U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Roger Wicker, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Address Ocean and Coastal Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), 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.) in introducing the Regional Ocean Partnerships Act. The bill would reauthorize Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"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 North 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," said Senator Britt.

ROPs are voluntarily convened by state governors in collaboration with local and federal government partners and stakeholders to address ocean and coastal issues of common concern for the region.

"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," said Senator Wicker. "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."

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Act would give authority to the Governor or Governors of coastal state(s) to apply the Secretary of Commerce for designation as a Regional Ocean Partnership, designate the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council, and the West Coast Ocean Alliance as Regional Ocean Partnerships, and define the functions of Regional Ocean Partnerships. You can read the full text of the bill here.

Senator Britt is proud to advocate for Alabama's coastal communities and Gulf of America priorities. She previously led the bipartisan Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, which puts American fisherman first by protecting against cartel-backed illicit activities in the Gulf.

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