U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 

1 

69–010 

" ! SENATE 110TH CONGRESS

1st Session 

REPORT

2007

110–217 

Calendar No. 466 

COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION 

SYSTEM ACT OF 2007 

R E P O R T 

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND 

TRANSPORTATION 

ON

S. 950 

NOVEMBER 2, 2007.—Ordered to be printed 


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(II) 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION 

ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS

FIRST SESSION

DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii, Chairman 

TED STEVENS, Alaska, Vice-Chairman 

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West Virginia 

JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts 

BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota 

BARBARA BOXER, California 

BILL NELSON, Florida 

MARIA CANTWELL, Washington 

FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, New Jersey 

MARK PRYOR, Arkansas 

THOMAS CARPER, Delaware 

CLAIRE MCCASKILL, Missouri 

AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota 

JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona 

TRENT LOTT, Mississippi 

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas 

OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, Maine 

GORDON H. SMITH, Oregon 

JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada 

JOHN E. SUNUNU, New Hampshire 

JIM DEMINT, South Carolina 

DAVID VITTER, Louisiana 

JOHN THUNE, South Dakota 

MARGARET CUMMISKY, Staff Director and Chief Counsel 

LILA HELMS, Deputy Staff Director and Policy Director 

JEAN TOAL EISEN, Senior Advisor and Deputy Policy Director 

CHRISTINE KURTH, Republican Staff Director and General Counsel 

PAUL J. NAGLE, Republican Chief Counsel 


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Calendar No. 466 

110TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! SENATE 1st Session 110–217 

COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION SYSTEM ACT OF 

2007 

NOVEMBER 2, 2007.—Ordered to be printed 

Mr. INOUYE, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 

Transportation, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany S. 950] 

The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to 

which was referred the bill (S. 950) to develop and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean observations for the Nation’s 

coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes, to improve warnings of tsunami, 

hurricanes, El Nin ̃ o events, and other natural hazards, to enhance 

homeland security, to support maritime operations, to improve 

management of coastal and marine resources, and for other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with 

an amendment (in the nature of a substitute) and recommends that 

the bill (as amended) do pass. 

PURPOSE OF THE BILL

The purpose of S. 950, the Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007, is to establish a national, integrated coastal and 

ocean observing system that will collect, compile, and make available data on ocean conditions of the Nation’s coasts, oceans, and 

Great Lakes. The bill also aims to improve warnings of tsunami, 

hurricanes, El Nin ̃ o events, and other natural hazards, to enhance 

homeland security, to support maritime operations, and to improve 

management of coastal and marine resources. 

BACKGROUND AND NEEDS

Advances in our knowledge and management of coastal and 

ocean resources are limited by a lack of real-time, standardized, 

and accessible data on key environmental variables such as temperature, salinity, sea level, surface currents, ocean color, pH, wind 


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speed, wave height, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient, pathogen, and 

contaminant concentrations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has emphasized that programs 

throughout the agency often do not have the basic environmental 

data they need to create effective models or conduct analyses used 

in the management process. NOAA and other agencies also need 

long-term oceanographic databases to effectively monitor changes 

in the environment, such as El Nin ̃ o events, the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, global climate change, 

ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, and other marine ecosystem impacts. 

The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (the Commission) emphasized the importance of expanding and integrating coastal and 

ocean observation systems around the Nation. In Chapter 26, 

‘‘Achieving a Sustained, Integrated Ocean Observing System,’’ of its 

September 2004 final report, the Commission offered 13 specific 

recommendations on developing, funding, implementing, and utilizing a nationwide ocean observation system and linking this with 

other national and international environmental monitoring programs. Additionally, scores of other Commission recommendations 

related to ocean data and information needs also support the need 

for an integrated, national ocean observation system. The Commission’s recommendations align with those of the National Ocean Research Leadership Council (the Council), which includes the leadership of NOAA, the Navy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

The Council has called for the full implementation of an integrated 

and sustained ocean observing system by 2010. 

Coastal and ocean data are also needed to satisfy the marine conservation, research, and management activities established in statutes such as the Coastal Zone Management Act, the Harmful Algal 

Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, and other legislation related 

to oceans, fisheries, and atmospheric sciences and management. A 

number of mandates explicitly or implicitly require routine ocean 

observations. For example, Title V of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act requires the Environmental Protection 

Agency and NOAA to administer a national coastal water quality 

monitoring program. Further, the Coastal Zone Management Act of 

1972 created the National Estuarine Research Reserve System that 

includes monitoring the status and trends in coastal ecosystem 

health. Data on marine ecosystems are also required for effective 

enforcement of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Marine 

Mammal Protection Act of 1972. 

A national, integrated coastal and ocean observation system 

would provide a continuous stream of near real-time data for 

oceanographic parameters of national priority; develop standards 

and protocols for data transfer and archiving; and improve linkages 

between regional observing systems to facilitate coverage around 

the United States. Scientific experts have testified on the importance of a national observing system for predicting, monitoring, and 

evaluating the impacts of climate change on coastal and ocean ecosystems. A national system would provide the Coast Guard with 

real-time information on sea-state conditions that it could use to 

determine when and how to conduct its many missions. This would 


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be especially applicable in planning search-and-rescue missions. 

Observing systems also would provide the Navy with information 

to support core Navy missions, including development of improved 

sensor technologies and predictive and tactical models for littoral 

environments. 

Information generated by this system could provide advanced 

warning of hazardous coastal and ocean conditions to State managers and potentially affected communities. For example, when a 

tsunami or hurricane occurs, information from tsunami detection 

buoys could be combined with wave height indicators and tidal 

gauges in the observing system to track destructive wave patterns, 

thereby helping communities minimize loss of life and property. 

Several other types of information products generated by the coastal and ocean observing system could help coastal communities prepare for a range of potentially harmful ocean conditions and take 

steps to minimize their losses. 

This system has the potential to provide economic and ecological 

benefits for other coastal and ocean activities as well. For example, 

fisheries scientists and managers could use the data to predict biological productivity which would facilitate ecosystem-based management. Fishermen and mariners could better predict sea conditions for safe navigation and transport. Ocean scientists and regulators could better understand, predict, and rapidly respond to the 

distribution and impacts of marine pollution, harmful algal blooms, 

or other hazardous conditions. Educators and students could learn 

more about basic functions and processes of the marine environment. 

Independent regional ocean observation systems, such as the 

Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS), the Alaska 

Ocean Observing System, and dozens of other current and planned 

systems around the coastline of the United States have attempted 

to fill these information needs on a regional basis. The GoMOOS, 

for example, is a prototype system of integrated ocean observing 

devices (buoys, radar, satellites, etc.) that are linked to provide 

real-time ocean data collection via the Internet so that ocean prediction models and systems can be developed—a process similar to 

that utilized in weather forecasting. Other regional systems are 

being developed to meet local or project-based research needs, collecting different types of data in a variety of ways and using various approaches for organizing, managing, and communicating 

these data. 

These regional efforts have developed in an ad hoc, fragmented 

manner, limiting the uniformity, consistency, and compatibility of 

data among systems. NOAA and other users of coastal and ocean 

data are unable to link these systems, thereby losing a valuable opportunity to develop a comprehensive picture of coastal, ocean, and 

Great Lakes conditions around the Nation. Regional systems are 

also limited by uneven and unpredictable funding, which reduces 

their ability to meet their own basic needs. 

Once established, this coastal and ocean observation system 

would help improve weather forecasting, promote understanding of 

global change processes, enhance safety and efficiency of marine 

operations, facilitate research, improve management of marine and 

coastal ecosystems, strengthen homeland security, reduce public 

health risks, sustain living marine resources, evaluate effectiveness 


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of coastal and ocean policies, and provide information to raise public awareness of our oceans. 

The economic impact of an integrated national coastal and ocean 

observing system is difficult to quantify, but studies to date indicate that it would generate significant cost savings in the longterm. The Commission estimated that such a system would cost 

$138 million to formally establish and $500 million to maintain annually. By comparison, approximately $700 million is provided annually to the National Weather Service for similar information and 

products for weather and atmospheric phenomena. The expected 

economic return is significant; for example, an economic impact 

study that evaluated the GoMOOS system estimated that it saved 

the regional economy at least $6 for every $1 invested. Additionally, the Commission noted that the estimated value of El Nin ̃ o 

forecasts reaches $1 billion annually. 

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS

The Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007 would 

build on the existing Federal observing backbone to establish a 

coastal and ocean observing program that would produce continuous and comprehensive ocean observations in the United States, 

including the Great Lakes. It would incorporate NOAA’s weather 

buoys, tide gauges, tsunami detection buoys, and real-time observing partnerships such as the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time 

System. It would also support and coordinate the ocean data collection systems around the country and formalize the relationship 

with the Federal Government. 

The bill would authorize the President, acting through the Council, to create and oversee an integrated ocean observing system to 

provide long-term, continuous, and quality-controlled observations 

of the Nation’s coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes. The program 

would consist of federally-certified regional associations that collect 

data on key variables, disseminate information, and apply results 

to national priorities. The Council would serve as the oversight 

body for the design and coordination of all aspects of the observing 

system. Created by the fiscal year 1997 National Defense Authorization Act (Conference Report 104–724), the Council consists of 

the heads of fifteen Federal agencies involved in conducting or 

funding ocean research or developing ocean research policy. The 

Council’s Chair and Vice Chair are selected by a committee composed of, at a minimum, the Secretary of the Navy, the Administrator of NOAA, the Director of NSF, and the current or sitting 

Chair and Vice Chair, and appointed with the concurrence of the 

full Council membership. 

The Council would establish an Interagency Ocean Observation 

Committee (IOOC) to carry out the program’s planning, budgeting, 

and implementation. The IOOC would also be responsible for setting national standards for the observing system. The IOOC would 

be comprised of representatives of the Federal agencies responsible 

for coastal and ocean management, including NOAA, NASA, and 

NSF. To assist in carrying out the daily operations of the IOOC, 

the bill would establish an Interagency Program Coordinating Office housed within the Department of Commerce and staffed by employees of agencies represented on the IOOC. 


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The bill would also establish a distinct leadership role for NOAA 

in the implementation of the ocean observing program. Working 

with the Council, the IOOC, and other Federal agencies, NOAA 

would manage the data and communication elements of the program and administer a merit-based funding process for the regional 

associations and other participants in the program. NOAA would 

also establish a certification process for the regional associations 

using standards developed by the IOOC. 

S. 950 would authorize $150 million to NOAA for each of fiscal 

years 2008 through 2010 and $175 million to NOAA for each of the 

fiscal years 2011 and 2012. At least 50 percent of this funding 

would be allocated to the regional associations for implementing 

and operating regional elements of the coastal and ocean observation system. 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

S. 950 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Snowe on March 

21, 2007, with Senators Cantwell, Inouye, Stevens, Boxer, Cardin, 

Kerry, Menendez, Collins, Lautenberg, Lott, Feinstein, Nelson of 

Florida, and Murkowski as original cosponsors. Senator Wyden 

subsequently signed on as a cosponsor. The bill was referred to the 

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. On 

June 27, 2007, the Committee considered a managers’ substitute 

amendment to this bill in an open executive session. The Committee, without objection, ordered S. 950 be reported favorably as 

amended. 

ESTIMATED COSTS

In accordance with paragraph 11(a) of rule XXVI of the Standing 

Rules of the Senate and section 403 of the Congressional Budget 

Act of 1974, the Committee provides the following cost estimate, 

prepared by the Congressional Budget Office: 

JULY 30, 2007. 

Hon. DANIEL K. INOUYE, 

Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 

U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. 

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 950, the Coastal and Ocean 

Observation System Act of 2007. 

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased 

to provide them. The CBO staff contacts are Deborah Reis and 

David Reynolds. 

Sincerely, 

PETER R. ORSZAG. 

Enclosure. 

S. 950—Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007 

Summary: S. 950 would direct the National Ocean Research 

Leadership Council to develop and operate an integrated coastal 

and ocean observation system, including programs for ocean monitoring, data analysis, public education, and research. For this purpose, the bill would authorize the appropriation of $800 million 

over the 2008–2012 period. The council, which was established in 


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1996, includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Navy, the National Science Foundation (NSF), 

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Coast 

Guard, and other federal agencies. 

Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing S. 950 would cost $700 million over the 

2008–2012 period and $100 million after 2012. Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues. 

S. 950 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates 

as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and 

would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. 

Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated budgetary impact of S. 950 is shown in the following table. The costs 

of this legislation fall within budget functions 050 (national defense), 250 (general science, space, and technology), 300 (natural 

resources and environment), and 400 (transportation). 

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 

CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION 

Authorization Level .................................................................................................. 150 150 150 175 175 

Estimated Outlays ................................................................................................... 80 130 150 160 180 

Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that S. 950 

will be enacted near the start of 2008 and that the authorized 

amounts will be appropriated for each year. Estimated outlays are 

based on historical spending patterns for NOAA programs. 

The legislation would direct the National Ocean Research Leadership Council to establish a new national system for collecting information and monitoring oceanic and coastal ecosystems and resources, including related research, education, and analysis. NOAA 

would lead the implementation of the system in consultation with 

the council and other federal agencies. The bill would authorize the 

appropriation of $150 million a year for fiscal years 2008 through 

2010 and $175 million a year for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 for 

those new activities. 

Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $700 million over the 

2008–2012 period and an additional $100 million after 2012. 

Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: S. 950 contains no 

intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA 

and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. 

Estimate Prepared by: Federal Costs: Deborah Reis and David 

Reynolds; Impact on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Leo 

Lex; Impact on the Private Sector: Justin Hall. 

Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis. 

REGULATORY IMPACT STATEMENT

In accordance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing 

Rules of the Senate, the Committee provides the following evaluation of the regulatory impact of the legislation, as reported: 


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Number of persons covered 

The reported bill would require the development of a national, 

integrated coastal and ocean observation system that would collect, 

compile, and make available data on ocean conditions. It would not 

authorize any new regulations and therefore would not subject any 

individuals or businesses to new regulations. 

Economic impact 

Section 8 of the reported bill would authorize $150 million for 

each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010 and $175 million for each 

of fiscal years 2011 and 2012 in appropriations to NOAA for the 

development and implementation of the national coastal and ocean 

observation system. It would authorize at least 50 percent of these 

sums to be allocated to the regional associations certified under 

section 4(f) for implementation of regional coastal and ocean observing systems. Considering the potential cost savings and economic return on a fully functional coastal and ocean observation 

system, these funding levels are not expected to have an inflationary impact on the Nation’s economy. 

Privacy 

The reported bill would not have any adverse impact on the personal privacy of individuals. 

Paperwork 

S. 950 would not impose any new paperwork requirements on 

private citizens, businesses, or other entities that do not choose to 

participate in a regional coastal and ocean observation association; 

representatives of entities choosing to participate in these associations may be subject to some additional paperwork requirements. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Short title 

This section would cite this bill as the ‘‘Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007.’’

Section 2. Findings and purposes 

The findings and purposes would recognize that a sustained and 

integrated coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes observing system provides vital ocean information for myriad regional and national 

needs and that coordination with a network of the regional associations to operate and maintain the observing system would ensure 

the fulfillment of these objectives. 

Section 3. Definitions 

This section would define ‘‘Administrator’’ as the Administrator 

of NOAA; ‘‘Council’’ as the National Ocean Research Leadership 

Council; ‘‘Interagency Ocean Observation Committee’’ as described 

in section 4(d); ‘‘National Oceanographic Partnership Program’’ as 

the program established under section 7901 of title 10, United 

States Code; ‘‘Observing System’’ as the integrated system established under section 4(a); and ‘‘Secretary’’ as the Secretary of Commerce for the purposes of this bill. 


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Section 4. Integrated coastal and ocean observing system 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—This subsection would direct the President, 

acting through the Council, to establish and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, research, education, and 

outreach. The observing system would provide long-term, continuous, quality-controlled data and information for the timely monitoring and prediction of changes in coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes 

environments that impact social, economic, and ecological systems. 

The purposes of the observing system include: understanding the 

effects of human activities and natural variability on coasts, 

oceans, and Great Lakes; monitoring key variables such as temperature, salinity, and acidity; measuring and predicting climatic 

and environmental changes; protecting lives and livelihoods from 

natural and manmade hazards; supplying critical information to 

marine-related businesses and aiding marine navigation and safety; supporting national defense and homeland security; supporting 

sustainable use and protection of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes 

resources; supporting protection of critical coastal habitats, unique 

ecosystems, and resources; educating the public about the oceans 

and Great Lakes; and supporting research and development to improve the observing system. 

(b) SYSTEM ELEMENTS.—This subsection would specify that the 

observation system include the following five elements: (1) a national program to fulfill national and international observation priorities; (2) a network of the regional associations to manage regional observation programs; (3) a data management and communication system for timely integration and dissemination of data 

and information products; (4) a research and development program 

under the guidance of the Council including basic and applied research; and (5) an outreach, education, and training program augmenting existing programs such as the National Sea Grant College 

Program, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence, and 

the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. 

(c) COUNCIL FUNCTIONS.—This subsection would specify that the 

Council shall serve as the oversight body for the design and implementation of the observing system; adopt plans, budgets, and 

standards developed by the IOOC in consultation with the regional 

associations; coordinate with other earth observing activities; coordinate and approve research, development, education, and outreach programs in support of the observing system; promote technology and methods to improve the observing system; support institutional mechanisms and financial instruments to further program 

goals and provide for infrastructure capitalization; provide support 

for and representation of U.S. delegations to international meetings 

on observing programs; and coordinate activities with other nations. 

(d) INTERAGENCY OCEAN OBSERVATION COMMITTEE.—This subsection would direct the Council to establish an IOOC responsible 

for program planning and coordinating the implementation of the 

observing system. The IOOC would prepare annual and long-term 

design and implementation plans. These plans would promote collaboration between Federal agencies and the regional associations 

and identify a core set of variables to be measured by all systems. 

The IOOC would also coordinate the development of agency and reVerDate Aug 31 2005 04:50 Nov 03, 2007 Jkt 069010 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\SR217.XXX SR217

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gional association priorities and budgets; establish and refine data 

collection, management, and communication standards and protocols in consultation with Federal agencies and the regional associations; establish a process for assuring compliance with set standards and protocols including quality control standards; integrate, 

improve, and extend existing programs and research projects; ensure the regional associations are integrated into the system on a 

sustained basis; provide for advances in science and technology to 

move from research and development to operational deployment; 

and perform other duties as delegated by the Council. 

This subsection also establishes an Interagency Program Coordinating Office, staffed by employees of the agencies represented on 

the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, and tasked with facilitating and executing day-to-day operations to meet the Committee’s responsibilities. 

(e) ROLE OF NOAA.—This subsection would direct NOAA to provide leadership for implementing and administering the observing 

system, in consultation with the Council, the IOOC, other Federal 

agencies maintaining portions of the observing system, and the regional associations. NOAA’s responsibilities would include establishing an Integrated Ocean Observing Program Office; establishing and implementing procedures for allocation of funds 

through competitive contracts, grants, leases, or cooperative agreements to carry out this act; developing and implementing a process 

for certification and review of the regional associations meeting the 

requirements of subsection (f); and developing a data management 

and communication system for all observing system data. 

(f) REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVING

SYSTEMS.—This subsection would authorize the Secretary, through 

rulemaking, to establish a process for the certification of the regional associations. A regional association would need to meet the 

certification standards developed by the IOOC in conjunction with 

the regional associations and approved by the Council that would 

require an organizational structure capable of supporting all aspects of the observing system, and a strategic plan that would detail the operation and support of the regional observing system. 

The regional associations would also be required to work with governmental entities and programs to provide information products of 

the observing system to multiple users in the region. 

(g) CIVIL LIABILITY.—This subsection would specify that, for the 

purposes of determining tort liability related to the dissemination 

and use of data, any coastal and ocean observing system that is a 

designated part of a certified regional association and carrying out 

the purposes of this act shall be considered to be part of NOAA, 

and any employee operating within the scope of his or her employment shall be deemed to be an employee of the Federal Government. 

Section 5. Process for transition from research to operation 

This section would direct NOAA, in consultation with the Council, to formulate a process by which funding is made available for 

research on and rating of new technologies for ocean data collection. These technologies shall include accelerated research into biological and chemical sensing techniques (including satellite sensors) 

and development of technologies to improve all aspects of the obVerDate Aug 31 2005 04:50 Nov 03, 2007 Jkt 069010 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\SR217.XXX SR217

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serving system. Under this process, funding would be made available to integrate proven ocean observation technology into the operational system. 

Section 6. Interagency financing 

This section would specify that agencies represented on the 

Council are authorized to participate in interagency financing and 

share, transfer, receive, obligate, and expend funds appropriated to 

any agency represented on the Council to carry out any administrative or programmatic activity under this act. 

Section 7. Application with other laws 

This section would provide that noting in this act would supersede or limit the authority of any agency to carry out its responsibilities and missions under other laws. 

Section 8. Authorization of appropriations 

This section would authorize $150 million for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010 and $175 million for each of fiscal years 2011 

and 2012 to NOAA for implementing the systems and programs authorized by this act. At least 50 percent of these authorized funds 

would be allocated to the regional associations certified under subsection 4(f) for implementation of coastal and ocean observing systems at the regional level. 

Section 9. Implementation plan 

This section would require the Secretary to submit to Congress 

a plan for implementation of this act no later than 12 months after 

enactment. The report would include information for coordinating 

activities under this act with other Federal agencies and distributing funds to the regional associations. 

Section 10. Report to Congress 

This section would require the Administration to prepare a report for the President. Acting through the Council, the President 

would review, approve, and transmit the report every two years. 

The report, prepared by the Administrator of NOAA, shall include 

a description of activities, evaluation of effectiveness, and benefits 

resulting from the observing system. It shall also contain recommendations for modifying and funding the observing system, as 

well as the results of a periodic, external, independent audit of the 

system. 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW

In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the Standing 

Rules of the Senate, the Committee states that the bill as reported 

would make no change to existing law. 

Æ 


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