H.R.3340 - Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3340, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, aims to standardize, publish, and improve the accessibility of data related to public recreational use of federal waterways. This includes data on fishing restrictions, recreational vessel use in the exclusive economic zone, and access to federal waters. The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to develop data standards and make geographic information system (GIS) data publicly available through a website.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased transparency and ease of access to information regarding recreational use of federal waterways. This could improve recreational experiences and promote better stewardship of marine resources. The standardization and accessibility of data may also facilitate better-informed decision-making by both the public and government agencies.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to information on fishing restrictions and recreational areas.
- Enhanced coordination among federal, state, and tribal entities.
- Better-informed recreational activities, promoting safety and compliance.
- Potential for increased tourism and recreational spending in coastal areas.
- Facilitation of data-driven management of marine resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with developing and maintaining the required data systems and website.
- Risk of data inaccuracies or inconsistencies if not properly managed.
- Possible privacy concerns related to the collection and dissemination of recreational use data, though the bill includes provisions for nondisclosure of certain information.
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on recreational users if data is used to justify new restrictions.
- The Act does not apply to tribal waters and fishing areas, which may create inconsistencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes, as it relates to regulating activities within the exclusive economic zone. The emphasis on data publication and accessibility also aligns with principles of transparency and public access to government information, though no specific constitutional provision mandates such access in this context. The Act also respects tribal sovereignty by excluding tribal waters and fishing areas from its scope, aligning with the federal government's trust responsibility to Indian tribes.
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).