What does Preamble of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To support marine carbon dioxide removal activities, and for other purposes.'

What does DEFINITIONS. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Carbon removal credit” is defined as 1 metric tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent (tCOe) removed through marine carbon dioxide removal and durably stored, registered, validated, and potentially traded on a voluntary carbon market. Several terms, such as 'coastal waters,' 'contiguous zone,' and 'exclusive economic zone,' are given the meanings established in existing legislation. The term 'Indian Tribal government' refers to the recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe or Alaska Native tribe, as listed in the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994. ’Marine carbon dioxide removal’ is defined as an intentional intervention in the marine environment resulting in net carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere. A 'protocol' is a systematic approach for generating a carbon removal credit, following a transparent and science-based methodology for measuring and verifying carbon removal. The term 'voluntary carbon market' is defined as a market where carbon removal credits can be bought or sold.

What does PURPOSES. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

This Act aims to support research, development, and field trials of safe and responsible marine carbon dioxide removal. The Act intends to ensure the robust monitoring and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems. It seeks to coordinate Federal actions related to marine carbon dioxide removal. The Act supports engagement with affected coastal communities and consultation with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.

What does RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

This section establishes a rule of construction for the Act. The Act is not to be interpreted as diminishing or overruling existing laws concerning the contiguous zone, territorial seas, exclusive economic zone, or coastal waters (excluding internal waters).

What does RESEARCH SECURITY. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

This section addresses research security under the Act Activities must be carried out consistently with subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM FOR ADVANCING MARINE CARBON DIOXIDE of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

The Secretary shall establish a Program to support and conduct activities to advance science and integrate traditional ecological knowledge for marine carbon dioxide removal. The Program has objectives to generate knowledge on marine carbon dioxide removal efficacy, environmental and ecosystem responses, and social, cultural, and economic impacts. The Secretary shall support and conduct activities to advance the science and understanding of various marine carbon dioxide removal approaches, including ocean alkalinity enhancement and macroalgae cultivation. The Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to fund research in accordance with the objectives described. The Secretary shall develop and implement data management strategies to ensure all non-proprietary data collected are properly stewarded and accessible.

What does MONITORING OF MARINE CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

The Secretary must provide instrumentation and personnel for monitoring marine carbon dioxide removal. Monitoring goals include understanding ecosystem impacts and maximizing co-benefits for communities. The Secretary must collect data to inform uniform standards and protocols for marine carbon dioxide removal. Technical assistance may be provided to support voluntary carbon markets and best practices. Public-private-academic partnerships may be developed for efficient monitoring.

What does RESEARCH AREAS FOR MARINE CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

This section establishes a process for designating or establishing research areas for marine carbon dioxide removal. The Secretary may designate areas or award grants to eligible entities for this research. Research aims to support scientific objectives, coordinate permitting, consult with Tribes, establish sensing networks, foster a community of practice, and incubate businesses related to carbon dioxide removal technologies. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must conduct an inventory of suitable Federal facilities and areas and make it publicly available. Eligible entities for grants include institutions of higher education, state/local governments, Indian Tribes, and consortia. The Secretary must assess the suitability of each research area, considering scientific, social, traditional ecological knowledge, and economic data. Terms and conditions for each research area will be developed, including a code of conduct, stewardship measures, risk mitigation plans, and environmental harm thresholds. The Secretary must develop opportunities to deliver benefits to communities near research areas, such as community benefit agreements and workforce development. Advisory boards will be appointed to oversee research areas, monitor activities, and provide guidance to the Secretary.

What does INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP FOR MARINE CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

An interagency working group for marine carbon dioxide removal is established under the National Science and Technology Council. The working group consists of representatives from 20 federal agencies and departments. The group will meet at least once a year and have co-chairs from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Energy. The working group's duties include establishing a plan to coordinate federal research, creating a code of conduct, and supporting research and development of marine carbon dioxide removal. The group will also ensure public availability of research results and provide recommendations to support the transition to operations of safe and effective marine carbon dioxide removal.

What does BIENNIAL REPORT ON MARINE CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL. of ReSCUE Oceans Act do?

This section establishes a requirement for a biennial report on marine carbon dioxide removal. The interagency working group is responsible for publishing the report and submitting it to relevant congressional committees. The report must include progress toward objectives outlined in section 101(b)(1). It must summarize activities at research areas designated under section 103. The report must detail key findings from data collection and monitoring, including carbon dioxide removal amounts and energy consumption. It will also assess the permitting regime for marine carbon dioxide removal and identify barriers to advancing the science. The report will include strategic updates to objectives and any other relevant matters. The working group must publish the report on a publicly accessible website and make it freely available.

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ReSCUE Oceans Act

Last updated: 2/24/2026 · Introduced: 2/24/2026

Author: Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a program to advance marine carbon dioxide removal research, integrating scientific and traditional ecological knowledge.
It mandates monitoring of marine carbon dioxide removal activities to understand ecosystem impacts and maximize community benefits.
The bill designates research areas for marine carbon dioxide removal, requiring assessments of scientific, social, and economic factors, and establishing community benefit agreements.
An interagency working group will coordinate federal research, develop a code of conduct, and produce a biennial report on progress and findings related to marine carbon dioxide removal.
The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support research, monitoring, standardization, and space-based measurement of marine carbon dioxide removal.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3910(In Committee)Official page

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