climate change or maritime boundaries.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily NOAA, along with partners like the U.S. Geological Survey for data integration.
- State and Local Governments: Coastal states and municipalities that rely on geospatial tools for planning, emergency management, and resource allocation.
- Private Sector and Non-Profits: Businesses in construction, utilities, and environmental consulting; organizations focused on conservation or economic development.
- General Public: Individuals in coastal areas who benefit from accessible data for personal or community use, such as property owners assessing flood risks.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the framework for public access to government data under existing environmental and resource management laws, without creating new enforcement mechanisms or liabilities.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate economic activities related to coasts and commerce; no apparent conflicts with free speech or privacy rights, as it focuses on aggregated geospatial data.
- Political: Bipartisan support (evident from sponsors across parties) suggests broad consensus on coastal issues; reauthorization could influence future appropriations debates, emphasizing investment in climate resilience amid rising sea levels and natural disasters.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-31: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 310.
- 2025-10-31: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-358.
- 2025-10-31: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-358.
- 2025-09-17: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-17: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-17: Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- 2025-09-03: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-08-29: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 2025-06-30: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-06-30: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-30 — PDF (2 pages)
- Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-10-31 — PDF (4 pages)