What does Preamble of HR 3048 do?

This bill is formally titled "To establish Ocean Innovation Clusters to strengthen the coastal communities and ocean economy of the United States through technological research and development, job training, and cross-sector partnerships, and for other purposes." The bill aims to strengthen coastal communities and the ocean economy. It intends to achieve this through technological research and development, job training, and cross-sector partnerships.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 3048 do?

This bill is formally titled the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 3048 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Blue Economy” is defined as the value and impact of sustainable industries related to the Great Lakes, oceans, bays, estuaries, and coasts on the U.S. economy. “Director of Sea Grant” refers to the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program as defined in the National Sea Grant College Program Act. “Indian Tribe” has the meaning provided in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. “Native Hawaiian organization” is defined by section 6207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act. “Ocean Innovation Center for Cross-Sector Collaboration” refers to a physical space for collaboration developed and managed according to section 3(i). “Ocean Innovation Cluster” is an eligible entity designated by the Secretary of Commerce under section 3.

What does OCEAN INNOVATION CLUSTERS. of HR 3048 do?

This section establishes a program to designate 'Ocean Innovation Clusters' across the United States. Eligible entities for designation must be composed of various organizations within a concentrated geographic region, led by a not-for-profit, and work to enhance collaboration and contribute to the Blue Economy. The Secretary of Commerce must designate at least seven clusters within one year of the Act's enactment, prioritizing those with a history of supporting cross-sector growth. Designations must ensure geographic diversity, including regions covered by National Marine Fisheries Service offices, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Secretary will consider factors like economic development potential, ability to reach underserved areas, diversity of the population served, and potential for job growth when making designations. Partnership liaisons will be designated within relevant agencies to facilitate communication and alignment with federal objectives. Federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, will coordinate to increase technical knowledge exchange. The Marine Economy Satellite Account will be used to measure the impact of these clusters on the Blue Economy. The Director of Sea Grant and other officials will coordinate with clusters on areas of focus such as workforce development, intellectual property management, and sustainable seafood supply chains. Ocean Innovation Centers for Cross-Sector Collaboration will be developed within each region with an Ocean Innovation Cluster to foster collaboration and provide resources for entrepreneurs and workforce development.

What does GRANTS FOR OCEAN INNOVATION CLUSTERS. of HR 3048 do?

This section amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish a program for grants to Ocean Innovation Clusters. The Secretary, in consultation with specified officials, may award grants on a competitive basis for the operation and administration of Ocean Innovation Clusters. Grants are intended to help Ocean Innovation Clusters become self-sustaining entities under the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025. The term of a grant is initially two years, with potential for renewal. Individual grants cannot exceed $10,000,000. A total of $10,000,000 is authorized for appropriation each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030. The term 'Director of Sea Grant' is defined as the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program. The term 'Ocean Innovation Cluster' is defined by reference to section 2 of the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025.

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Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 — HR. 3048

Last updated: 4/28/2025 · Introduced: 4/28/2025

Author: Chellie Pingree (D-ME)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a program to designate 'Ocean Innovation Clusters' across the United States, prioritizing geographic diversity and regions with potential for economic development and job growth.
The bill authorizes grants of up to $10 million to support the operation and administration of these Ocean Innovation Clusters, with the goal of fostering self-sustainability.
It directs federal agencies to coordinate and share technical knowledge to enhance collaboration and measure the impact of these clusters on the Blue Economy.

119th Congressin committeeS. 1392(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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