Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025
Summary
The Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes the Digital Coast Act. It ensures that digital data is readily accessible and freely available. The act also expands data collection to include underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities, and extends the program's authorization through 2030.
Expected Effects
This reauthorization will continue and enhance the Digital Coast program. It will improve data accessibility and expand the scope of data collected. This will support better coastal management and decision-making.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to coastal data for researchers, businesses, and the public.
- Enhanced understanding of coastal environments through expanded data collection.
- Better informed decision-making related to coastal management and infrastructure.
- Continued support for the Digital Coast program's initiatives.
- Increased availability of data related to underground infrastructure.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with expanded data collection and management.
- Possible privacy concerns related to the collection of underground infrastructure data.
- Risk of data misuse or misinterpretation if not properly contextualized.
- Limited impact if data is not effectively utilized by stakeholders.
- The act does not address new issues beyond the scope of the original act.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress's power to legislate on matters related to interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) could be interpreted to extend to coastal management and data collection, as these activities can affect commerce and navigation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).