Recognizing World Oceans Day and the need to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild the ocean and its resources.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 482
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-06: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-15T11:16:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 482) aims to recognize World Oceans Day on June 8 and highlight the critical need to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild the ocean and its resources. It underscores the ocean's role in global health, economy, and culture while addressing environmental threats like pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive background "Whereas" clauses detailing the ocean's importance and challenges, followed by three main "Resolved" commitments by the House of Representatives:
- Recognition of World Oceans Day: Affirms the national and international duty to protect ocean resources.
- Affirmation of Stewardship: Emphasizes the vital role of ocean resources, cultures, and communities for current and future generations.
- Commitment to Investment: Pledges to increase federal funding for scientific research and monitoring to understand ocean changes, address climate impacts, solve management issues, and support the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
The background covers topics such as:
- The ocean's coverage of over 70% of Earth's surface and its benefits (e.g., oxygen production, climate regulation, food supply, cultural value).
- Threats including ocean acidification (from CO2 absorption harming shellfish and fish), marine heat waves, pollution (80% from land sources), harmful algal blooms leading to "dead zones," plastic debris (11 million tons annually from land), abandoned fishing gear ("ghost gear"), biodiversity loss, and overfishing.
- U.S. commitments like the National Strategy on Ocean Mapping, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, and the White House Ocean Policy Committee.
- Recognition of Indigenous and Tribal connections to oceans, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.
- Global efforts, including the UN's goal for a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution by 2040.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It expresses congressional sentiment and does not create enforceable obligations or amend prior legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May encourage agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the White House Ocean Policy Committee to prioritize ocean research, mapping, and climate action plans, potentially influencing budget requests for federal funding.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of ocean threats, which could benefit coastal communities by highlighting risks to jobs (supporting 54.6 million U.S. jobs and $10 trillion in annual economic value), food security, and livelihoods, especially for fishers and tourism-dependent areas.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. alignment with global initiatives like the UN Decade of Ocean Science and anti-plastic pollution efforts, fostering cooperation on shared issues like marine debris and biodiversity, without creating new treaties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Coastal and Indigenous Communities: Face direct threats to food security, culture, fisheries, and economies; the resolution affirms their stewardship rights.
- Federal Government and Scientists: Agencies (e.g., NOAA) and researchers benefit from calls for increased funding and data collection, such as ocean mapping and observation systems.
- Environmental and Industry Groups: Fishing, tourism, and maritime sectors are impacted by issues like ghost gear and dead zones; conservation organizations gain support for global anti-pollution efforts.
- Vulnerable Populations: Low-income and marginalized groups disproportionately affected by plastic pollution and climate impacts, with emphasis on environmental justice.
- International Partners: UN bodies and other nations involved in ocean science and sustainability initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and cannot compel action, but it could serve as a reference in future legislative debates or court cases on environmental policy (e.g., supporting Endangered Species Act protections for marine life).
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy views under Article I, without infringing on executive powers over foreign affairs or environmental regulation.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties), signaling congressional consensus on ocean conservation amid climate debates. It may build momentum for related bills on funding or international agreements, but its symbolic nature limits direct enforcement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-06: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-06-06: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-06-06: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing World Oceans Day and the need to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild the ocean and its resources. — issued 2025-06-06 — PDF (6 pages)