Us Congress Senate Bill SB1808

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/23
• Refer: 6/6/23

Caption

Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023

Impact

This bill is expected to significantly influence the existing framework of environmental legislation by emphasizing proactive measures to address the effects of ocean acidification. It will bolster engagement between federal and local entities, enhancing their collective responses to environmental challenges. By prioritizing partnerships with underserved populations and entities, the legislation seeks to ensure that the voices of those most affected by coastal and oceanic changes are incorporated into government planning and action.

Summary

Senate Bill 1808, also known as the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023, aims to amend the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009. The primary intent of the bill is to mandate the collaboration of the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with state and local governments as well as Indian Tribes. This collaboration focuses on conducting vulnerability assessments related to ocean acidification and enhancing research planning efforts to better understand and mitigate its impacts on coastal communities.

Contention

Notably, the Bill's emphasis on collaboration with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations reflects a growing recognition of Indigenous knowledge and governance in environmental management. However, debates may arise regarding the adequacy of funding and resources for these partnerships, as well as concerns about the effectiveness of federal oversight in addressing localized issues of oceanic changes. Critics might argue about the potential for bureaucratic delays in response measures, questioning whether the bill goes far enough to secure immediate action against the accelerating crisis of ocean acidification on coastal ecosystems.