Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Pingree
In Committee
Summary
Would create regional Ocean Innovation Clusters to grow the U.S. Blue Economy and strengthen coastal resilience. It would set up membership hubs that link industry, universities, nonprofits, Tribal and local partners to spur tech R&D, workforce training, and cross‑sector projects.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Set up ocean clusters and centers
This bill would have Commerce name at least seven non‑profit‑led Ocean Innovation Clusters within one year. Each cluster would link businesses, colleges, governments, Tribes, and nonprofits to grow the Blue Economy. At least one cluster would be in each NMFS region, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. Federal partners would work with clusters on new‑business entry, research, supply chains, intellectual property, and workforce training. Each region with a cluster would also get at least one physical Ocean Innovation Center with shared labs and training, including for underrepresented and Tribal communities.
Federal support and data for oceans
This bill would make federal agencies share technical help and coordinate on Blue Economy work with the clusters. The Energy Department could advise Commerce on ocean energy and related issues, even without a formal request. Sea Grant and two Assistant Secretaries would each name a liaison to connect clusters with federal goals. NOAA, BEA, and others would use and improve the Marine Economy Satellite Account to track cluster impact.
Grants to run ocean clusters
If enacted, the bill would let Commerce award competitive grants to clusters for operations in FY2026–FY2030. Each grant would last two years and could be renewed. A single grant could not exceed $10 million. The bill would authorize $10 million each year, FY2026 through FY2030, for these grants.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pingree
ME • D
Cosponsors
Salazar
FL • R
Sponsored 4/28/2025
Bonamici
OR • D
Sponsored 4/28/2025
Barragan
CA • D
Sponsored 4/28/2025
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/28/2025
Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]
OH • D
Sponsored 4/28/2025
Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]
FL • D
Sponsored 4/28/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 5/6/2025
Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
HI • D
Sponsored 9/8/2025
Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]
OR • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov