S.1391 - Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1391, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025, amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009. It aims to improve collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), state and local governments, and Indian Tribes on issues related to ocean acidification. The bill emphasizes vulnerability assessments, research planning, and data sharing to support coastal communities.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased engagement of local and Indigenous communities in research and policy decisions related to ocean acidification. This could result in more effective and tailored strategies for mitigating the impacts of ocean acidification on coastal ecosystems and economies. It also formalizes the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in scientific research and policy-making.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced collaboration between federal agencies, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes.
- Improved vulnerability assessments related to ocean acidification.
- Increased consideration of Indigenous knowledge in research and policy.
- Better-informed decision-making for coastal resource management.
- Support for community-level adaptation strategies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative overhead.
- Risk of conflicts arising from differing priorities among stakeholders.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to increased consultation requirements.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on collaboration rather than direct funding for mitigation efforts.
- The effectiveness of the Act depends on the willingness of all parties to actively participate and share information.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting the well-being of coastal communities affected by ocean acidification. It also acknowledges the unique status of Indian Tribes, reflecting the federal government's trust responsibility. The emphasis on scientific research and data collection supports informed decision-making, which is consistent with the principles of good governance.
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).