“Ocean innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it relies on strong federal partnerships and trusted scientific institutions and federal agencies. As the Trump Administration doubles down on its attacks against climate research and ocean science, it’s more important than ever that Congress step up,” said Pingree, a senior appropriator and member of the House Oceans Caucus. “The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to invest in our Blue Economy, boost ocean-based industries, and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities from the Gulf of Maine to the Bering Sea. Congresswoman Salazar, Senator Murkowski, Senator Cantwell, and I represent some of the most iconic and vulnerable coastlines in the nation. We know just how vital the ocean is to our economies, our environment, and our future. The United States should be leading the world in ocean innovation, not dismantling the partnerships that make it possible.”
“Miami’s beautiful coasts and pristine waters provide Florida with billions in tourism and commerce every year, and I am committed to preserving them for generations to come,” said Rep. Salazar. “I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to promote Miami’s development and improve our environment through the sustainable use of our oceans. The blue economy and the opportunities it provides are growing, and there is no better place to invest the best we have in research and technology than right here in South Florida.”
“A strong blue economy will require strong coordination and creativity, and that’s why I’m leading this effort to invest in our ocean clusters and take advantage of the opportunities for innovation and collaboration,” said Sen. Murkowski. “This effort doesn’t just focus on the untapped economic potential of our blue economy but also ensures that collaboration is at the center of any conversation or effort to address the impacts of climate change on our coastal communities. By providing incentives and workspaces for Alaskans in maritime and maritime-adjacent industries, we can achieve real progress in strengthening the blue economy.”
“From protecting orcas from vessel noise to transitioning to a carbon-free future for our ports and maritime industry, Washington’s ocean cluster, called Maritime Blue, is working hard to solve complex challenges facing our economy. This bill would build on their success by creating a new grant program to fund ocean innovation clusters and grow Washington’s $60 billion maritime economy,” said Sen. Cantwell.
Specifically, the Ocean ROI Act would require the Secretary of Commerce—acting through the administrator of the US Economic Development Administration, and in consultation with the administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—to designate at least one ocean innovation cluster in each of the five NOAA Fisheries regions, Gulf of Mexico region, and the Great Lakes region. The bill would also authorize $10 million for competitive grants for cluster operation and administration to support ocean innovation clusters on the federal level.
“There has never been a more important time to support investment in blue economy ventures that add value to our coastal resources and lay the foundation for the industries of the future,” said Patrick Arnold of the New England Ocean Cluster in Portland, Maine. “Strategic policy support can help accelerate innovation, attract private capital, and create resilient, high-quality jobs in coastal communities—positioning the United States as a global leader in sustainable ocean-based industries.”
“TMA BlueTech enthusiastically supports the reintroduction of the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act. This legislation is a pivotal step toward bolstering America’s maritime industrial base by fostering advanced maritime defense technologies, smart maritime systems, and regional innovation clusters,” said Matt Classen at TMA BlueTech in San Diego. “By promoting cross-sector collaboration, workforce development, and technological advancement, the Act complements national efforts like the SHIPS for America Act, which aims to revitalize US shipbuilding and expand our commercial fleet. Together, these initiatives will enhance our nation’s maritime capabilities, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.”
Pingree, who is a Ranking Member of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, is a well-known leader in Congressional action on fighting climate change. She has sponsored and cosponsored dozens of bills to fight climate change, including several that are aimed specifically at protecting our oceans and coastline.
