A Senate committee advanced legislation Tuesday meant to renew several NOAA-backed partnerships between states and communities to address ocean and coastal concerns.
The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee easily approved the “Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act,” S. 3791, from Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and 12 bipartisan co-sponsors.
The partnerships include the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, Northeast Regional Ocean Council, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean and West Coast Ocean Alliance. The bill would extend them through 2031.
“Coastal ocean management and conservation issues frequently cross boundaries and require coordination from federal, state, tribes and local governments,” said Commerce ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). “This bill ensures that these essential partnerships, including the West Coast Ocean Alliance, continue to thrive.”
