S2126-119

What This Bill Does

Reauthorizes and updates the Integrated Ocean Observing System by revising purposes and definitions, replacing council terminology with Ocean Policy Committee terminology, updating NOAA system duties, adding reporting elements, authorizing appropriations, and making conforming amendments.

Who Benefits and How

Regional ocean observing associations, coastal communities, fisheries managers, maritime operators, weather forecasters, emergency managers, researchers, and data users benefit from continued federal support for ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmospheric observations. NOAA benefits from updated statutory duties for the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System. States, Tribes, universities, and private data partners benefit from coordinated standards and sustained observing infrastructure. Congress benefits from updated reports on system performance, gaps, partnerships, and data use.

Who Bears the Burden and How

NOAA ocean observing staff, Ocean Policy Committee staff, regional association operators, and data-management teams must implement the revised purposes, definitions, reporting requirements, and authorization structure. Federal taxpayers bear reauthorization costs. Observing-system partners must meet federal data standards, coordination rules, and reporting expectations. Agencies must update terminology from Council to Committee and align conforming statutes.

Key Provisions

• Modifies the purposes of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act.
• Updates definitions and governance terminology.
• Modifies NOAA duties for the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System.
• Expands or updates reports to Congress.
• Authorizes appropriations for continued ocean observing activities.
• Makes conforming amendments from Council terminology to Ocean Policy Committee terminology.