Us Congress House Bill HB3048

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/25
• Refer: 4/28/25

Caption

Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025

Impact

The passage of HB 3048 would have profound implications on state and federal policies regarding coastal and oceanic economies. It authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to these Ocean Innovation Clusters with the intention that they develop into self-sustaining entities that contribute to job creation and economic diversification. By enhancing collaboration across various sectors, this legislation aims to create pathways for new entrants in the Blue Economy and deepen the technical knowledge exchange among industries, academia, and government agencies.

Summary

House Bill 3048, titled the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025, seeks to establish Ocean Innovation Clusters aimed at strengthening coastal communities and enhancing the ocean economy across the United States. It emphasizes technological research and development, job training, and the need for collaborative cross-sector partnerships to foster economic growth in marine-dependent areas. The bill is designed to create and manage physical spaces known as Ocean Innovation Centers within multiple geographic regions, which will serve as hubs for innovation and community engagement focused on sustainable practices in ocean resource utilization.

Contention

Though the bill is widely seen as a means to bolster the Blue Economy, some stakeholders have expressed concerns regarding potential bureaucratic complexities and the need for clear operational definitions. There is also apprehension about the equitable distribution of resources to ensure that underserved and rural coastal communities benefit equally from these initiatives. The bill's emphasis on regional collaboration may also raise questions about how local interests will be balanced against broader state and national objectives in ocean management and economic growth.