US House Passes Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act

On June 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act. Sponsored by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine, HR 1716 directs NOAA and other agencies to work with state and local experts to study ocean acidification and its socioeconomic impact on coastal communities. A press release is available here.

The bill is a needed update to established federal policy, establishing vulnerability assessments for coastal communities and ensuring federal actions are coordinated with ongoing community-based projects and research efforts. The bill also requires better engagement with local experts, indigenous communities, and other stakeholders, and expands the areas of federal work to all U.S. territories.

HR 1716 would build on ongoing state efforts where eight states have enacted legislation, such as Washington and Maine, to better understand and tackle the impacts of ocean acidification on their coastal communities and fisheries.

To learn more about these state actions please visit our website on ocean acidification