Sponsors (16)
The bill strengthens tribal representation and stakeholder engagement and directs resources toward vulnerable communities, at the cost of increased administrative burden, potential short-term funding/eligibility uncertainty, and slower decisionmaking as broader input is incorporated.
Indigenous Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations gain formal statutory recognition and dedicated Advisory Board seats, increasing their ability to influence ocean acidification research, management, and access to programs.
State, local governments, industry, tribes, and other coastal stakeholders get a NOAA liaison, regular meetings, and an engagement platform so they can provide ongoing input on monitoring and adaptation needs.
NOAA is required to prioritize underserved and vulnerable populations and entities when providing collaboration and assistance, directing resources toward rural, tribal, and other high‑need communities.
State and local governments, universities, and Tribes may face temporary eligibility uncertainty or changed funding scope if revised definitions alter who qualifies for programs or grants.
Adding board seats and formal consultation/engagement requirements will increase NOAA administrative time and costs, which could divert resources from other activities or require additional funding (affecting taxpayers and agency operations).
Mandating additional consultation and prioritization processes could slow research planning and decisionmaking as NOAA incorporates broader stakeholder input, delaying program actions.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Updates the ocean acidification law to add tribal and Native Hawaiian definitions, require NOAA stakeholder engagement, add tribal advisory seats, and mandate tribal coordination policy.
Introduced June 17, 2025 by Chellie Pingree · Last progress June 17, 2025
Amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act to expand definitions for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, require NOAA to maintain an ongoing stakeholder engagement mechanism, and increase Indigenous representation and formal tribal coordination in the program’s advisory board and planning. It also makes targeted technical and grammatical corrections to the existing statute. The bill requires the Advisory Board to adopt a policy for engagement and coordination with Indian Tribes within one year and clarifies collaboration and consultation language across the law.