Summary#
This bill reauthorizes and updates the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. It replaces references to the "Council" with an "Ocean Policy Committee." The bill expands the system's scope to include meteorological observations and information, and it adds data management systems and cyber infrastructure to the list of areas the system must address. It updates definitions (including adding a definition of "State"), clarifies that observing systems may conduct operational oceanography measurements, and directs development of regional data-sharing processes between federal projects and regional coastal observing systems. The bill requires annual post-storm evaluations for major U.S. storms that occurred in the prior year to assess how system observations affected storm forecast accuracy. It authorizes $56,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and requires the Secretary to allocate at least 7.5% of those funds to each regional coastal observing system that existed on January 1, 2025, except that this allocation rule does not apply to supplemental disaster-relief appropriations. The bill also makes conforming amendments throughout the Act to reflect the Committee name change.
What it means for you#
- If you work for or with a regional coastal observing system: the bill directs at least a 7.5% share of authorized funds to each regional system that existed on January 1, 2025 (subject to the exclusion for disaster-relief supplements).
- If you use ocean, coastal, or weather-related data: the system's scope would explicitly include meteorological observations and expand attention to data management and cyber infrastructure, which could affect the types of data collected and shared.
- If you are involved in coastal storm response or forecasting: required post-storm evaluations aim to assess how observations from the System affected forecast accuracy for major storms in the prior year.
- If you are a state or local coastal manager: the bill directs coordination and data-sharing processes between federal projects and regional observing systems, which may affect access to regional data and products.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $56,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030.
- The Secretary must allocate not less than 7.5% of amounts appropriated under that authorization to each regional coastal observing system that existed on January 1, 2025, except amounts from supplemental disaster-relief appropriations.
- No publicly available information on estimated total federal budget impacts beyond the authorized amounts, or on how appropriations would be distributed in practice.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.