H.R.3048 - Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3048, the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025, aims to bolster coastal communities and the ocean economy by establishing Ocean Innovation Clusters. These clusters will focus on technological research and development, job training, and cross-sector partnerships. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate at least seven eligible entities as Ocean Innovation Clusters within a year of enactment.
The bill prioritizes entities with a history of supporting the Blue Economy and ensures geographic diversity across different regions, including the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. It also establishes Ocean Innovation Centers for Cross-Sector Collaboration within each region to foster innovation and strengthen regional ocean sector economies.
Furthermore, the bill authorizes grants for Ocean Innovation Clusters, with appropriations of $10,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030, to support their operation and administration.
Expected Effects
The bill is likely to stimulate economic activity in coastal regions by fostering innovation and collaboration in the Blue Economy. It will also likely lead to increased job creation and workforce development in ocean-related industries.
Additionally, the establishment of Ocean Innovation Centers will provide physical spaces for collaboration and entrepreneurship. This will likely enhance the sustainability of seafood supply chains and promote the development of new technologies and processes.
Finally, the bill's focus on cross-sector partnerships and coordination among federal agencies will likely improve the effectiveness of government support for the Blue Economy.
Potential Benefits
- Economic Growth: Stimulates economic growth in coastal communities through innovation and investment in the Blue Economy.
- Job Creation: Creates new job opportunities in ocean-related industries through workforce development and training programs.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Fosters collaboration among businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies.
- Sustainable Development: Promotes sustainable practices in the Blue Economy, including seafood supply chains and ocean resource management.
- Regional Development: Ensures geographic diversity by establishing Ocean Innovation Clusters in various regions, including the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.
Potential Disadvantages
- Bureaucratic Overhead: The establishment of new clusters and centers may create additional bureaucratic layers and administrative costs.
- Funding Limitations: The authorized appropriations may be insufficient to fully support the operation and administration of all Ocean Innovation Clusters.
- Potential for Inequity: The designation process may favor certain entities or regions over others, leading to inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
- Regulatory Burden: Increased regulation and oversight may stifle innovation and hinder the growth of small businesses in the Blue Economy.
- Unintended Consequences: Focus on specific sectors may inadvertently neglect other important aspects of coastal communities and the ocean economy.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. The promotion of economic development and innovation in the ocean economy falls under this power.
Additionally, the bill's focus on promoting the general welfare (Preamble) and providing for the common defense (Preamble) aligns with the constitutional objectives of the federal government. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
However, the delegation of authority to the Secretary of Commerce to designate Ocean Innovation Clusters raises questions about the non-delegation doctrine, which requires Congress to provide clear standards and guidelines for the exercise of delegated authority.
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).