69–006 

110TH CONGRESS REPT. 110–558 " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session Part I 

NATIONAL INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN 

OBSERVATION ACT OF 2008 

MARCH 31, 2008.—Ordered to be printed 

Mr. RAHALL, from the Committee on Natural Resources, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 2342] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred the 

bill (H.R. 2342) to direct the President to establish a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System, and for other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with 

an amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do pass. 

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. ENHANCING CLIMATE CHANGE PREDICTIONS. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘National Integrated Coastal 

and Ocean Observation Act of 2008’’. 

(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this section are the following: 

(1) Establish a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System 

comprised of Federal and non-Federal components, coordinated at the national 

level by the National Ocean Research Leadership Council and at the regional 

level by a network of Regional Information Coordination Entities, that includes 

in situ, remote, and other coastal and ocean observations, technologies, and 

data management and communication systems, to gather specific coastal and 

ocean data variables and to ensure the timely dissemination and availability of 

usable observation data— 

(A) to support national defense, marine commerce, energy production, scientific research, ecosystem-based marine and coastal resource management, 

weather and marine forecasting, public safety and public outreach training 

and education; and 

(B) to promote greater public awareness and stewardship of the Nation’s 

ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the general public welfare. 

(2) Improve the Nation’s capability to measure, track, explain, and predict 

events related directly and indirectly to weather and climate change, natural 

climate variability, and interactions between the oceanic and atmospheric environments, including the Great Lakes. 

(3) Authorize activities to promote basic and applied research to develop, test, 

and deploy innovations and improvements in coastal and ocean observation 


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technologies, modeling systems, and other scientific and technological capabilities to improve our conceptual understanding of weather and climate, ocean atmosphere dynamics, global climate change, and physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of the ocean and coastal and Great Lakes environments. 

(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Council’’ means the National Ocean Research Leadership Council referred to in section 7902 of title 10, United States Code. 

(2) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Administrator’’ means the Administrator of 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

(3) FEDERAL ASSETS.—The term ‘‘Federal assets’’ means all relevant nonclassified civilian coastal and ocean observations, technologies, and related modeling, 

research, data management, basic and applied technology research and development, and public education and outreach programs, that are managed by member agencies of the Council. 

(4) INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.—The term ‘‘Interagency Working Group’’ means the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Observations as established 

by the U.S. Ocean Policy Committee Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology pursuant to Executive Order 13366 signed December 17, 2004. 

(5) NON-FEDERAL ASSETS.—The term ‘‘non-Federal assets’’ means all relevant 

coastal and ocean observations, technologies, related basic and applied technology research and development, and public education and outreach programs 

that are integrated into the System and are managed through States, regional 

organizations, universities, nongovernmental organizations, or the private sector. 

(6) REGIONAL INFORMATION COORDINATION ENTITIES.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘Regional Information Coordination Entity’’, 

subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), means an organizational body that 

is certified or established by the lead Federal agency designated in subsection (d)(3)(C)(iii) and coordinating State, Federal, local, and private interests at a regional level with the responsibility of engaging the private 

and public sectors in designing, operating, and improving regional coastal 

and ocean observing systems in order to ensure the provision of data and 

information that meet the needs of user groups from the respective regions. 

(B) INCLUDED ASSOCIATIONS.—Such term includes Regional Associations 

as described by the System Plan. 

(C) LIMITATION.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate 

existing certifications, contracts, or agreements between Regional Associations and other elements of the System. 

(7) SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘System’’ means the National Integrated Coastal and 

Ocean Observation System established under subsection (d). 

(8) SYSTEM PLAN.—The term ‘‘System Plan’’ means the plan contained in the 

document entitled ‘‘Ocean.US Publication No. 9, The First Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Development Plan’’. 

(d) NATIONAL INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM.—

(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The President, acting through the Council, shall establish a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System to fulfill the 

purposes set forth in subsection (b) and the System plan and to fulfill the Nation’s international obligations to contribute to the global earth observation system of systems and the global ocean observing system. 

(2) SUPPORT OF PURPOSES.—The head of each agency that is a member of the 

Interagency Working Group shall support the purposes of this section. 

(3) AVAILABILITY OF DATA.—The head of each Federal agency that has administrative jurisdiction over a Federal asset shall make available data that are 

produced by that asset and that are not otherwise restricted for integration, 

management, and dissemination by the System. 

(4) ENHANCING ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT.—The head of each Federal agency that has administrative jurisdiction over a Federal asset may take 

appropriate actions to enhance internal agency administration and management 

to better support, integrate, finance, and utilize observation data, products, and 

services developed under this section to further its own agency mission and responsibilities. 

(5) PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL INFORMATION COORDINATION ENTITY.—The 

head of each Federal agency that has administrative jurisdiction over a Federal 

asset may participate in regional information coordination entity activities. 

(6) NON-FEDERAL ASSETS.—Non-Federal assets shall be coordinated by the 

Interagency Working Group or by Regional Information Coordination Entities. 

(e) POLICY OVERSIGHT, ADMINISTRATION, AND REGIONAL COORDINATION.—

(1) NATIONAL OCEAN RESEARCH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL.—The National Ocean 

Research Leadership Council shall be responsible for establishing broad coordiVerDate Aug 31 2005 14:24 Apr 03, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\HR558P1.XXX HR558P1

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nation and long-term operations plans, policies, protocols, and standards for the 

System consistent with the policies, goals, and objectives contained in the System Plan, and coordination of the System with other earth observing activities. 

(2) INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.—The Interagency Working Group shall, 

with respect to the System, be responsible for— (A) implementation of operations plans and policies developed by the 

Council; 

(B) development of and transmittal to Congress at the time of submission 

of the President’s annual budget request an annual coordinated, comprehensive System budget; 

(C) identification of gaps in observation coverage or needs for capital improvements of both Federal assets and non-Federal assets; 

(D) establishment of data management and communication protocols and 

standards; 

(E) establishment of required observation data variables; 

(F) development of certification standards for all non-Federal assets or 

Regional Information Coordination Entities to be eligible for integration 

into the System; 

(G) subject to the availability of appropriations, establish through one or 

more participating Federal agencies, in consultation with the System Advisory Committee established under paragraph (5), a competitive matching 

grant or other program to promote research and development of innovative 

observation technologies including testing and field trials; and 

(H) periodically review and recommend to the Council revisions to the 

System Plan. 

(3) LEAD FEDERAL AGENCY.—The Administrator shall function as the lead 

Federal agency for the System. The Administrator may establish an Interagency 

Program Coordinating Office to facilitate the Administrator’s responsibilities as 

the lead Federal agency for System oversight and management. The Administrator shall—

(A) implement policies, protocols, and standards established by the Council and delegated by the Interagency Working Group; 

(B) promulgate regulations to integrate the participation of non-Federal 

assets into the System and enter into and oversee contracts and agreements 

with Regional Information Coordination Entities to effect this purpose; 

(C) implement a competitive funding process for the purpose of assigning 

contracts and agreements to Regional Information Coordination Entities; 

(D) certify or establish Regional Information Coordination Entities to coordinate State, Federal, local, and private interests at a regional level with 

the responsibility of engaging private and public sectors in designing, operating, and improving regional coastal and ocean observing systems in order 

to ensure the provision of data and information that meet the needs of user 

groups from the respective regions; 

(E) formulate a process by which gaps in observation coverage or needs 

for capital improvements of Federal assets and non-Federal assets of the 

System can be identified by the Regional Information Coordination Entities, 

the Administrator, or other members of the System and transmitted to the 

Interagency Working Group; 

(F) be responsible for the coordination, storage, management, and dissemination of observation data gathered through the System to all end-user 

communities; 

(G) implement a program of public education and outreach to improve 

public awareness of global climate change and effects on the ocean, coastal, 

and Great Lakes environment; and 

(H) report annually to the Council through the Interagency Working 

Group on the accomplishments, operational needs, and performance of the 

System to achieve the purposes of this title and the System Plan. 

(4) REGIONAL INFORMATION COORDINATION ENTITY.—To be certified or established under paragraph (3)(D), a Regional Information Coordination Entity 

must be certified or established by contract or agreement by the Administrator, 

and must agree to—

(A) gather required System observation data and other requirements 

specified under this section and the System plan; 

(B) identify gaps in observation coverage or needs for capital improvements of Federal assets and non-Federal assets of the System, and transmit 

such information to the Interagency Working Group via the Administrator; 

(C) demonstrate an organizational structure and strategic operational 

plan to ensure the efficient and effective administration of programs and 

assets to support daily data observations for integration into the System; 


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(D) comply with all financial oversight requirements established by the 

Administrator, including requirements relating to audits; and 

(E) demonstrate a capability to work with other governmental and nongovernmental entities at all levels to identify and provide information products of the System for multiple users within the service area of the Regional Information Coordination Entities and otherwise. 

(5) SYSTEM ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall establish a System Advisory 

Committee, which shall provide advice as may be requested by the Administrator or the Interagency Working Group. 

(B) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the System Advisory Committee is to advise the Administrator and the Interagency Working Group on— (i) administration, operation, management, and maintenance of the 

System, including integration of Federal and non-Federal assets and 

data management and communication aspects of the System, and fulfillment of the purposes specified under subsection (b); 

(ii) expansion and periodic modernization and upgrade of technology 

components of the System; 

(iii) identification of end-user communities, their needs for information provided by the System, and the System’s effectiveness in disseminating information to end-user communities and the general public; 

and 

(iv) any other purpose identified by the Administrator or the Interagency Working Group. 

(C) MEMBERS.—

(i) IN GENERAL.—The System Advisory Committee shall be composed 

of members appointed by the Administrator. Members shall be qualified by education, training, and experience to evaluate scientific and 

technical information related to the design, operation, maintenance, or 

use of the System, or use of data products provided through the System. 

(ii) TERMS OF SERVICE.—Members shall be appointed for 3-year 

terms, renewable once. A vacancy appointment shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacancy, and an individual so appointed may subsequently be appointed for 2 full 3-year terms if the 

remainder of the unexpired term is less than one year. 

(iii) CHAIRPERSON.—The Administrator shall designate a chairperson 

from among the members of the System Advisory Committee. 

(iv) APPOINTMENT.—Members of the System Advisory Committee 

shall be appointed as special Government employees for purposes of 

section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code. 

(D) ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.—

(i) REPORTING.—The System Advisory Committee shall report to the 

Administrator and the Interagency Working Group, as appropriate. 

(ii) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.—The Administrator shall provide administrative support to the System Advisory Committee. 

(iii) MEETINGS.—The System Advisory Committee shall meet at least 

once each year, and at other times at the call of the Administrator, the 

Interagency Working Group, or the chairperson. 

(iv) COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES.—Members of the System Advisory 

Committee shall not be compensated for service on that Committee, but 

may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United 

States Code. 

(v) EXPIRATION.—Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act 

(5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the System Advisory Committee. 

(6) CIVIL LIABILITY.—For purposes of determining liability arising from the 

dissemination and use of observation data gathered pursuant to this section, 

any non-Federal asset or Regional Information Coordination Entity that is certified under paragraph (3)(D) and that is participating in the System shall be 

considered to be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Any employee of such a non-Federal asset or Regional Information Coordination 

Entity, while operating within the scope of his or her employment in carrying 

out the purposes of this section, with respect to tort liability, is deemed to be 

an employee of the Federal Government. 

(f) INTERAGENCY FINANCING, GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND AGREEMENTS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The member departments and agencies of the Council, subject to the availability of appropriations, may participate in interagency financing and share, transfer, receive, obligate, and expend funds appropriated to any 


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member agency for the purposes of carrying out any administrative or programmatic project or activity to further the purposes of this section, including 

support for the Interagency Working Group, the Interagency Coordinating Program Office, a common infrastructure, and integration to expand or otherwise 

enhance the System. 

(2) JOINT CENTERS AND AGREEMENTS.—Member Departments and agencies of 

the Council shall have the authority to create, support, and maintain joint centers, and to enter into and perform such contracts, leases, grants, and cooperative agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section 

and fulfillment of the System Plan. 

(g) APPLICATION WITH OTHER LAWS.—Nothing in this section supersedes or limits 

the authority of any agency to carry out its responsibilities and missions under 

other laws. 

(h) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this 

section, the Administrator through the Council shall submit to Congress a report that describes the status of the System and progress made to achieve the 

purposes of this section and the goals identified under the System Plan. 

(2) CONTENTS.—The report shall include discussion of the following: 

(A) Identification of Federal and non-Federal assets as determined by the 

Council that have been integrated into the System, including assets essential to the gathering of required observation data variables necessary to 

meet the respective missions of Council agencies. 

(B) A review of procurements, planned or initiated, by each Council agency to enhance, expand, or modernize the observation capabilities and data 

products provided by the System, including data management and communication subsystems. 

(C) An assessment regarding activities to integrate Federal and non-Federal assets, nationally and on the regional level, and discussion of the performance and effectiveness of Regional Information Coordination Entities to 

coordinate regional observation operations. 

(D) An evaluation of progress made by the Council to achieve the purposes of this section and the goals identified under the System Plan. 

(E) Recommendations for operational improvements to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and overall capability of the System. 

(3) BIENNIAL UPDATE.—Two years after the transmittal of the initial report 

prepared pursuant to this subsection and biennially thereafter, the Administrator, through the Council, shall submit to Congress an update of the initial 

report. 

(i) PUBLIC-PRIVATE USE POLICY.—The Council shall develop a policy within 6 

months after the date of the enactment of this section that defines processes for 

making decisions about the roles of the Federal Government, the States, Regional 

Information Coordination Entities, the academic community, and the private sector 

in providing to end-user communities environmental information, products, technologies, and services related to the System. The Council shall publish the policy 

in the Federal Register for public comment for a period not less than 60 days. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require changes in policy in effect on 

the date of the enactment of this Act. 

(j) INDEPENDENT COST ESTIMATE.—The Interagency Working Group, through the 

Administrator and the Director of the National Science Foundation, shall obtain 

within one year after the date of the enactment of this section an independent cost 

estimate for operations and maintenance of existing Federal assets of the System, 

and planned or anticipated acquisition, operation, and maintenance of new Federal 

assets for the System, including operation facilities, observation equipment, modeling and software, data management and communication, and other essential components. The independent cost estimate shall be transmitted unabridged and without revision by the Administrator to Congress. 

(k) INTENT OF CONGRESS.—It is the intent of Congress that funding provided to 

agencies of the Council to implement this section shall supplement, and not replace, 

existing sources of funding for other programs. It is the further intent of Congress 

that agencies of the Council shall not enter into contracts or agreements for the development or procurement of new Federal assets for the System that are estimated 

to be in excess of $250,000,000 in life-cycle costs without first providing adequate 

notice to Congress and opportunity for review and comment. 


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PURPOSE OF THE BILL

The purpose of H.R. 2342 is to direct the President to establish 

a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System, and 

for other purposes. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the emergence of new observation platforms and information management technologies, as well 

as a growing recognition among decision-makers that more accurate, timely and widely available scientific information about the 

ocean and coastal environments was desperately needed, stimulated federal agencies, the states, the university community and 

the private sector to initiate a joint effort to develop an integrated 

ocean observation system. This effort continues today. The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), as presently configured, 

incorporates the technological assets of federal programs and nonfederal partners to efficiently link information and data across federal and state agencies, the private sector, and academic institutions to address the data needs of user communities. The IOOS 

functions as a loosely linked system of assorted observation technologies (e.g., satellites, buoys, tide gauges, etc.) that routinely and 

continuously provides quality-controlled environmental data and 

information on current and future conditions of the ocean, coastal 

and Great Lakes environment, on scales ranging from local watersheds to global ocean basins. The IOOS is multidisciplinary by design (e.g., physical, chemical, biological, etc.), providing data in 

forms and at rates required by multiple stakeholders (e.g., government, industry, research, non-governmental, etc.) to address multiple needs, including climate change predictions, maritime safety, 

natural hazards mitigation, homeland security, public health 

threats, and coastal ecosystem protection. 

H.R. 2342 addresses a key recommendation of the Joint Ocean 

Commission Initiative to establish a National Integrated Coastal 

Ocean Observation System (NICOOS) to gather real-time data on 

the ocean environment (i.e., temperature, salinity, currents, etc.), to 

refine and enhance predictive capabilities, and to provide other immediate societal benefits, such as better fisheries management and 

safe navigation. The bill would formally authorize in statute the 

President to establish and develop a genuine NICOOS to: 

• Measure, track, explain, and predict events related to climate change, natural climate variability, and interactions between the oceans and atmosphere including the Great Lakes; 

• Promote basic and applied science research; and 

• Institutionalize coordinated public outreach, education, 

and training. 

The bill authorizes an administrative and oversight framework 

which principally mirrors the oversight structure that has evolved 

during the collaborative development of NICOOS. As the lead federal agency, NOAA would be responsible for day-to-day operations 

and information coordination. The bill also clearly defines both the 

federal and non-federal assets that comprise NICOOS. 

Importantly, the bill also carries forward the existing regional 

operations concept by authorizing NOAA to enter into agreements 

with Regional Information Coordination Entities, or RICEs. 


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COMMITTEE ACTION

H.R. 2342 was introduced on May 16, 2007 by Congressman Tom 

Allen (D–ME). The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural 

Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. The bill was also referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, and within that Committee to 

the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. 

The Fisheries Subcommittee did not formally hear the bill. The 

bill was included verbatim, however, in a provision in Chairman 

Rahall’s energy legislation (H.R. 2337, Title IV, Subtitle E, Section 

464) which was heard before the Natural Resources Committee on 

May 23, 2007. The Administration testified in enthusiastic support 

for the provision in H.R. 2337 mirroring H.R. 2342. H.R. 2337 was 

marked up and subsequently reported by the Natural Resources 

Committee on August 3, 2007. A non-controversial amended 

version of section 464 which was agreed to by the House Science 

and Technology Committee was subsequently incorporated into 

Speaker Pelosi’s energy legislation (H.R. 3221, Title VII, Subtitle 

D, Chapter 5, Section 7473) which passed the House on August 4, 

2007. Ultimately, this provision was one of many that were not included in the final energy legislation that was passed by the Congress. 

On February 13, 2008, the Subcommittee met to mark up H.R. 

2342. Chairwoman Bordallo (D–GU) offered an amendment in the 

nature of a substitute to strike the bill language and replace it verbatim with the language taken from section 7473 of H.R. 3221. It 

was adopted by unanimous consent. The Fisheries, Wildlife and 

Oceans Subcommittee forwarded the bill as amended to the Full 

Committee by unanimous consent. On March 12, 2008, the Full 

Natural Resources Committee met to consider the bill. The bill as 

amended was then ordered favorably reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Enhancing climate change prediction 

Subsection (a) of section 1 cites this Act as the ‘‘National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2008.’’

Subsection (b) states that the purpose of the Act is to establish 

a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System, to 

improve measurement and prediction of weather, climate and 

ocean-atmosphere interactions, and to promote research and development of ocean observing technologies. 

Subsection (c) defines key terms included within the text of the 

proposed legislation. 

Subsection (d) establishes a National Integrated Coastal and 

Ocean Observation System comprised of federal and non-federal 

components which are coordinated through an Interagency Working Group and Regional Information Coordination Entities. This 

system would be more collaborative, participatory, and would have 

enhanced data sharing of coastal and ocean observation, technologies, and education. 

Subsection (e) identifies the responsibilities of the National 

Ocean Research Leadership Council, the Interagency Working 

Group, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 


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Administration, the Regional Information Coordination Entities, 

and the System Advisory Committee. 

Subsection (f) allows for interagency financing to carry out administrative or programmatic activities that further the purpose of 

the Act. 

Subsection (g) clarifies that nothing in this Act affects the authority of any agency to carry out its responsibilities. 

Subsection (h) requires the Administrator to submit to Congress 

no later than 2 years after the implementation of the Act, and biennially thereafter, a status and progress report on the System. 

Subsection (i) requires the Council to develop a policy within six 

months of enactment to define decision-making processes between 

federal and non-federal groups related to providing end-use information, products, technologies, and services. 

Subsection (j) directs the Interagency Working Group to obtain 

an independent cost estimate for operations and maintenance of existing or anticipated federal assets of the System. 

Subsection (k) emphasizes that funding provided from Congress 

would supplement, not replace existing sources and that contracts 

in excess of $250 million need Congressional review and comment. 

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII 

of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on 

Natural Resources’ oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in the body of this report. 

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

The functions of the proposed advisory committee authorized in 

the bill are not currently being nor could they be performed by one 

or more agencies, an advisory committee already in existence or by 

enlarging the mandate of an existing advisory committee. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States 

grants Congress the authority to enact this bill. 

COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII

1. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of 

the House of Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison by the Committee of the costs which would be incurred in carrying out this bill. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B) of that rule provides 

that this requirement does not apply when the Committee has included in its report a timely submitted cost estimate of the bill prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 3(c)(2) of rule 

XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 

308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this bill does not 

contain any new budget authority, spending authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures. 

3. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by 

clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or objective 


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of this bill is to direct the President to establish a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System. 

4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. Under clause 

3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and 

section 403 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has received the following cost estimate for this bill from the 

Director of the Congressional Budget Office: 

H.R. 2342—National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act 

of 2008 

Summary: H.R. 2342 would direct the National Ocean Research 

Leadership Council to develop and operate an integrated coastal 

and ocean observation system, including ocean monitoring, data 

analysis, and research. The council, which was established in 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. 

The costs of carrying out the requirements of H.R. 2342 are difficult to predict because the parameters of the observation system 

have not been determined by the council. It is also possible that 

some aspects of the system would be funded and implemented in 

the absence of this legislation. Based on available information and 

assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates 

that implementing the bill would require funding of about $1.8 billion over the 2009–2013 period and about $600 million annually 

thereafter. We estimate that enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues. 

H.R. 2342 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 H.R. 2342 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— 

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 

CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION 

Estimated Authorization Level ................................................................................ 100 250 350 500 600 

Estimated Outlays ................................................................................................... 70 155 260 380 485 

Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that the 

amounts necessary to carry out H.R. 2342 will be appropriated for 

each fiscal year and that outlays will follow historical spending patterns for similar activities. This estimate is based on information 

provided by NOAA, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, and 

other federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. 

Based on projections and timetables developed by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, CBO estimates that developing the infrastructure for a fully integrated coastal and ocean observation system would require about $200 million over the next two years. This 


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amount would be used to improve existing systems operated by federal agencies such as NOAA, establish regional observing systems, 

and develop new sensor technologies, forecasting models, and other 

system products. CBO expects that initial system operations would 

commence in 2010; once fully operational (by 2013), the system 

would require annual funding of $600 million. 

CBO expects that much of the spending to develop and operate 

the coastal and ocean observation system could occur even in the 

absence of this legislation. For fiscal year 2008, the Congress appropriated more than $25 million to NOAA for activities similar to 

those authorized by H.R. 2342, including ocean observing and assessment projects. Other agencies such as the Navy and the NSF 

also receive appropriations for ongoing programs related to ocean 

observing. 

Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 2342 contains 

no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in 

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

Previous CBO estimate: On November 9, 2007, CBO transmitted 

a cost estimate for H.R. 3221, the Renewable Energy and Conservation Tax Act of 2007, as passed by the House of Representatives on August 4, 2007. On July 13, 2007, we transmitted a cost 

estimate for H.R. 2337, the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007, as ordered reported by the House Committee on 

Natural Resources on June 13, 2007. Both H.R. 3221 and H.R. 

2337 contained provisions that are very similar to those of H.R. 

2342, and the estimated costs of those provisions in the three 

versions of the legislation are identical. CBO also transmitted a 

cost estimate for S. 950, the Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on 

Commerce, Science, and Transportation on June 27, 2007. S. 950 

is also similar to H.R. 2342, but, as reflected in the cost estimate 

for that legislation, it contained specified authorization levels and 

included additional programs. 

Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Deborah Reis; Impact on 

State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Neil Hood; Impact on the 

Private Sector: Amy Petz. 

Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant Director 

for Budget Analysis. 

COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104–4

This bill contains no unfunded mandates. 

EARMARK STATEMENT

H.R. 2342 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited 

tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) 

or 9(f) of rule XXI. 

PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW

This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or tribal law. 


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CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW

If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing law. 

Æ 


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