Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7797

Introduced

3/22/24

Refer

3/22/24

Caption

Ocean Restoration Research and Development Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 7797 will create a structured initiative for researching the efficacy of ocean-based solutions to climate change, particularly focusing on carbon dioxide removal strategies. It will require the Secretary of Energy to devise goals and objectives for the pilot program, ensuring that activities could potentially lead to significant advancements in both ocean restoration and greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Additionally, federal funding is authorized to allow for these research initiatives, signaling a commitment to exploring oceanic solutions for pressing environmental challenges.

Summary

House Bill 7797, known as the Ocean Restoration Research and Development Act, aims to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a pilot program for researching ocean fertilization techniques and marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods. The bill emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to address the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and their impact on the global environment. Among the techniques highlighted is ocean iron fertilization, which stimulates phytoplankton growth to enhance ocean productivity and capture carbon, thus aiding in mitigating climate change effects.

Contention

The bill may provoke debate regarding environmental safety and the ethical implications of employing ocean fertilization techniques. While proponents assert that these methods could lead to significant advancements in carbon removal, critics might raise concerns over potential unintended environmental consequences, such as the impact on marine ecosystems and fish populations. The necessity for rigorous scientific oversight and comprehensive environmental assessments will be crucial during the implementation of such initiatives to ensure that safety and effectiveness are prioritized, thus shaping future discussions on ocean-based climate strategies.

Latest HB7797 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

US HB10471

To support marine carbon dioxide removal activities, and for other purposes.

US HB7163

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act

US HB1904

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee and a Rural Climate Alliance Network. The advisory committee, within USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist, must review and make recommendations on the agency's long-term and short-term national policies and priorities for (1) data collection for climate-specific agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and (2) agricultural climate research.The Rural Climate Alliance Network must coordinate the provision of agriculture climate research, climate data, extension, and technical assistance for agricultural producers, the food and agricultural industry, nonprofit organizations, and researchers. The bill defines an agricultural producer as an individual who is engaged in farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, or another occupation relating to agriculture.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes a long-term strategy for responding to the challenges faced by agricultural producers that may impact agricultural producers' climate change resilience. The report must also include recommendations for further action by federal departments and agencies that are based on best practices.