Amo, Franklin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand NOAA Research and Improve Severe Weather Protection

WASHINGTON, DC - TODAY, House Science, Space, and Technology Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) and Chairman Scott Franklin (R-FL-18) introduced the NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Research Act, a bipartisan bill establishing a research program within NOAA to strengthen American ocean observing capabilities and ensure the continuation of NOAA's work to protect lives and and property from extreme weather.

"From growing the Blue Economy to protecting our environment, understanding the ocean is key to Rhode Island's future," said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). "The NOAA GOMO Research Act helps us deepen our understanding of the ocean and ensure we have the data to protect Rhode Island families from extreme weather and climate change. Science saves lives, and I will keep fighting so NOAA can continue its vital mission to protect our communities."

"Reliable ocean monitoring is vital for Florida, where our safety and quality of life depend on accurate forecasting," said Chairman Scott Franklin (R-FL). "Through NOAA's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing program, we can harness cutting-edge technology to collect and analyze global ocean data. Advanced ocean monitoring and analysis are essential to improve preparation for extreme weather and ensure our nation is equipped with the best information to protect lives and property."

"Global ocean monitoring and observation are critical for understanding and forecasting ocean conditions, weather, climate change's deadly impacts, and dangerous events like hurricanes," said Erica Fuller, Acting Vice President of the Conservation Law Foundation. "The research program outlined in this bill will help us protect and build resilience in New England's rapidly changing waters and coastal communities, including those in Rhode Island."

"We can't fight climate change and develop coastal resilience without information," said Emily Howe, State Director of Clean Water Action Rhode Island. "The NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Research Act will protect Rhode Islanders from the impacts of extreme storms by providing crucial funding for research that will improve weather prediction and drive positive changes to protect our oceans."

"The ocean sustains and shapes nearly every aspect of our lives, and understanding its changes is vital to the health, safety, and resilience of our communities," said Janice Lachance, Executive Director/CEO of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). "Sustained ocean observations are essential infrastructure - providing the data that improve forecasts, guide coastal planning, and deepen our understanding of climate and weather extremes. AGU welcomes this bipartisan legislation as an important step to ensure U.S. science continues to serve and protect people at home and around the world."

"The authorization of the Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program reinforces the United States' commitment to ocean observing, said Kirsten Yarincik, Executive Director of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Association. "IOOS and GOMO are complementary components of our sustained observing enterprise, with IOOS providing critical coastal and regional observations that link directly to GOMO's global network. This legislation ensures continued coordination for a seamless system that delivers the ocean data needed to improve weather forecasts, support maritime safety, guide fisheries management, and bolster the blue economy."

"To better manage and protect our oceans we need to first know what's happening in them," said Stephanie Bailenson, U.S. Federal Water Policy Team Lead at The Nature Conservancy. "Ocean observations and monitoring help us see beneath the waves and understand the latest ocean conditions and how they are changing over time. Armed with this knowledge, we can then make better informed coastal and ocean management decisions that protect nature while still helping coastal communities and economies thrive. By introducing this bill, representatives Amo and Franklin are showing that investing in understanding our oceans is a win-win for all Americans and for our irreplaceable oceans."

This legislation will authorize the Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), support research and development, improve coordination and access to ocean data, promote interdisciplinary Earth-system research, address critical observation gaps, and leverage advanced technologies to boost resilience to extreme weather events.

This legislation is endorsed by the Conservation Law Foundation of Rhode Island, Clean Water Action Rhode Island, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, the Ocean Conservancy, the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Association, Oceana, and The Nature Conservancy.

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Background

Congressman Amo serves as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Environment on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

For additional information on the NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program, click HERE.

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