HR3048119th CongressWALLET

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.

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

  • Huffman

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/28/2025

  • Brown

    OH • D

    Sponsored 4/28/2025

  • Moskowitz

    FL • D

    Sponsored 4/28/2025

  • Fitzpatrick

    PA • R

    Sponsored 5/6/2025

  • Case

    HI • D

    Sponsored 9/8/2025

  • Salinas

    OR • D

    Sponsored 2/26/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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