National Ocean Exploration Act

To establish the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Ocean Exploration Act 2. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The health and resilience of the ocean are vital to the security and economy of the United States and to the lives of the people of the United States. (2) The United States depends on the ocean to regulate weather and climate, to sustain and protect the diversity of life, for maritime shipping, for national defense, and for food, energy, medicine, and other services essential to the people of the United States and all humankind. (3) The prosperity, security, and well-being of the United States depends on successful stewardship of the ocean. (4) Interdisciplinary cooperation and engagement among government agencies, research institutions, foundations, and the private sector are essential for successful stewardship of ocean and coastal environments, for national economic growth, and for development of agile strategies that promote and use new technologies. (5) Ocean exploration can help the people of the United States understand how to be effective stewards of the ocean and serve as catalysts and enablers for other sectors of the economy. (6) Mapping, exploration, and characterization of the ocean provides basic, essential information to protect and restore the marine environment, stimulate economic activity, and provide security for the United States. (7) A robust national ocean exploration program engaging multiple Federal agencies, the private sector, and academia is— (A) essential to the interests of the United States and vital to its security and economy and the health and well-being of all people of the United States; and (B) critical to reestablish the United States at the forefront of global ocean exploration and stewardship. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Characterization The term characterization (2) Exploration The term exploration (A) a multidisciplinary view of an unknown or poorly understood area of the seafloor, sub-bottom, or water column; and (B) an initial assessment of the physical, chemical, geological, biological, archeological, or other characteristics of such an area. (3) Mapping The term mapping 4. Ocean Policy Committee (a) Establishment There is established in the Executive Office of the President a committee, to be known as the Ocean Policy Committee Committee (b) Subcommittees The Committee shall include— (1) a subcommittee to be known as the Ocean Science and Technology Subcommittee (2) a subcommittee to be known as the Ocean Resource Management Subcommittee (c) Increased access to geospatial data for more efficient and informed decision making (1) Establishment of document system The Committee shall establish or designate one or more systems for ocean-related documents prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 (2) Elements The systems established or designated under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A publicly accessible, centralized digital archive of documents described in paragraph (1) that are finalized after the date of enactment of this Act, including— (i) environmental impact statements; (ii) environmental assessments; (iii) categorical exclusions; (iv) records of decision; and (v) other relevant documents as determined by the Committee. (B) Geospatially referenced data, if any, contained in the documents under subparagraph (A). (C) A mechanism to retrieve information through geo-information tools that can map and integrate relevant geospatial information, such as— (i) Ocean Report Tools; (ii) the Environmental Studies Program Information System; (iii) Regional Ocean Partnerships; and (iv) the Integrated Ocean Observing System. 5. National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council (a) Establishment The President shall establish a council, to be known as the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council Council (b) Purpose The Council shall— (1) update national priorities for ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization; and (2) coordinate and facilitate activities to advance those priorities. (c) Reporting The Council shall report to the Ocean Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Ocean Policy Committee established under section 4(b)(1). (d) Membership The Council shall be composed of not fewer than one senior-level representative from each of the following: (1) The Department of the Navy. (2) The Department of the Interior. (3) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (4) The department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (5) The Office of Management and Budget. (6) The Council on Environmental Quality. (7) The Office of Science and Technology Policy. (8) The Department of State. (9) The National Science Foundation. (10) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (11) The Marine Mammal Commission. (e) Co-Chairs The Council shall be co-chaired by— (1) two senior-level representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (2) one senior-level representative from the Department of the Interior. (f) Duties The Council shall— (1) set national ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization priorities and strategies; (2) cultivate and facilitate partnerships among Federal and State agencies, private industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to conduct ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization activities and related technology development; (3) coordinate improved processes for data management, access, synthesis, and visualization with respect to ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization; (4) encourage education, workforce training, and public engagement activities that— (A) advance interdisciplinary principles that contribute to ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization; and (B) improve public engagement with ocean science; (5) coordinate activities as appropriate with international ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization initiatives; and (6) establish and monitor metrics to track progress in achieving the priorities set under paragraph (1). (g) Interagency working groups (1) Interagency working group on ocean exploration and characterization (A) Establishment The President shall establish a new interagency working group on ocean exploration and characterization. (B) Functions The interagency working group established under subparagraph (A) shall support the Council and the Ocean Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Ocean Policy Committee established under section 4(b)(1) on ocean exploration and characterization activities and associated technology development across the Federal Government. (2) Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping The Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping under section 12203 of the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502 (3) Oversight The Council shall oversee— (A) the interagency working group on ocean exploration and characterization established under paragraph (1)(A); and (B) the Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping under section 12203 of the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502 (h) Plan (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Council shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan for an integrated ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization initiative. (2) Elements The plan required by paragraph (1) shall— (A) identify and describe national ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization priorities; (B) identify and describe Federal and federally funded ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization programs; (C) facilitate non-Federal input into national ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization priorities; (D) ensure effective coordination of ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization activities among programs described in subparagraph (B); (E) identify opportunities for combining overlapping or complementary needs, activities, and resources of Federal agencies relating to ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization while not reducing benefits from existing mapping, explorations, and characterization activities; (F) promote new and existing partnerships among Federal and State agencies, private industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to conduct or support ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization activities and technology development needs, including through coordination under section 3 of the Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 ( 33 U.S.C. 4102 (G) establish standardized collection and data management protocols for ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization; (H) encourage the development of innovative ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization technologies and applications; (I) promote protocols for accepting data, equipment, or other resources that support national ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization priorities; (J) identify best practices for the protection of marine life during mapping, exploration, and characterization activities; (K) identify training, technology, and other resource requirements for enabling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other appropriate Federal agencies to support a coordinated national ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization effort; (L) identify a centralized mechanism or office for— (i) coordinating data collection, processing, archiving, and dissemination activities relating to ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization that meets Federal mandates for data accuracy and accessibility; and (ii) coordinating partnerships that support such activities; (M) designate repositories responsible for archiving and managing ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization data; and (N) set forth a timetable and estimated costs for implementation and completion of the plan. (i) Briefings Not less frequently than every 2 years, the Council shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on— (1) progress made toward meeting the national priorities described in subsection (h)(2)(A); and (2) recommendations for meeting such priorities. (j) Appropriate committees of Congress defined In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. 6. Modifications to the ocean exploration program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (a) Purpose Section 12001 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 33 U.S.C. 3401 and the national undersea research program (b) Program established Section 12002 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3402 (1) in the first sentence, by striking and undersea (2) in the second sentence— (A) by inserting ocean exploration and characterization efforts and ocean and coastal resources (B) by striking and undersea (c) Powers and duties of the Administrator (1) In general Section 12003(a) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3403(a) (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , in coordination with the Ocean Policy Committee established under section 4 of the National Ocean Exploration Act Administration (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking Federal agencies and survey Federal and State agencies, Tribal governments, private industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations, to map, explore, and characterize (ii) by inserting characterize, observe, (C) in paragraph (5), by striking ; and (D) in paragraph (6)— (i) by inserting , in collaboration with the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council established under section 5 of the National Ocean Exploration Act forum (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (E) by adding at the end the following: (7) provide guidance to Federal and State agencies, Tribal governments, private industry, academia (including secondary schools, community colleges, and universities), and nongovernmental organizations on data standards, protocols for accepting data, and coordination of data collection, processing, archiving, and dissemination for data relating to ocean exploration and characterization. . (2) Donations Section 12003(b) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3403(b) (b) Donations For the purpose of exploring the oceans or increasing the knowledge of the oceans, the Administrator may— (1) accept monetary donations and donations of property, data, and equipment; and (2) pay all necessary expenses in connection with the conveyance or transfer of a gift, devise, or bequest. . (d) Repeal of ocean exploration and undersea research technology and infrastructure task force Section 12004 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3404 (e) Education, workforce training, and outreach (1) In general Such Act is further amended by inserting after section 12003 the following new section 12004: 12004. Education, workforce training, and outreach (a) In general The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall conduct education and outreach efforts in order to broadly disseminate information to the public on the discoveries made by the program under section 12002. (b) Education and outreach efforts Efforts described in subsection (a) may include— (1) education of the general public, teachers, students, and ocean and coastal resource managers; and (2) workforce training, reskilling, and opportunities to encourage development of ocean related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) technical training programs involving secondary schools, community colleges, and universities. (c) Outreach strategy Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of the National Ocean Exploration Act . (2) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 Sec. 12004. Education, workforce training, and outreach. . (f) Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (1) Establishment Section 12005(a)(1) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3505(1) and the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council established under section 5 of the National Ocean Exploration Act advise the Administrator (2) Technical amendment Section 12005(c) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3505(c) this part (g) Authorization of appropriations Section 12006 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3406 this part this part $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030 (h) Definitions Such Act is further amended by inserting after section 12006 the following: 12007. Definitions In this part: (1) Characterization The terms characterization characterize (2) Exploration The term exploration explore (A) a multidisciplinary view of an unknown or poorly understood area of the seafloor, sub-bottom, or water column; and (B) an initial assessment of the physical, chemical, geological, biological, archaeological, or other characteristics of such an area. (3) Mapping The terms map mapping . (i) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 Sec. 12007. Definitions. . 7. Repeal (a) In general The NOAA Undersea Research Program Act of 2009 (part II of subtitle A of title XII of Public Law 111–11 33 U.S.C. 3421 (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 8. Modifications to ocean and coastal mapping program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (a) Establishment of program (1) In general Section 12202(a) of the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3501(a) (A) by striking establish a program to develop a coordinated and establish and maintain a program to coordinate (B) by striking plan efforts (C) by striking that enhances (1) enhances ecosystem approaches in decision-making for natural resource and habitat management restoration and conservation, emergency response, and coastal resilience and adaptation; (2) establishes research and mapping priorities; (3) supports the siting of research and other platforms; and (4) advances ocean and coastal science. . (2) Membership Section 12202 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3501 (3) Program parameters Subsection (b) of section 12202 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3501 (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking developing maintaining (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting and for leveraging existing Federal geospatial services capacities and contract vehicles for efficiencies coastal mapping (C) in paragraph (7), by striking with coastal state and local government programs with mapping programs, in conjunction with Federal and State agencies, Tribal governments, private industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations (D) in paragraph (8), by striking of real-time tide data and the development of tide data and water-level data and the development and dissemination (E) in paragraph (9), by striking ; and (F) in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (G) by adding at the end the following: (11) support— (A) the Ocean Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Ocean Policy Committee established under section 4(b)(1) of the National Ocean Exploration Act (B) the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council established under section 5 of such Act. . (b) Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping (1) Name change The Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3501 (A) in section 12202 ( 33 U.S.C. 3501 (i) in subsection (a), by striking Interagency Committee on Ocean and Coastal Mapping Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping under section 12203 (ii) in subsection (b), as redesignated by subsection (a)(2), by striking Committee Working Group (B) in section 12203 ( 33 U.S.C. 3502 (i) in the section heading, by striking committee working group (ii) in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by striking committee Working Group (iii) in subsection (e), by striking committee Working Group (iv) in subsection (f), by striking committee Working Group (C) in section 12208 ( 33 U.S.C. 3507 (3) Working Group The term Working Group . (2) In general Section 12203(a) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502(a) within 30 days not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of the National Ocean Exploration Act (3) Membership Section 12203(b) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502(b) (A) in the first sentence, by striking senior senior-level (B) in the third sentence, by striking the Minerals Management Service the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management of the Department of the Interior, the Office of the Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks of the Department of the Interior (C) by striking the second sentence. (4) Co-chairs Section 12203(c) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502(c) (c) Co-Chairs The Working Group shall be co-chaired by one representative from each of the following: (1) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2) The Department of the Interior. (3) The United States Army Corps of Engineers. . (5) Subordinate groups Section 12203(d) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502(d) (d) Subordinate groups The co-chairs may establish such permanent or temporary subordinate groups as determined appropriate by the Working Group. . (6) Meetings Section 12203(e) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502(e) each subcommittee and each working group each subordinate group (7) Coordination Section 12203(f) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502(f) (1) other Federal efforts, such as the Digital Coast, the Federal Geographic Data Committee, GeoPlatform, the Hydrographic Services Review Panel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Technical Mapping Advisory Council of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (2) international mapping activities; (3) coastal states; (4) coastal Indian Tribes; (5) user groups through workshops and other appropriate mechanisms; and (6) representatives of nongovernmental entities. . (8) Advisory panel Section 12203 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502 (9) Functions Section 12203 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3502 (g) Functions with respect to National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council The Working Group shall support the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council established under section 5 of the National Ocean Exploration Act . (10) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 Sec. 12203. Interagency working group on ocean and coastal mapping. . (c) Biennial reports Section 12204 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3503 (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking No later House of Representatives Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the National Ocean Exploration Act (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting , including the data maintained by the National Centers for Environmental Information of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, mapping data (3) in paragraph (3), by inserting , including a plan to map the coasts of the United States on a requirements-based cycle, with mapping agencies and partners coordinating on a unified approach that factors in recent related studies, meets multiple user requirements, and identifies gaps accomplished (4) by striking paragraph (10) and redesignating paragraphs (11), (12), and (13) as paragraphs (10), (11), and (12), respectively; (5) in paragraph (10), as so redesignated, by striking with coastal state and local government programs with international, coastal state, and local government and nongovernmental mapping programs (6) in paragraph (11), as redesignated by paragraph (4)— (A) by striking increase streamline and expand (B) by inserting for the purpose of fulfilling Federal mapping and charting responsibilities, plans, and strategies entities (C) by striking ; and (7) in paragraph (12), as redesignated by paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (8) by adding at the end the following: (13) a progress report on the development of new and innovative technologies and applications through research and development, including cooperative or other agreements with joint or cooperative research institutes and centers and other nongovernmental entities; (14) a description of best practices in data processing and distribution and leveraging opportunities among agencies represented on the Working Group and with coastal states, coastal Indian Tribes, and nongovernmental entities; (15) an identification of any training, technology, or other requirements for enabling Federal mapping programs, vessels, and aircraft to support a coordinated ocean and coastal mapping program; and (16) a timetable for implementation and completion of the plan described in paragraph (3), including recommendations for integrating new approaches into the program. . (d) NOAA joint ocean and coastal mapping centers (1) Centers Section 12205(c) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3504(c) (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 3 three (B) in paragraph (4), by inserting and unmanned sensing (2) Plan Section 12205 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3504 (A) in the section heading, by striking Plan NOAA joint ocean and coastal mapping centers (B) by striking subsections (a), (b), and (d); and (C) in subsection (c), by striking (c) NOAA joint ocean and coastal mapping centers (3) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 Sec. 12205. NOAA joint ocean and coastal mapping centers. . (e) Ocean and coastal mapping Federal funding opportunity Such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 3501 (1) by redesignating sections 12206, 12207, and 12208 as sections 12208, 12209, and 12210, respectively; and (2) by inserting after section 12205 the following: 12206. Ocean and coastal mapping Federal funding opportunity (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Ocean Exploration Act (b) Rules The Administrator shall develop administrative and procedural rules for the ocean and coastal mapping Federal funding match opportunity developed under subsection (a), to include— (1) specific and detailed criteria that must be addressed by an applicant, such as geographic overlap with pre-established priorities, number and type of project partners, benefit to the applicant, coordination with other funding opportunities, and benefit to the public; (2) determination of the appropriate funding match amounts and mechanisms to use, such as grants, agreements, or contracts; and (3) other funding award criteria as are necessary or appropriate to ensure that evaluations of proposals and decisions to award funding under this section are based on objective standards applied fairly and equitably to those proposals. (c) Geospatial services and contract vehicles The ocean and coastal mapping Federal funding match opportunity developed under subsection (a) shall leverage Federal expertise and capacities for geospatial services and Federal geospatial contract vehicles using the private sector for acquisition efficiencies. 12207. Cooperative agreements, contracts, and grants (a) In general To carry out interagency activities under this subtitle, the heads of agencies represented on the Working Group may enter into cooperative agreements, or any other agreement with each other, and transfer, receive, and expend funds made available by any Federal agency, any State or subdivision thereof, or any public or private organization or individual, for ocean and coastal mapping investigations, surveys, studies, and other geospatial collaborations authorized by this subtitle or agreements authorized by section 5 of the Act entitled An Act to define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and for other purposes 33 U.S.C. 883e (b) Grants The Administrator may make grants to any State or subdivision thereof or any public or private organization or individual to carry out the purposes of this subtitle. . (f) Authorization of appropriations Section 12209 of such Act, as redesignated by subsection (e)(1), is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking this subtitle this subtitle $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030. (2) in subsection (b), by striking this subtitle this subtitle $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030. (3) by striking subsection (c); and (4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Ocean and coastal mapping Federal funding opportunity Of amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (a), $20,000,000 is authorized to carry out section 12206. . (g) Definitions (1) Ocean and coastal mapping Paragraph (5) of section 12210 of such Act, as redesignated by subsection (e)(1), is amended by striking processing, and management processing, management, maintenance, interpretation, certification, and dissemination (2) Coastal Indian Tribe Section 12210 of such Act, as redesignated by subsection (e)(1), is amended by adding at the end the following: (9) Coastal Indian Tribe The term coastal Indian Tribe Indian tribe 25 U.S.C. 5304 . (h) Clerical amendments The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 Sec. 12206. Ocean and coastal mapping Federal funding opportunity. Sec. 12207. Cooperative agreements, contracts, and grants. Sec. 12208. Effect on other laws. Sec. 12209. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 12210. Definitions. . 9. Modifications to Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 (a) Definitions Section 302(4)(A) of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 ( 33 U.S.C. 892(4)(A) hydrodynamic forecast and datum transformation models, nautical information databases, (b) Functions of the Administrator Section 303(b) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 892a(b) (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting precision navigation, promote (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting and hydrodynamic forecast models monitoring systems (B) by inserting and provide foundational information and services required to support coastal resilience planning for coastal transportation and other infrastructure, coastal protection and restoration projects, and related activities efficiency (C) by striking ; and (c) Quality assurance program Section 304(a) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 892b(a) product produced product or service produced or disseminated (d) Authorization of appropriations Section 306(a) of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 892d(a) (1) in paragraph (1), by striking $70,814,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 $71,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030 (2) in paragraph (2), by striking $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 $34,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030 (3) in paragraph (3), by striking $29,932,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 $38,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030 (4) in paragraph (4), by striking $26,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030 (5) in paragraph (5), by striking $30,564,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030

Summary: National Ocean Exploration Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Ocean Policy Committee and the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council, and otherwise revises provisions related to ocean and coastal resources at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.