Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025

Bill Number

S. 1391

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2025-05-27T14:12:53Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to strengthen collaboration between the federal government—specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, a branch of the Department of Commerce)—and state, local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The goal is to improve vulnerability assessments (evaluations of risks to communities and ecosystems from ocean acidification), research planning, and related activities to better address the impacts of ocean acidification on coastal areas. Ocean acidification refers to the ocean becoming more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide absorption, which harms marine life like shellfish and corals.

Key Provisions

• Updated Definitions (Section 2): Adds or revises terms in the 2009 Act, including:
• "Indian Tribe" (as defined in federal law for self-determination).
• "Native Hawaiian organization" (as defined in the Native American Veterans Assistance Act).
• "Subcommittee" (referring to the National Science and Technology Council's ocean science group).
• "United States" (clarified to mean the states collectively).
• Refines the definition of ocean acidification to emphasize carbon dioxide increases.
• Enhanced Collaboration Mechanisms (Section 3):
• Requires NOAA to create ongoing input channels (e.g., liaisons, meetings, or online platforms) for stakeholders like industry members, coastal communities, fishery councils, Indigenous knowledge groups, and non-federal experts to share data on ocean acidification management and adaptation.
• Expands the Ocean Acidification Advisory Board to include two representatives from Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia; reduces non-tribal state/local slots from six to four.
• Mandates the Advisory Board to develop a policy within one year for engaging and consulting with affected Indian Tribes.
• Updates the strategic research plan to incorporate collaboration on vulnerability assessments and prioritize input from diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous groups.
• Adds a new requirement (subsection 12406(e)) for NOAA to collaborate with state/local governments and Indian Tribes on vulnerability assessments, research planning, climate action plans, and similar efforts; extends this optionally to Native Hawaiian and Tribal organizations; prioritizes underserved populations in resource allocation.
• Technical Corrections (Section 4): Makes minor fixes to grammar, punctuation, and cross-references in the 2009 Act for clarity, without changing substantive meaning.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broader Inclusion of Tribes and Indigenous Groups: The 2009 Act mentioned Tribal governments but lacked specific definitions, dedicated slots on the Advisory Board, or formal engagement policies. This bill adds explicit requirements for consultation, representation, and collaboration with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, treating them as key partners.
• Ongoing Engagement Tools: Introduces mandatory mechanisms for continuous stakeholder input (e.g., online platforms), replacing more ad-hoc approaches.
• Focus on Vulnerability and Adaptation: Shifts emphasis from general research coordination to targeted support for local assessments and plans, including identifying best practices for other communities.
• Equity Prioritization: New language requires NOAA to prioritize underserved populations (e.g., rural or low-income coastal areas) in funding and activities, which was not explicitly required before.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: NOAA must integrate more collaborative processes, potentially increasing administrative workload but improving interagency and federal-state-Tribal coordination. This could lead to more efficient use of resources for ocean research and monitoring.
• On Citizens and Coastal Communities: Enhances access to federal support for assessing and adapting to acidification risks, benefiting fisheries, tourism, and ecosystems in coastal areas. Underserved groups, including Tribal communities, may gain better tools for resilience planning, reducing economic losses from marine habitat damage.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. waters and stakeholders; however, improved U.S. research could indirectly support global efforts on climate change and ocean health through shared data.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: NOAA (lead role in implementation) and the National Science and Technology Council (via its Subcommittee).
• State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Required partners for assessments and planning; Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations gain formal representation and consultation rights.
• Coastal Communities and Industries: Fishery management councils, shellfish farmers, tourism operators, and community networks affected by acidification; they benefit from input mechanisms and adaptation support.
• Indigenous and Underserved Groups: Indian Tribes, Tribal consortia, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Indigenous knowledge holders, who are prioritized for collaboration and resources.
• Non-Federal Experts: Scientists, resource managers, and community acidification networks providing data outside federal employment.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Builds on existing federal environmental laws by mandating consultation with Tribes, aligning with the federal trust responsibility to Tribes (a legal obligation to protect Tribal interests). No new enforcement mechanisms or penalties are added, relying on existing NOAA reporting.
• Constitutional: Supports federalism by enhancing state and local roles in environmental management without overriding state authority; respects Tribal sovereignty through required consultations, consistent with treaties and the Indian Self-Determination Act.
• Political: Promotes bipartisan environmental action (introduced by senators from both parties) on climate adaptation, emphasizing equity for vulnerable coastal and Indigenous populations. Could influence future funding debates for NOAA programs but avoids controversial mandates like emissions regulations.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

Cosponsors (6)

Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-04-09: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (12 pages)