[House Report 110-558]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress Rept. 110-558
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session Part I
======================================================================
NATIONAL INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION ACT OF 2008
_______
March 31, 2008.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Rahall, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 2342]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred the
bill (H.R. 2342) to direct the President to establish a
National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System, and
for other purposes, having considered the same, reports
favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that the
bill as amended do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. ENHANCING CLIMATE CHANGE PREDICTIONS.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``National
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2008''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are the following:
(1) Establish a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation System comprised of Federal and non-Federal
components, coordinated at the national level by the National
Ocean Research Leadership Council and at the regional level by
a network of Regional Information Coordination Entities, that
includes in situ, remote, and other coastal and ocean
observations, technologies, and data management and
communication systems, to gather specific coastal and ocean
data variables and to ensure the timely dissemination and
availability of usable observation data--
(A) to support national defense, marine commerce,
energy production, scientific research, ecosystem-based
marine and coastal resource management, weather and
marine forecasting, public safety and public outreach
training and education; and
(B) to promote greater public awareness and
stewardship of the Nation's ocean, coastal, and Great
Lakes resources and the general public welfare.
(2) Improve the Nation's capability to measure, track,
explain, and predict events related directly and indirectly to
weather and climate change, natural climate variability, and
interactions between the oceanic and atmospheric environments,
including the Great Lakes.
(3) Authorize activities to promote basic and applied
research to develop, test, and deploy innovations and
improvements in coastal and ocean observation technologies,
modeling systems, and other scientific and technological
capabilities to improve our conceptual understanding of weather
and climate, ocean atmosphere dynamics, global climate change,
and physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of the ocean
and coastal and Great Lakes environments.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the National Ocean
Research Leadership Council referred to in section 7902 of
title 10, United States Code.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(3) Federal assets.--The term ``Federal assets'' means all
relevant nonclassified civilian coastal and ocean observations,
technologies, and related modeling, research, data management,
basic and applied technology research and development, and
public education and outreach programs, that are managed by
member agencies of the Council.
(4) Interagency working group.--The term ``Interagency
Working Group'' means the Interagency Working Group on Ocean
Observations as established by the U.S. Ocean Policy Committee
Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology pursuant to
Executive Order 13366 signed December 17, 2004.
(5) Non-federal assets.--The term ``non-Federal assets''
means all relevant coastal and ocean observations,
technologies, related basic and applied technology research and
development, and public education and outreach programs that
are integrated into the System and are managed through States,
regional organizations, universities, nongovernmental
organizations, or the private sector.
(6) Regional information coordination entities.--
(A) In general.--The term ``Regional Information
Coordination Entity'', subject to subparagraphs (B) and
(C), means an organizational body that is certified or
established by the lead Federal agency designated in
subsection (d)(3)(C)(iii) and coordinating State,
Federal, local, and private interests at a regional
level with the responsibility of engaging the private
and public sectors in designing, operating, and
improving regional coastal and ocean observing systems
in order to ensure the provision of data and
information that meet the needs of user groups from the
respective regions.
(B) Included associations.--Such term includes
Regional Associations as described by the System Plan.
(C) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to invalidate existing certifications,
contracts, or agreements between Regional Associations
and other elements of the System.
(7) System.--The term ``System'' means the National
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System established
under subsection (d).
(8) System plan.--The term ``System Plan'' means the plan
contained in the document entitled ``Ocean.US Publication No.
9, The First Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
Development Plan''.
(d) National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System.--
(1) Establishment.--The President, acting through the
Council, shall establish a National Integrated Coastal and
Ocean Observation System to fulfill the purposes set forth in
subsection (b) and the System plan and to fulfill the Nation's
international obligations to contribute to the global earth
observation system of systems and the global ocean observing
system.
(2) Support of purposes.--The head of each agency that is a
member of the Interagency Working Group shall support the
purposes of this section.
(3) Availability of data.--The head of each Federal agency
that has administrative jurisdiction over a Federal asset shall
make available data that are produced by that asset and that
are not otherwise restricted for integration, management, and
dissemination by the System.
(4) Enhancing administration and management.--The head of
each Federal agency that has administrative jurisdiction over a
Federal asset may take appropriate actions to enhance internal
agency administration and management to better support,
integrate, finance, and utilize observation data, products, and
services developed under this section to further its own agency
mission and responsibilities.
(5) Participation in regional information coordination
entity.--The head of each Federal agency that has
administrative jurisdiction over a Federal asset may
participate in regional information coordination entity
activities.
(6) Non-federal assets.--Non-Federal assets shall be
coordinated by the Interagency Working Group or by Regional
Information Coordination Entities.
(e) Policy Oversight, Administration, and Regional Coordination.--
(1) National ocean research leadership council.--The National
Ocean Research Leadership Council shall be responsible for
establishing broad coordination and long-term operations plans,
policies, protocols, and standards for the System consistent
with the policies, goals, and objectives contained in the
System Plan, and coordination of the System with other earth
observing activities.
(2) Interagency working group.--The Interagency Working Group
shall, with respect to the System, be responsible for--
(A) implementation of operations plans and policies
developed by the Council;
(B) development of and transmittal to Congress at the
time of submission of the President's annual budget
request an annual coordinated, comprehensive System
budget;
(C) identification of gaps in observation coverage or
needs for capital improvements of both Federal assets
and non-Federal assets;
(D) establishment of data management and
communication protocols and standards;
(E) establishment of required observation data
variables;
(F) development of certification standards for all
non-Federal assets or Regional Information Coordination
Entities to be eligible for integration into the
System;
(G) subject to the availability of appropriations,
establish through one or more participating Federal
agencies, in consultation with the System Advisory
Committee established under paragraph (5), a
competitive matching grant or other program to promote
research and development of innovative observation
technologies including testing and field trials; and
(H) periodically review and recommend to the Council
revisions to the System Plan.
(3) Lead federal agency.--The Administrator shall function as
the lead Federal agency for the System. The Administrator may
establish an Interagency Program Coordinating Office to
facilitate the Administrator's responsibilities as the lead
Federal agency for System oversight and management. The
Administrator shall--
(A) implement policies, protocols, and standards
established by the Council and delegated by the
Interagency Working Group;
(B) promulgate regulations to integrate the
participation of non-Federal assets into the System and
enter into and oversee contracts and agreements with
Regional Information Coordination Entities to effect
this purpose;
(C) implement a competitive funding process for the
purpose of assigning contracts and agreements to
Regional Information Coordination Entities;
(D) certify or establish Regional Information
Coordination Entities to coordinate State, Federal,
local, and private interests at a regional level with
the responsibility of engaging private and public
sectors in designing, operating, and improving regional
coastal and ocean observing systems in order to ensure
the provision of data and information that meet the
needs of user groups from the respective regions;
(E) formulate a process by which gaps in observation
coverage or needs for capital improvements of Federal
assets and non-Federal assets of the System can be
identified by the Regional Information Coordination
Entities, the Administrator, or other members of the
System and transmitted to the Interagency Working
Group;
(F) be responsible for the coordination, storage,
management, and dissemination of observation data
gathered through the System to all end-user
communities;
(G) implement a program of public education and
outreach to improve public awareness of global climate
change and effects on the ocean, coastal, and Great
Lakes environment; and
(H) report annually to the Council through the
Interagency Working Group on the accomplishments,
operational needs, and performance of the System to
achieve the purposes of this title and the System Plan.
(4) Regional information coordination entity.--To be
certified or established under paragraph (3)(D), a Regional
Information Coordination Entity must be certified or
established by contract or agreement by the Administrator, and
must agree to--
(A) gather required System observation data and other
requirements specified under this section and the
System plan;
(B) identify gaps in observation coverage or needs
for capital improvements of Federal assets and non-
Federal assets of the System, and transmit such
information to the Interagency Working Group via the
Administrator;
(C) demonstrate an organizational structure and
strategic operational plan to ensure the efficient and
effective administration of programs and assets to
support daily data observations for integration into
the System;
(D) comply with all financial oversight requirements
established by the Administrator, including
requirements relating to audits; and
(E) demonstrate a capability to work with other
governmental and nongovernmental entities at all levels
to identify and provide information products of the
System for multiple users within the service area of
the Regional Information Coordination Entities and
otherwise.
(5) System advisory committee.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a
System Advisory Committee, which shall provide advice
as may be requested by the Administrator or the
Interagency Working Group.
(B) Purpose.--The purpose of the System Advisory
Committee is to advise the Administrator and the
Interagency Working Group on--
(i) administration, operation, management,
and maintenance of the System, including
integration of Federal and non-Federal assets
and data management and communication aspects
of the System, and fulfillment of the purposes
specified under subsection (b);
(ii) expansion and periodic modernization and
upgrade of technology components of the System;
(iii) identification of end-user communities,
their needs for information provided by the
System, and the System's effectiveness in
disseminating information to end-user
communities and the general public; and
(iv) any other purpose identified by the
Administrator or the Interagency Working Group.
(C) Members.--
(i) In general.--The System Advisory
Committee shall be composed of members
appointed by the Administrator. Members shall
be qualified by education, training, and
experience to evaluate scientific and technical
information related to the design, operation,
maintenance, or use of the System, or use of
data products provided through the System.
(ii) Terms of service.--Members shall be
appointed for 3-year terms, renewable once. A
vacancy appointment shall be for the remainder
of the unexpired term of the vacancy, and an
individual so appointed may subsequently be
appointed for 2 full 3-year terms if the
remainder of the unexpired term is less than
one year.
(iii) Chairperson.--The Administrator shall
designate a chairperson from among the members
of the System Advisory Committee.
(iv) Appointment.--Members of the System
Advisory Committee shall be appointed as
special Government employees for purposes of
section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code.
(D) Administrative provisions.--
(i) Reporting.--The System Advisory Committee
shall report to the Administrator and the
Interagency Working Group, as appropriate.
(ii) Administrative support.--The
Administrator shall provide administrative
support to the System Advisory Committee.
(iii) Meetings.--The System Advisory
Committee shall meet at least once each year,
and at other times at the call of the
Administrator, the Interagency Working Group,
or the chairperson.
(iv) Compensation and expenses.--Members of
the System Advisory Committee shall not be
compensated for service on that Committee, but
may be allowed travel expenses, including per
diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United
States Code.
(v) Expiration.--Section 14 of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall
not apply to the System Advisory Committee.
(6) Civil liability.--For purposes of determining liability
arising from the dissemination and use of observation data
gathered pursuant to this section, any non-Federal asset or
Regional Information Coordination Entity that is certified
under paragraph (3)(D) and that is participating in the System
shall be considered to be part of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Any employee of such a non-Federal
asset or Regional Information Coordination Entity, while
operating within the scope of his or her employment in carrying
out the purposes of this section, with respect to tort
liability, is deemed to be an employee of the Federal
Government.
(f) Interagency Financing, Grants, Contracts, and Agreements.--
(1) In general.--The member departments and agencies of the
Council, subject to the availability of appropriations, may
participate in interagency financing and share, transfer,
receive, obligate, and expend funds appropriated to any member
agency for the purposes of carrying out any administrative or
programmatic project or activity to further the purposes of
this section, including support for the Interagency Working
Group, the Interagency Coordinating Program Office, a common
infrastructure, and integration to expand or otherwise enhance
the System.
(2) Joint centers and agreements.--Member Departments and
agencies of the Council shall have the authority to create,
support, and maintain joint centers, and to enter into and
perform such contracts, leases, grants, and cooperative
agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of
this section and fulfillment of the System Plan.
(g) Application With Other Laws.--Nothing in this section supersedes
or limits the authority of any agency to carry out its responsibilities
and missions under other laws.
(h) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of
enactment of this section, the Administrator through the
Council shall submit to Congress a report that describes the
status of the System and progress made to achieve the purposes
of this section and the goals identified under the System Plan.
(2) Contents.--The report shall include discussion of the
following:
(A) Identification of Federal and non-Federal assets
as determined by the Council that have been integrated
into the System, including assets essential to the
gathering of required observation data variables
necessary to meet the respective missions of Council
agencies.
(B) A review of procurements, planned or initiated,
by each Council agency to enhance, expand, or modernize
the observation capabilities and data products provided
by the System, including data management and
communication subsystems.
(C) An assessment regarding activities to integrate
Federal and non-Federal assets, nationally and on the
regional level, and discussion of the performance and
effectiveness of Regional Information Coordination
Entities to coordinate regional observation operations.
(D) An evaluation of progress made by the Council to
achieve the purposes of this section and the goals
identified under the System Plan.
(E) Recommendations for operational improvements to
enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and overall
capability of the System.
(3) Biennial update.--Two years after the transmittal of the
initial report prepared pursuant to this subsection and
biennially thereafter, the Administrator, through the Council,
shall submit to Congress an update of the initial report.
(i) Public-Private Use Policy.--The Council shall develop a policy
within 6 months after the date of the enactment of this section that
defines processes for making decisions about the roles of the Federal
Government, the States, Regional Information Coordination Entities, the
academic community, and the private sector in providing to end-user
communities environmental information, products, technologies, and
services related to the System. The Council shall publish the policy in
the Federal Register for public comment for a period not less than 60
days. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require changes
in policy in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(j) Independent Cost Estimate.--The Interagency Working Group,
through the Administrator and the Director of the National Science
Foundation, shall obtain within one year after the date of the
enactment of this section an independent cost estimate for operations
and maintenance of existing Federal assets of the System, and planned
or anticipated acquisition, operation, and maintenance of new Federal
assets for the System, including operation facilities, observation
equipment, modeling and software, data management and communication,
and other essential components. The independent cost estimate shall be
transmitted unabridged and without revision by the Administrator to
Congress.
(k) Intent of Congress.--It is the intent of Congress that funding
provided to agencies of the Council to implement this section shall
supplement, and not replace, existing sources of funding for other
programs. It is the further intent of Congress that agencies of the
Council shall not enter into contracts or agreements for the
development or procurement of new Federal assets for the System that
are estimated to be in excess of $250,000,000 in life-cycle costs
without first providing adequate notice to Congress and opportunity for
review and comment.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of H.R. 2342 is to direct the President to
establish a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation
System, and for other purposes.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the emergence of new
observation platforms and information management technologies,
as well as a growing recognition among decision-makers that
more accurate, timely and widely available scientific
information about the ocean and coastal environments was
desperately needed, stimulated federal agencies, the states,
the university community and the private sector to initiate a
joint effort to develop an integrated ocean observation system.
This effort continues today. The Integrated Ocean Observing
System (IOOS), as presently configured, incorporates the
technological assets of federal programs and non-federal
partners to efficiently link information and data across
federal and state agencies, the private sector, and academic
institutions to address the data needs of user communities. The
IOOS functions as a loosely linked system of assorted
observation technologies (e.g., satellites, buoys, tide gauges,
etc.) that routinely and continuously provides quality-
controlled environmental data and information on current and
future conditions of the ocean, coastal and Great Lakes
environment, on scales ranging from local watersheds to global
ocean basins. The IOOS is multidisciplinary by design (e.g.,
physical, chemical, biological, etc.), providing data in forms
and at rates required by multiple stakeholders (e.g.,
government, industry, research, non-governmental, etc.) to
address multiple needs, including climate change predictions,
maritime safety, natural hazards mitigation, homeland security,
public health threats, and coastal ecosystem protection.
H.R. 2342 addresses a key recommendation of the Joint Ocean
Commission Initiative to establish a National Integrated
Coastal Ocean Observation System (NICOOS) to gather real-time
data on the ocean environment (i.e., temperature, salinity,
currents, etc.), to refine and enhance predictive capabilities,
and to provide other immediate societal benefits, such as
better fisheries management and safe navigation. The bill would
formally authorize in statute the President to establish and
develop a genuine NICOOS to:
Measure, track, explain, and predict events
related to climate change, natural climate variability,
and interactions between the oceans and atmosphere
including the Great Lakes;
Promote basic and applied science research;
and
Institutionalize coordinated public
outreach, education, and training.
The bill authorizes an administrative and oversight
framework which principally mirrors the oversight structure
that has evolved during the collaborative development of
NICOOS. As the lead federal agency, NOAA would be responsible
for day-to-day operations and information coordination. The
bill also clearly defines both the federal and non-federal
assets that comprise NICOOS.
Importantly, the bill also carries forward the existing
regional operations concept by authorizing NOAA to enter into
agreements with Regional Information Coordination Entities, or
RICEs.
COMMITTEE ACTION
H.R. 2342 was introduced on May 16, 2007 by Congressman Tom
Allen (D-ME). The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on
Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. The bill was also referred to
the Committee on Science and Technology, and within that
Committee to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
The Fisheries Subcommittee did not formally hear the bill.
The bill was included verbatim, however, in a provision in
Chairman Rahall's energy legislation (H.R. 2337, Title IV,
Subtitle E, Section 464) which was heard before the Natural
Resources Committee on May 23, 2007. The Administration
testified in enthusiastic support for the provision in H.R.
2337 mirroring H.R. 2342. H.R. 2337 was marked up and
subsequently reported by the Natural Resources Committee on
August 3, 2007. A non-controversial amended version of section
464 which was agreed to by the House Science and Technology
Committee was subsequently incorporated into Speaker Pelosi's
energy legislation (H.R. 3221, Title VII, Subtitle D, Chapter
5, Section 7473) which passed the House on August 4, 2007.
Ultimately, this provision was one of many that were not
included in the final energy legislation that was passed by the
Congress.
On February 13, 2008, the Subcommittee met to mark up H.R.
2342. Chairwoman Bordallo (D-GU) offered an amendment in the
nature of a substitute to strike the bill language and replace
it verbatim with the language taken from section 7473 of H.R.
3221. It was adopted by unanimous consent. The Fisheries,
Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee forwarded the bill as amended
to the Full Committee by unanimous consent. On March 12, 2008,
the Full Natural Resources Committee met to consider the bill.
The bill as amended was then ordered favorably reported to the
House of Representatives by unanimous consent.
SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS
Section 1. Enhancing climate change prediction
Subsection (a) of section 1 cites this Act as the
``National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of
2008.''
Subsection (b) states that the purpose of the Act is to
establish a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation
System, to improve measurement and prediction of weather,
climate and ocean-atmosphere interactions, and to promote
research and development of ocean observing technologies.
Subsection (c) defines key terms included within the text
of the proposed legislation.
Subsection (d) establishes a National Integrated Coastal
and Ocean Observation System comprised of federal and non-
federal components which are coordinated through an Interagency
Working Group and Regional Information Coordination Entities.
This system would be more collaborative, participatory, and
would have enhanced data sharing of coastal and ocean
observation, technologies, and education.
Subsection (e) identifies the responsibilities of the
National Ocean Research Leadership Council, the Interagency
Working Group, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the Regional Information
Coordination Entities, and the System Advisory Committee.
Subsection (f) allows for interagency financing to carry
out administrative or programmatic activities that further the
purpose of the Act.
Subsection (g) clarifies that nothing in this Act affects
the authority of any agency to carry out its responsibilities.
Subsection (h) requires the Administrator to submit to
Congress no later than 2 years after the implementation of the
Act, and biennially thereafter, a status and progress report on
the System.
Subsection (i) requires the Council to develop a policy
within six months of enactment to define decision-making
processes between federal and non-federal groups related to
providing end-use information, products, technologies, and
services.
Subsection (j) directs the Interagency Working Group to
obtain an independent cost estimate for operations and
maintenance of existing or anticipated federal assets of the
System.
Subsection (k) emphasizes that funding provided from
Congress would supplement, not replace existing sources and
that contracts in excess of $250 million need Congressional
review and comment.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT
The functions of the proposed advisory committee authorized
in the bill are not currently being nor could they be performed
by one or more agencies, an advisory committee already in
existence or by enlarging the mandate of an existing advisory
committee.
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact this bill.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII
1. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the
Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and
a comparison by the Committee of the costs which would be
incurred in carrying out this bill. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B)
of that rule provides that this requirement does not apply when
the Committee has included in its report a timely submitted
cost estimate of the bill prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 3(c)(2)
of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and
section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this
bill does not contain any new budget authority, spending
authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in
revenues or tax expenditures.
3. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or
objective of this bill is to direct the President to establish
a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.
4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. Under clause
3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives and section 403 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974, the Committee has received the following cost estimate
for this bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office:
H.R. 2342--National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of
2008
Summary: H.R. 2342 would direct the National Ocean Research
Leadership Council to develop and operate an integrated coastal
and ocean observation system, including ocean monitoring, data
analysis, and research. The council, which was established in
1996, includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), the Navy, the National Science
Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal
agencies.
The costs of carrying out the requirements of H.R. 2342 are
difficult to predict because the parameters of the observation
system have not been determined by the council. It is also
possible that some aspects of the system would be funded and
implemented in the absence of this legislation. Based on
available information and assuming appropriation of the
necessary amounts, CBO estimates that implementing the bill
would require funding of about $1.8 billion over the 2009-2013
period and about $600 million annually thereafter. We estimate
that enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or
revenues.
H.R. 2342 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 2342 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget functions 050
(national defense), 250 (general science, space, and
technology), 300 (natural resources and environment), and 400
(transportation).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of
dollars--
---------------------------------------
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Estimated Authorization Level... 100 250 350 500 600
Estimated Outlays............... 70 155 260 380 485
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that the
amounts necessary to carry out H.R. 2342 will be appropriated
for each fiscal year and that outlays will follow historical
spending patterns for similar activities. This estimate is
based on information provided by NOAA, the U.S. Commission on
Ocean Policy, and other federal agencies and nonprofit
organizations.
Based on projections and timetables developed by the U.S.
Commission on Ocean Policy, CBO estimates that developing the
infrastructure for a fully integrated coastal and ocean
observation system would require about $200 million over the
next two years. This amount would be used to improve existing
systems operated by federal agencies such as NOAA, establish
regional observing systems, and develop new sensor
technologies, forecasting models, and other system products.
CBO expects that initial system operations would commence in
2010; once fully operational (by 2013), the system would
require annual funding of $600 million.
CBO expects that much of the spending to develop and
operate the coastal and ocean observation system could occur
even in the absence of this legislation. For fiscal year 2008,
the Congress appropriated more than $25 million to NOAA for
activities similar to those authorized by H.R. 2342, including
ocean observing and assessment projects. Other agencies such as
the Navy and the NSF also receive appropriations for ongoing
programs related to ocean observing.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 2342
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments.
Previous CBO estimate: On November 9, 2007, CBO transmitted
a cost estimate for H.R. 3221, the Renewable Energy and
Conservation Tax Act of 2007, as passed by the House of
Representatives on August 4, 2007. On July 13, 2007, we
transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 2337, the Energy Policy
Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007, as ordered reported by
the House Committee on Natural Resources on June 13, 2007. Both
H.R. 3221 and H.R. 2337 contained provisions that are very
similar to those of H.R. 2342, and the estimated costs of those
provisions in the three versions of the legislation are
identical. CBO also transmitted a cost estimate for S. 950, the
Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007, as ordered
reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation on June 27, 2007. S. 950 is also similar to H.R.
2342, but, as reflected in the cost estimate for that
legislation, it contained specified authorization levels and
included additional programs.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Deborah Reis; Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Neil Hood; Impact on
the Private Sector: Amy Petz.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4
This bill contains no unfunded mandates.
EARMARK STATEMENT
H.R. 2342 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9(d), 9(e) or 9(f) of rule XXI.
PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW
This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or
tribal law.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing
law.