H.R. 4047: Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025, aims to enhance the federal response to ocean acidification by amending the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009. Here’s a summary of the key provisions:

Collaboration Improvement

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), work closely with state and local governments, as well as Indigenous tribes, on vulnerability assessments regarding ocean acidification. This includes:

• Establishing ongoing mechanisms for communication and input from various stakeholders, including affected industries, community networks, fishery management councils, Indigenous groups, and scientific experts not affiliated with the federal government.
• Involving these stakeholders in research planning and decision-making processes regarding the impacts of ocean and coastal acidification.

Advisory Board Expansion

The composition of the Advisory Board, which advises on ocean acidification matters, will be updated to include:

• Two representatives from Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or Tribal organizations.
• Fewer representatives (from six to four) from other groups previously included.

Policy for Engagement with Indian Tribes

The Advisory Board is required to develop and implement a policy for engaging with Indian Tribes affected by ocean acidification within one year of its establishment. This includes consultation with those tribes in the policy development process.

Focus on Vulnerability Assessments and Research

The bill emphasizes collaboration with state and local governments and Indigenous tribes in conducting vulnerability assessments and research planning related to ocean acidification. It outlines the need to:

• Support interagency collaboration and information sharing.
• Assist governmental bodies and tribes in improving existing systems to address the impacts of ocean acidification.

Strategic Research Planning

The bill also aims to improve the contents of the strategic research plan related to ocean acidification. It calls for expanded collaboration and the input of affected industry members and community groups in planning efforts.

Technical Corrections

Lastly, the bill includes several technical corrections to the earlier act to clarify language related to coordination, implementation, and research on adaptation strategies regarding ocean acidification.

Relevant Companies

None found.