January 2024 On The Hill Updates
Government funding came down to the wire again this month when Congress passed another stopgap funding bill (a continuing resolution or "CR") that will fund the government into March. The spending bills that most directly impact the ocean community, including those that fund the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Science Foundation (NSF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), now expire at midnight on March 8.
In other news:
On January 18, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries met to discuss four ocean-related, bipartisan bills. All members present at the hearing expressed support for the bills, and advocated for increased attention on topics including algal bloom research and water quality monitoring, ocean-related youth programs, and ecosystem protection initiatives that allow for the continuation of responsible maritime activity. Learn more >>>
On January 24, the Senate Budget Committee held a hearing titled "Warming Seas, Cooling Economy: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Ocean Industries." It was the 12th in a series focused on climate impacts to the economy, led by Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Witnesses discussed the impacts of climate change on ocean economies such as fisheries and seafood, maritime transportation, and coastal tourism. Learn more >>>
NOAA announced the availability of approximately $9.6 million through four Regional Ocean Partnerships and five Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Regional Associations to address climate needs, engage underserved communities, and enhance data sharing. Learn more >>>
The Department of Energy (DOE) released a funding notice for small businesses to support scientific and technological innovation. Topics include offshore wind technology solutions to advance monitoring for wildlife risk. Learn more >>>
DOE's Water Power Technologies Office and Wind Energy Technologies Office released a $14.5 million research funding opportunity to address challenges facing marine and ocean renewable energy industries. Learn more >>>
