Bill · H.R. 3048· House(119-HR-3048)
Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/28/2025
- Last activity
- 4/28/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Sponsored by
- Chellie Pingree
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025," aims to establish Ocean Innovation Clusters to strengthen coastal communities and the United States ocean economy. These clusters will utilize technological research and development, job training, and cross-sector partnerships to promote the "Blue Economy." The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with designating at least seven of these clusters across various geographic regions. The initiative includes the creation of Ocean Innovation Centers for Cross-Sector Collaboration to serve as physical hubs for innovation and employment. To support these efforts, the bill authorizes competitive grants for the operation and administration of the clusters. The ultimate goal is to foster sustainable economic growth and resilience in ocean-dependent regions.
Yes· 3 of 14
Is this likely to grow the economy?+7
The act focuses on strengthening the 'Blue Economy' through innovation, research, and regional clusters.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically prioritizes growth for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Is this likely to create jobs?+6
The bill explicitly aims to accelerate growth in ocean sector jobs and create new employment opportunities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Growth and Job Creation: The bill seeks to strengthen the "Blue Economy" and can accelerate growth in ocean sector jobs or reverse declines in those sectors (Section 3(b)(3), Section 3(e)(5)).
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Workforce Development: The establishment of Ocean Innovation Centers will help develop the next generation of workers through internships, apprenticeships, and training, specifically targeting underrepresented and Tribal communities (Section 3(i)(3)(F)).
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Support for Small Businesses: The focus on creating investable opportunities and economies of scale is intended to enhance growth and expansion opportunities for small businesses within the Blue Economy (Section 3(h)(7)).
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Community Resilience: The clusters are designed to support projects that contribute to economic and climate resilience, helping regions recover from natural disasters (Section 3(e)(6)).
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Inclusivity and Equity: The designation process considers the ability to bring growth to underserved areas and serves diverse, ocean-dependent populations, including Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations (Section 3(b)(1), Section 3(e)(2), Section 3(e)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Students+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+7Improves Small Business Support+6Increases Job Creation+6
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+5Improves Rural Development+4Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- 2/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/6/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/28/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, and Financial Services, 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.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Suzanne BonamiciDemocrat · Oregon
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Shontel BrownDemocrat · Ohio
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Jared MoskowitzDemocrat · Florida
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
Andrea SalinasDemocrat · Oregon