Ezell, Bonamici Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Regional Ocean Partnerships

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced the bipartisan Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act, legislation to strengthen cooperation among coastal states, federal agencies, and local stakeholders to address shared ocean and coastal challenges.

Regional Ocean Partnerships bring together states and stakeholders to coordinate efforts involving coastal resilience, marine resources, ocean research, and maritime economic development. These partnerships allow regions to identify shared priorities and develop solutions tailored to their unique coastal environments and economies.

"Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, our economy and way of life depend on healthy coastal waters, strong fisheries, and a thriving maritime industry," Ezell said. "Regional Ocean Partnerships give states and local stakeholders a seat at the table when it comes to protecting these resources and addressing the challenges facing our coastal communities. I'm proud to work with Congresswoman Bonamici to reauthorize this program, strengthen regional cooperation, and ensure these partnerships remain focused on delivering results without adding unnecessary federal regulations."

"The ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes face complex challenges, and the people who depend on them need tools to respond," Bonamici said. "Regional Ocean Partnerships - like the West Coast Ocean Alliance - are proven solutions that convene state, tribal, local, and federal leaders to tackle shared problems with the science and resources they need. A healthy ocean and thriving coastal economies rely on collaboration. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House Oceans Caucus, I'm pleased to work with Congressman Ezell to strengthen these partnerships and equip the people who live and work along our coasts with what they need to plan for a more resilient future."

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act would extend federal support for these collaborative efforts through fiscal year 2031, helping participating states continue working together on shared coastal and marine priorities.

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Reauthorize Regional Ocean Partnerships through FY2031, providing continued federal support for regional coordination and collaboration.

• Authorize approximately $10.6 million in FY2028, with incremental increases through FY2031 to support partnership activities.

• Strengthen accountability by requiring an additional report to Congress five years after enactment.

• Protect against regulatory overreach by prohibiting partnership funding from being used to develop regulatory proposals, model regulations, or compliance programs.

For Mississippi, regional collaboration plays an important role in addressing issues affecting the Gulf of America, including coastal resilience, marine habitats, fisheries, and the maritime economy.

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