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.) have introduced the Regional Ocean Partnerships Act. The legislation seeks to reauthorize Regional Ocean Partnerships under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, allowing state governors to work with local and federal partners on shared ocean and coastal issues.
Senator Wicker said, “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. 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.” Wicker represents Mississippi in the Senate according to his official website.
Senator Blunt Rochester stated, “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.”
Senator Britt commented, “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.”
Senator Coons added, “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.”
Senator Kennedy said, “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.”
Senator Markey noted,“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.”
Senator Murphy remarked,“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.”
The proposed act would allow governors or groups of governors from coastal states authority in applying for designation as a Regional Ocean Partnership through the Secretary of Commerce; formally designate organizations such as Gulf of Mexico Alliance as official partnerships; define partnership functions; among other provisions.
Wicker has held several leadership roles related both directly or indirectly with maritime affairs—including serving as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (source)—and sits on boards relevant for maritime education like U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (source). He also authored legislation advancing naval capabilities (source).
For full legislative text about this proposal readers can visit congressional records or Senator Wicker’s official page.
