Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act

Bill: 111-hr-365
Sponsor: Del. Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [D-GU-At Large]
Introduced: 2009-01-09 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Ecology
Government information and archives
Great Lakes
Higher education
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine pollution
Public contracts and procurement
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: 
Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act - Directs the President to establish a a program to develop a coordinated and comprehensive federal ocean and coastal mapping program for the Great Lakes and coastal state waters, the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone, and the U.S. continental shelf that enhances ecosystem approaches in decision-making for conservation and management of marine resources and habitats, establishes research and mapping priorities, supports the siting of research and other platforms, and advances ocean and coastal science.
 
Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to convene or use an existing interagency committee on ocean and coastal mapping to implement such program and to coordinate federal ocean and coastal mapping and surveying activities with other federal efforts (including the Digital Coast, Geospatial One-Stop, and the Federal Geographic Data Committee), international mapping activities, coastal states, user groups, and nongovernmental entities. Authorizes the Administrator to convene an ocean and coastal mapping advisory panel consisting of representatives from nongovernmental entities to provide input regarding activities of the committee.
 
Directs the Administrator to develop a plan for an integrated ocean and coastal mapping initiative within NOAA that: (1) identifies all ocean and coastal mapping programs within NOAA, establishing priorities; (2) encourages the development of innovative ocean and coastal mapping technologies and applications; and (3) documents available and developing technologies, best practices in data processing and distribution, and leveraging opportunities with other federal agencies, coastal states, and nongovernmental entities.
 
Authorizes the Administrator to establish joint ocean and coastal mapping centers of excellence (including a joint hydrographic center) in institutions of higher education to conduct specified activities, including: (1) research and development of innovative ocean and coastal mapping technologies, equipment, and data products; and (2) mapping of the U.S. outer continental shelf. Requires the Administrator to continue developing a strategy for expanding contracting with nongovernmental entities. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-02-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: Referred to House Science and Technology
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: Referred to House Natural Resources
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E62)
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-09
text: Introduced in House