HR 2860119th CongressIntroduced

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

Introduced: Apr 10, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2] (D-Washington)

Environment & Climate

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act and its governing Commission for a specified period, clarifying the Commission’s composition, duties, and funding. The bill reinforces local stewardship and Tribal partnership while maintaining that the Initiative operates in an advisory capacity without granting regulatory authority. It aims to protect and restore marine habitats, populations, and water quality in the Northwest Straits region (Puget Sound area) through science-based projects, data collection, education, and outreach, with formal commitments to tribal government involvement and intergovernmental coordination, including NOAA and state partners. Key funding provisions provide a clear funding path (initially $10 million annually from 2026 through 2031, with funds thereafter as needed) and authorize various forms of support and collaboration, including potential staffing through cooperative arrangements and, subject to Washington Governor objection, contracts with a National Estuarine Research Reserve administrator. The bill also requires annual reporting to Congress and public dissemination of progress toward specific environmental benchmarks.

Key Points

1Reauthorization and funding
2- Extends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative through ongoing support, with an initial authorization of $10,000,000 per year for 2026–2031; after 2032, funding is to be determined as needed.
3- Allows the Under Secretary to provide assistance to the Commission, including through a contract with the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve unless the Governor of Washington objects.
4Commission composition and appointments
5- The Commission will have 14 members (with the possibility of a few additional members if needed) of which:
6- One member each is appointed by consensus from the marine resources committees of San Juan, Island, Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, Clallam, and Jefferson Counties.
7- Two members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior in coordination with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission to represent Tribal governments.
8- One member appointed by the Governor of Washington representing the Puget Sound Partnership.
9- Four members appointed by the Governor of Washington who are state residents and not employed by federal, state, or local government (excluding higher education).
10- Additional members can be added by consensus of a qualifying marine resources committee.
11Tribal coordination and rights
12- The bill emphasizes expanded tribal engagement and directs consultation with all affected Tribal governments to ensure work complies with Tribal treaty rights.
13- Tribal interests are to be represented via two Interior appointments, and ongoing collaboration with Tribal governments is highlighted.
14Goals and duties of the Commission
15- Goal: Protect and restore marine waters, habitats, and species in the Northwest Straits region to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use.
16- Duties include providing technical support to marine resources committees, developing science-based regional programs, collecting data, recommending restoration and protection measures, serving as a public forum, informing local communities, and consulting with affected Tribal governments to protect treaty rights.
17- Emphasis on coordination with Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments; potential cooperation with nonprofit entities (e.g., Northwest Straits Foundation) to fulfill duties.
18Coordination and authority
19- The Commission will coordinate with NOAA and other agencies; a liaison from NOAA will be appointed to facilitate coordination without giving the Commission regulatory authority.
20- The bill explicitly states that nothing in this title authorizes the Commission to issue regulations or implement federal law.
21Reporting and transparency
22- The Commission must prepare and submit an annual report detailing activities and progress toward defined benchmarks, including habitat protection/restoration, healthy populations, water quality, data collection, and education/outreach.
23- Reports go to Congress, relevant committees, and the Under Secretary, and must be made public.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Residents and communities in the Northwest Straits region (Puget Sound and surrounding marine waters in Washington).- Tribal governments and communities within the region, including those represented by the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.Secondary group/area affected- Federal, state, and local agencies involved in ocean and coastal management (e.g., NOAA, Puget Sound Partnership, state and local governments).- Nonprofit organizations and resource management partners (e.g., Northwest Straits Foundation) that support the Commission’s work.Additional impacts- Increased coordination between federal, state, local, and Tribal interests to address marine habitat restoration, water quality, and ecosystem monitoring.- Potentially enhanced public stewardship and education around marine resources, including outreach to underresourced communities.- Acknowledgment of cross-border considerations (mention of Canada) in the Commission’s discussions, reflecting regional ecosystem management.- The act remains advisory; it does not grant regulatory authority, but it could influence policy and funding decisions at multiple levels.

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