Wicker, Colleagues Introduce the Regional Ocean Partnerships Act

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Katie Britt, R-Ala., Chris Coons, D-Del., John Kennedy, R-La., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Susan Collins, R-Maine., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Ed Markey, D-Ore., introduced the Regional Ocean Partnerships Act. The bill would reauthorize Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ROPs are voluntarily convened by state governors in collaboration with local and federal government partners and stakeholders to address ocean and coastal issues of common concern for the region.

"Mississippi and other coastal states share similar concerns regarding American waters, including the impact of harmful algal blooms and lack of data for oyster farmers," said Senator Wicker. "It is important for states to work together to provide solutions for the issues our coasts face today. This bill promotes regional collaboration, builds stronger data-base portals, and leverages funding to strengthen our Blue Economy and protect natural resources."

"I'm proud to be introducing the bipartisan Regional Ocean Partnerships Act with Senator Wicker. Together, we will further empower states to work collaboratively to address coastal issues," said Senator Blunt Rochester.

"My dedication to supporting Alabama's coastal communities is unwavering. The most significant priorities in the Gulf of America may differ from those in the Pacific or the Atlantic - The Regional Ocean Partnerships Act engages local and state governments, including stakeholders, to safeguard our oceans and coasts by curating regional plans to ensure federal and state resources are used efficiently from coast to coast. As coastal communities, including in our Southern states, continue to grow and thrive, I'm proud to champion legislation that prioritizes their needs," said Senator Britt.

"Delaware's beaches are treasures of our state. We must protect them for the families that come to our shores to make lifelong memories, for the communities they protect from storms and flooding, and for the coastal economies they sustain and grow. I'm proud to support this bill to help preserve these natural resources, because healthy oceans make for a stronger Delaware," said Senator Coons.

"Louisiana is the Sportsman's Paradise, and we owe so much of that to the Gulf of America and the incredible natural bounty our state is blessed with. That's why I'm proud to help renew our partnerships with the federal government, other states, and businesses and nonprofits to keep our Gulf communities strong and clean," said Senator Kennedy.

"Massachusetts' coastal communities depend on a healthy ocean-but we can't navigate stormy waters alone. This bipartisan bill will support the ongoing work done across the Northeast region to address key ocean and coastal issues," said Senator Markey.

"The Regional Ocean Partnership program is one of our best tools when it comes to planning for the future of Connecticut's economy and protecting the health of the Long Island Sound. By bringing together ocean scientists and lawmakers from across New England, we can collaborate on research and be better prepared to respond to climate change and worsening natural disasters. I'm proud to support this bipartisan legislation to make sure this collaboration remains strong and can expand across the country," said Senator Murphy.

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Act would:<_u13a_p>

1. Give authority to the Governor or Governors of coastal state(s) to apply to the Secretary of Commerce for designation as a Regional Ocean Partnership;<_u13a_p>
2. Designate the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council, and the West Coast Ocean Alliance as Regional Ocean Partnerships; and<_u13a_p>
3. Define the functions of Regional Ocean Partnerships.

For full legislative text, click here. <_u13a_p>