Chairwoman Johnson and Congresswoman Bonamici Celebrate House Passage of Ocean Acidification Legislation
(Washington, DC) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1447, the “Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act of 2021”. This bipartisan legislation addresses ocean acidification, the gradual decrease in oceanic pH due primarily to the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide by seawater, by reauthorizing and updating the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act. The bill was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Chairwoman Johnson (D-TX) is a cosponsor.
“The climate crisis is causing unprecedented changes to our ocean and estuaries, with long-lasting effects on our fisheries and coastal communities,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). “Without intervention, ocean acidification is projected to become more intense and increasingly common, especially on the Pacific Coast. We must support vulnerable communities, industries, and resource managers by strengthening research on how they can best adapt to and mitigate ocean and coastal acidification. By passing the bipartisan COAST Research Act, we are taking an important step forward. I am grateful for Chairwoman Johnson's support. I will keep working with my colleagues to implement bold, science-based, comprehensive policies to reduce emissions and advance ocean climate action.”
“Many coastal communities are already dealing with the effects of climate change, such as ocean acidification,” said Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). “Ocean acidification disrupts marine ecosystems and has serious impacts on coastal economies. The COAST Research Act supports the ocean acidification program at NOAA to inform mitigation and adaptation strategies, and ultimately help coastal communities address the impacts of climate change. I am pleased the House passed this bill today which is a reflection of our bipartisan commitment on the federal research, mitigation, and adaptation efforts needed to address ocean acidification.”
Next Article Previous Article