To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Official Summary
This bill reauthorizes and modifies the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Integrated Ocean Observation System (IOOS). (The IOOS is made up of radar, gliders, buoys, vessels, and different models and forecasts that collect data points to monitor and report on conditions along the nation's coasts and in marine waters.) Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the IOOS through FY2030. The bill also directs the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (which coordinates interagency planning, budgeting, and assessments for the system) to develop requirements and processes for regional offices and federally funded projects of the agencies of the committee to collaborate with the regional coastal observing systems for data sharing at regional levels.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™This bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (IOOS) under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through fiscal year 2030. The IOOS is a network of technologies including radar, gliders, buoys, and vessels that collect data to monitor coastal and marine conditions. The bill also mandates the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to establish requirements and processes to enhance collaboration and data sharing between regional offices and federally funded projects with regional coastal observing systems.
The bill extends funding and updates coordination requirements for the IOOS to improve data collection and sharing on coastal and ocean conditions through 2030.
- Reauthorizes the IOOS program through fiscal year 2030 to continue monitoring coastal and marine environments.
- Directs the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to develop collaboration and data sharing protocols among regional and federal entities.
- Supports integration of various observation technologies such as radar, gliders, buoys, and vessels for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
['National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)', 'Interagency Ocean Observation Committee', 'Regional coastal observing systems', 'Federal agencies involved in ocean and coastal monitoring', 'Researchers and policymakers relying on oceanographic data', 'Coastal communities and industries dependent on marine data']
['Implementation challenges in coordinating data sharing across multiple regional and federal entities.', 'Potential costs associated with maintaining and upgrading observation technologies and systems through 2030.', 'Oversight mechanisms for ensuring effective interagency collaboration and data integration are not detailed in the summary.', 'The bill text is not provided, limiting full assessment of authority and enforcement provisions.']
The bill is part of ongoing legislative efforts to maintain and improve the nation's ocean and coastal observation capabilities. It was introduced and passed in the House and is currently under consideration in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation as of March 2026. The IOOS program has been previously authorized under the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, reflecting bipartisan recognition of the importance of ocean data for environmental and economic purposes.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Improved data sharing and coordination may enhance regional environmental management and emergency response capabilities.', 'Sustained funding could support technological advancements and workforce stability in ocean observation sectors.', 'Enhanced ocean and coastal data availability may benefit industries such as fisheries, shipping, and tourism through better-informed decision-making.']
The absence of the full bill text limits detailed analysis of enforcement, funding mechanisms, and oversight provisions. Transparency on how interagency coordination will be monitored and evaluated is important for assessing program effectiveness. Tracking the bill's progress in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will be key to understanding any amendments or changes to the authorization and coordination requirements.
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