Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 Gains Bipartisan Support

Lawmakers in both the US Senate and House of Representatives have ramped up their support this week for a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the pressing issue of ocean acidification. The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 (S. 1391) mandates that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) collaborate with state and local governments, as well as Indian Tribes, to conduct vulnerability assessments concerning the impacts of ocean acidification.

Introduced by US Senator Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, back in April, the bill gained further attention on June 17 when she was joined in a press statement by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine, and House Delegate James Moylan from Guam. This bipartisan coalition aims to highlight the urgent need for action in the face of climate change and its effects on marine ecosystems.

“The impacts of ocean acidification on our coastal communities cannot be understated, particularly on our blue economy,” said Murkowski, who is also the co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. “This legislation takes a holistic approach to understanding ocean acidification, encouraging experts from every walk of life to work together and ensure that our oceans stay healthy.”

The proposed bill, which currently has six Senate co-sponsors including fellow Alaska Republican Dan Sullivan, seeks to empower NOAA to oversee vulnerability assessments, research planning, and other initiatives related to ocean acidification. According to Whitehouse, monitoring these changes would greatly benefit both wild commercial fisheries and coastal aquaculture sectors.

While there is no identified companion bill in the House as of yet, Congresswoman Pingree emphasized the critical nature of Murkowski’s legislation for her home state. “We’re seeing the effects of ocean acidification in real time—from threatening lobster populations in the Gulf of Maine to eroding coral reefs in tropical waters,” she stated. “We now know that parts of our oceans have reached dangerous acidification levels earlier than expected, threatening entire ecosystems…this bill gives coastal communities the science, tools, and support they need to build resilience and protect ocean industries that support millions of jobs.”

The Road Ahead

As momentum builds for the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act, stakeholders hope that increased awareness will lead to broader support. Ocean acidification is not just an environmental concern; it poses a significant threat to livelihoods and the blue economy, making swift action imperative.

With both bipartisan backing and a clear articulation of the challenges at play, the bill could pave the way for enhanced research and protective measures that bolster the resilience of our oceans and the communities reliant on them.

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