To prohibit the National Science Foundation from obligating or expending Federal funds to descope or decommission the Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 13, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to safeguard the continuous operation and data collection of the Ocean Observatories Initiative by preventing the NSF from making changes to its scope or decommissioning instruments without a comprehensive review and stakeholder input.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from reducing the scope or shutting down instruments of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) located off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina, and in the Irminger Sea. This prohibition remains in effect until the NSF conducts a thorough review of the Initiative with robust stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the NSF Director maintain full and consistent OOI operations, including monitoring in all states where instruments were previously decommissioned, until this review is completed.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the Ocean Observatories Initiative provides critical, long-term oceanographic data essential for understanding climate change, marine ecosystems, and coastal resilience. They contend that any descoping or decommissioning without a thorough, publicly engaged review would lead to irreversible loss of invaluable scientific data and undermine national research capabilities.
Opponents contend
Opponents, or those with administrative concerns, might argue that this bill unduly restricts the National Science Foundation's administrative discretion and its ability to manage its research portfolio efficiently. They may suggest that the NSF is best equipped to make decisions regarding the lifecycle of its scientific assets based on evolving research priorities and budget constraints, and that such legislative mandates can hinder agile resource allocation.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for anyone to read and understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 1(a)
Prohibition on Descoping or Decommissioning OOI Instruments
This section explicitly forbids the National Science Foundation (NSF) from using federal funds to reduce the scope or shut down any instruments belonging to the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). This prohibition applies to instruments anchored off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina, and in the Irminger Sea. The restriction will remain in place until the NSF completes a comprehensive review of the OOI, which must include significant input from the scientific and coastal communities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for safeguarding vital infrastructure for ocean science, ensuring the continuity of long-term data sets essential for understanding climate change, ocean health, and marine ecosystems. They contend that premature decommissioning without proper review would lead to irreversible loss of data and scientific capability.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this provision infringes on the NSF's administrative discretion and its ability to adapt research priorities and manage its budget efficiently. They may suggest that the NSF is best positioned to make decisions about the lifecycle of its research assets based on evolving scientific needs and fiscal realities.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for scientific continuity and robust stakeholder input against the administrative flexibility of a federal agency to manage its research portfolio and resources.
Section 1(b)
Mandate for Consistent OOI Operations
This section directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to ensure that the Ocean Observatories Initiative maintains full and consistent operations. This mandate specifically includes continuing monitoring in all states where OOI instruments were previously decommissioned. This requirement for full operation remains in effect until the comprehensive review described in subsection (a) has been fully completed.