ReSCUE Oceans Act

Full Title:
ReSCUE Oceans Act

Summary#

This bill creates a coordinated federal program to support research, testing, monitoring, and standards for "marine carbon dioxide removal" (intentional actions in the ocean that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must set up a Program to fund research, field trials, and monitoring and to integrate traditional ecological knowledge where practicable. The bill lists specific research focal areas, including ocean alkalinity enhancement, electrochemical methods, macroalgae cultivation, nutrient fertilization, artificial upwelling and downwelling, and carbon storage in coastal and estuarine ecosystems.

An interagency working group is created under the National Science and Technology Council to coordinate Federal research and to develop a Federal research plan, a public code of conduct for field research, and public reporting. The bill directs NOAA to designate or fund research areas (with consent for Tribal lands), to require terms and conditions for users of those areas, and to appoint advisory boards. Monitoring, data management, public access to non-proprietary data, and protections for Tribal data are required. The National Science Foundation, NASA, and NIST are charged with related research, measurement-from-space, and standards work. The bill requires biennial public reports on research progress and authorizes appropriations as needed for fiscal years 2027–2031.

What it means for you#

  • Researchers, universities, companies, States, and Tribal entities can apply for competitive grants and may be eligible to host or use designated research areas.
  • Coastal communities and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations are to be consulted or engaged, and grantees must fund engagement and consultation (at least $10,000 per award for that purpose).
  • Monitoring data and research results collected under the program are to be made publicly available, except for proprietary data or Tribal information that Tribal entities do not consent to publish.
  • Research areas will have terms, oversight, community benefit plans, and clear thresholds that can stop activities if environmental harm is detected.
  • The bill does not change or override existing laws governing territorial seas, contiguous zones, exclusive economic zone, or coastal waters.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes appropriations "such sums as may be necessary" to NOAA (Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out Title I.
  • It also authorizes such sums as may be necessary for NASA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
  • Grants under the NOAA Program must include at least $10,000 to support engagement and consultation per award.
  • No publicly available information on total program cost or specific funding levels beyond the open appropriations language.

Proponents' View#

According to the bill text, supporters intend the measure to: support safe and responsible research and field trials of marine carbon dioxide removal; ensure strong monitoring and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems; coordinate Federal actions on this topic; and support meaningful engagement and consultation with affected coastal communities, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.