Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025

The Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025 would renew and broaden the federal framework created by the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. The bill extends funding through 2030 and expands what the U.S. system monitors—from coastal and ocean conditions to meteorological (weather) observations and related information. It also places greater emphasis on data management, cyber infrastructure, and regional collaboration, mandating that regional coastal observing systems work more closely with federal agencies and each other to share data and improve forecasting, storm response, and coastal management. Key governance changes include renaming the overarching coordinating body from the Council to the Committee (the Ocean Policy Committee) and updating roles, definitions, and reporting to reflect the broader scope. The bill also adds a post-storm evaluation requirement to assess how observations contributed to forecasting accuracy, and it sets specific funding rules to ensure consistent support for regional systems while excluding disaster-relief funds from those allotments. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen national and regional ocean, coastal, and meteorological observation capabilities, data sharing, and resilience against storms and environmental hazards.