Bills of Congress June 17, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.R.4047 - Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.4047, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025, amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009. The bill aims to improve collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), state and local governments, and Indian Tribes on vulnerability assessments and research related to ocean acidification.

It mandates the establishment of ongoing mechanisms for engaging stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, and expands advisory board membership to include representatives from Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. The bill also emphasizes collaboration on vulnerability assessments and research planning, prioritizing underserved populations.

Technical corrections are included to improve the clarity and consistency of the original Act.

Expected Effects

The bill will likely lead to increased engagement of local communities and Indigenous groups in ocean acidification research and policy. This could result in more effective and targeted strategies for addressing the impacts of ocean acidification on coastal communities.

Furthermore, the emphasis on collaboration and information sharing may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of NOAA's ocean acidification programs. The inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives could lead to more holistic and culturally sensitive approaches to addressing the issue.

Potential Benefits

- Enhanced collaboration between federal agencies, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes.
- Improved vulnerability assessments and research planning related to ocean acidification.
- Increased engagement of affected industry members, coastal stakeholders, and Indigenous groups.
- Prioritization of underserved populations in the use of NOAA resources.
- Better-informed decision-making and adaptation strategies for coastal communities.

Most Benefited Areas:

Environmental Protection & Climate Action ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Social Equity & Poverty Reduction ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Potential Disadvantages

- Potential for increased bureaucratic processes and administrative burden.
- Risk of delays in implementation due to the need for consultation and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
- Possible conflicts of interest or disagreements among stakeholders with differing priorities.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on collaboration and research rather than direct mitigation measures.
- The effectiveness of the act depends on the actual implementation and funding allocated to these collaborative efforts.

Constitutional Alignment

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to address a significant environmental issue affecting coastal communities. By promoting research and collaboration, it aims to protect the health and economic well-being of these communities.

Furthermore, the bill's emphasis on engaging with Indian Tribes reflects the federal government's trust responsibility and its power to regulate commerce with Indian Tribes, as recognized in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Indian Commerce Clause). The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual liberties or rights guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.