OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN A REPORT BY THE OCEAN POLICY COMMITTEE MARCH 2023 Opportunities to Accelerate Nature-Based Solutions 1 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Letter from the Co-Chairs of the Ocean Policy Committee President Biden and Vice President Harris have made clear from day one that climate change is a profound threat—to the health and safety of our families and communities, our economy, and global security—that requires urgent and transformative action at all levels of government, civil society, and in all parts of the planet. As co-chairs of the Ocean Policy Committee (OPC), we know that the ocean holds unrealized potential to catalyze action to tackle this threat. The ocean—including the open ocean, coasts, estuaries, the U.S. Arctic, the Great Lakes, and U.S. territories—spans 70 percent of the globe, from shallow bays to the depths and areas beyond any nation’s jurisdiction. And although climate change is having numerous unprecedented impacts on the ocean, the ocean also has the potential to advance a powerful set of solutions to address the climate crisis. That is why, on World Ocean Day in 2022, President Biden announced that his Administration would develop and implement a first-ever, whole-of-government Ocean Climate Action Plan (OCAP)—and he tapped us to do it. Our approach exemplifies the President and Vice President’s focus on science as possibility, specifically tapping the power of knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to open doors so we can step beyond the limitations of today into a different tomorrow—a better tomorrow. We seek to unleash the benefits that help realize the ambitions of every person in this country—in this case, for a stable climate, good jobs and healthy economies, and an equitable and just society. These key priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration are incorporated throughout the OCAP. We are proud of the work of the Ocean Policy Committee to advance ocean science and technology, identify priority ocean research and technology needs, and leverage resources and expertise to maximize the effectiveness of Federal investments in ocean research and ocean resource management. And we are especially eager to present to the public the OCAP. The OCAP outlines three goals that mobilize the Federal Government and civil society to take effective and innovative ocean climate action: (1) create a carbon-neutral future, without emissions that cause climate change and harm human health, (2) accelerate solutions that tap the power of natural coastal and ocean systems to absorb and store greenhouse gases, reduce the climate threat, and protect communities and ecosystems against unavoidable changes, and (3) enhance community resilience to ocean change by developing ocean-based solutions that help communities adapt and thrive in our changing climate. The actions described in the OCAP also provide other benefits—good-paying jobs, workforce innovation, resilient food production, ecosystem health, and scientific knowledge. To reach these ambitious goals, the OCAP maps out eight priority actions—including increasing offshore wind and marine energy, decarbonizing the maritime shipping sector, conserving and restoring coastal and marine habitats that naturally store carbon (“blue carbon”), and expanding protected areas in the ocean (“marine protected areas”)—to enhance resilience of ocean ecosystems that provide food, jobs, recreational opportunities, cultural identity, and more. Guiding these actions is a commitment to be responsible stewards of a healthy and sustainable ocean; advance environmental justice; engage with communities, Tribal Nations, and Indigenous Peoples; act based on evidence, science, and Indigenous Knowledge; and integrate and coordinate actions across the Federal Government. 2 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN This plan should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of ocean activities, but rather a plan focused specifically on ocean climate action. There are many critically important ocean research, policy, and management actions across the Federal Government that are not included, like our work to restore endangered and threatened species, stop pollution from entering our waterways and ocean, and connect people with safe and equitable access to nature. Climate is the focus of this plan, but our work to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous nation encompasses all aspects of the ocean and environment. We have a narrow moment to pursue action in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis and to seize the opportunities that tackling climate change presents. The OCAP offers a unique opportunity to drive action on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ocean-climate priorities—to advance climate solutions, promote environmental justice, and ensure sustainable coastal communities and a healthy and sustainable ocean economy. Together, these actions further our leadership in taking on the threat of climate change, caring for our environment, and enhancing the economic and ecological sustainability of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes for generations to come. Importantly, the Federal Government acting alone is nowhere near as powerful as the collective action of every person in this country. We invite everyone to join us in leveraging the OCAP to take action and drive change. Sincerely, Arati Prabhakar Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Co-Chair of the Ocean Policy Committee Brenda Mallory Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality Co-Chair of the Ocean Policy Committee 3 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Executive Summary There is no path to a healthy and livable climate without the ocean. Humans can benefit from the ocean’s potential to advance transformational, urgent, and immediate actions that address the climate crisis and stem the harms that climate change is already causing to coastal communities, marine resources, and the sustainable ocean economy. That’s why the Biden-Harris Administration developed this first-ever, whole-of-government Ocean Climate Action Plan (OCAP) to advance climate solutions, promote environmental justice, create good-paying jobs, and ensure sustainable coastal communities and a healthy ocean economy. Recognizing that effective action will require broad national participation, the OCAP was developed with input from across the Federal Government, Tribal Nations, other Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and the public. The plan outlines the ocean climate actions needed to meet three goals: (1) Create a carbon-neutral future without harmful emissions that cause climate change, (2) Accelerate nature-based solutions to protect and support natural coastal and ocean systems that store greenhouse gases, reduce the climate threat, and protect communities and ecosystems against unavoidable changes, and (3) Enhance community resilience to ocean change by developing ocean-based solutions that help communities adapt and thrive in our changing climate. The OCAP directs near-term actions to reach these goals. For example, increasing offshore wind and marine energy, decarbonizing the maritime shipping sector, and advancing marine carbon dioxide removal and storage technologies will provide powerful levers for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to a carbon-neutral future. Conserving and restoring coastal and marine habitats that naturally store carbon (“blue carbon”) and expanding protected areas in the ocean (“marine protected areas”) that can help respond to the changing climate will advance nature-based ocean climate actions. These nature-based ocean climate actions generate multiple benefits for slowing and responding to climate change, stemming the loss of biodiversity, and supporting people and communities, especially those who directly depend on the coasts and the ocean. The OCAP outlines additional ways to protect coastal communities and enhance the resilience of fisheries, aquaculture, and fishing communities who are dependent on the ocean, thus bolstering community resilience to changing ocean conditions. Guiding these actions are overarching commitments to be responsible stewards of a healthy and sustainable ocean; to advance environmental justice; to engage with communities, Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples, including Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous Peoples of the U.S. Territories; to engage in robust outreach; to act based on sound science, evidence, and knowledge; and to integrate and coordinate actions across the Federal Government. 4 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Table of Contents Letter from the Co-Chairs of the Ocean Policy Committee Executive Summary Front Material and List of Abbreviations Introduction Summary Tables Cross-cutting Principles and Actions Box OCAP Priority: Support Ocean Research, Observations, Modeling, Forecasting and Synthesis Create a Carbon-Neutral Future Offshore Wind and Marine Energy Green Maritime Shipping Sequestration of CO2 in Sub-seabed Geologic Formations Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Box OCAP Priority: Address Ocean Acidification Accelerate Nature-Based Solutions Blue Carbon Climate Adaptive Marine Protected Areas Box Ocean Co-Benefits of Land-based Climate Actions Enhance Community Resilience to Ocean Change Climate Ready Fisheries, Protected Resources, Aquaculture, and Fishing Communities Coastal Climate Resilience Conclusion Scientific Background Appendix with Expanded Details on Ocean Climate Actions 5 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN About the Ocean Policy Committee The Ocean Policy Committee (OPC) was codified by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to coordinate Federal actions on ocean-related matters. The OPC traces its roots to the National Ocean Council created by Executive Order 135471 and the Ocean Policy Committee established by Executive Order 138402. The OPC is co-chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)3 and is directed to engage and collaborate with the ocean community on ocean-related matters, facilitate coordination and integration of Federal activities in ocean and coastal waters to inform ocean policy, identify priority ocean science and technology needs, and to leverage resources and expertise to maximize the effectiveness of Federal investments in ocean research. For more information about the work of the OPC, please see https://www.noaa.gov/interagency-ocean-policy. About the Ocean Resource Management Subcommittee In August 2018, the OPC established the Ocean Resource Management (ORM) Subcommittee to advise and assist on national issues that address regulatory and policy coordination associated with coastal and ocean management.4 The ORM continued under the OPC under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 and was codified in the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2023.5 About the Council on Environmental Quality The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established within the Executive Office of the President by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).6 CEQ advises the President and develops policies on climate change, environmental justice, Federal sustainability, public lands, oceans, and wildlife conservation, among other areas. As the agency responsible for implementing NEPA, CEQ also works to ensure that environmental reviews for infrastructure projects and Federal actions are thorough, efficient, and reflect the input of the public and local communities. For more information, please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq. About the Office of Science and Technology Policy The Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP) was established by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to provide the President and others within 1 Exec. Order No. 13547—June 19, 2010, reprinted in 83 Fed. Reg. 3,13547 (July 22, 2018). https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-pressoffice/executive-order-stewardship-ocean-our-coasts-and-great-lakes. 2 Exec. Order No. 13840—June 19, 2018, reprinted in 83 Fed. Reg. 29,431 (June 22, 2018). https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidentialactions/executive-order-regarding-ocean-policy-advance-economic-security-environmental-interests-united-states/. 3 William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-283, § 1055(b), 134 Stat. 3388, 3851 (codifying 10 U.S.C. § 8932). https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6395 4 NOAA. Ocean Resource Management Subcommittee. https://www.noaa.gov/ocean-resource-management-subcommittee. Last accessed March 2022.https://www.noaa.gov/ocean-resource-management-subcommittee. Last accessed March 2023. 5 William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-283, § 1055(b), 134 Stat. 3388, 3851 (codifying 10 U.S.C. § 8932). https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6395; James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, Pub. L. No. 117-263 (H.R. 7776, Section 10303(a) (amending 10 U.S.C. § 8932(c)(1)(B) to specifically include the Ocean Resource Management Subcommittee)). https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr7776/BILLS-117hr7776enr.pdf. 6 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq. 6 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN the Executive Office of the President with advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, the environment, and the technological recovery and use of resources, among other topics.7 As a Cabinetlevel office in the Biden-Harris Administration, OSTP leads interagency science and technology policy coordination efforts, assists the Office of Management and Budget with an annual review and analysis of Federal research and development in budgets, and serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government. More information is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp. About this Document This document was developed by the Ocean Climate Action Plan workgroup of the Ocean Resource Management Subcommittee of the Ocean Policy Committee. This document serves to guide and coordinate actions of the Federal Government and civil society to address ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes-based mitigation and adaptation solutions to climate change, while building resilience to impacts. Copyright Information This document is a work of the United States Government and is in the public domain (see 17 U.S.C. § 105). Subject to the stipulations below, it may be distributed and copied with acknowledgment to the Ocean Policy Committee co-chaired by OSTP and CEQ. Copyrights to graphics included in this document are reserved by the original copyright holders or their assignees and are used here under the Government’s license and by permission. Requests to use any images must be made to the provider identified in the image credits or to the Ocean Policy Committee if no provider is identified. Published in the United States of America, 2023. 7 National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976, Pub. L. No. 94-282, 90 Stat. 459. 7 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN OCEAN POLICY COMMITTEE Co-Chairs Brenda Mallory, CEQ Arati Prabhakar, OSTP Deputy Co-Chairs Sara Gonzalez-Rothi, CEQ Jane Lubchenco, OSTP Co-Leads Deerin Babb-Brott, OSTP Brendan Philip, CEQ Miriam Goldstein, CEQ Members Mike Emerson, DHS Jaclyn Porfilio, DOC Jennifer Garson, DOE Carmen Cantor, DOI Katherine Konschnik, DOJ Helen Brohl, DOT/CMTS Andrew Wishnia, DOT Karen Marrongelle, NSF Zach Schafer, EPA Christine Harada, FPISC Brig. Gen. Sonkiss, JCS/Navy Bill Nelson, NASA Charles Culotta, DNI/NMIO Caird Rexroad, USDA Richard Spinrad, DOC/NOAA Shalanda Young, OMB Rohini Kosoglu, OVP Sue Biniaz, State/SPEC Monica Medina, State/OES Jaime Pinkham, Army–Civil Works OCEAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE Co-Chairs Sara Gonzalez-Rothi, CEQ Keone Nakoa, DOI Nicole LeBoeuf, DOC/NOAA Karnig Ohannessian, Navy Members Matthew Strickler, DOI Karen St. Germain, NASA Nicole Fernandes, DOC/NOAA Laura Lorenzoni, NASA Candace Nachman, USCG Jack Kaye, NASA Adam Bloomquist, State Jim McManus, NSF Meaghan Cuddy, State Stacy Aguilera-Peterson, NSF Gwynne Taraska, State/SPEC Holly Smith, NSF Lucy Chiu, DOJ Carolyn Junemann, DOT Michael Heard Snow, CMTS Ike Irby, OVP Policy Advisors Mackenzie Solomon, CEQ Wendy Fink, DOI Betsy Nicholson, DOC/NOAA Matt Senska, Navy Caitlin Feehery, DOC/NOAA Nina Yang, DOC/NOAA Tricia Perez, DOE Joy Page, DOE Brian Frazer, EPA Dave Savery, DOD (ODNI/NMIO) Elliott Carman, Army-Civil Works Himangshu Das, USACE Robyn Colosimo, Army-Civil Works Kimberly Miller, OMB 8 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN WORKGROUP Co-Chairs Scott Doney, OSTP Libby Jewett, DOC/NOAA Jim McManus, NSF Wendy Fink, DOI Policy Advisors Danielle Farelli, OSTP Caitlin Feehery, DOC/NOAA Nina Yang, DOC/NOAA Lauren Howe-Kerr, NSF Stacy Aguilera-Peterson, NSF Members Helen Brohl, CMTS Katie Morrice, DOE Ben DeAngelo, DOC/NOAA Michael Heard Snow, CMTS Anna Hazlett, DOI/BOEM Michael Ruccio, DOC/NOAA Maggie Thomas, CPO Jennifer Kenyon, DOI/BOEM Stacy Aguilera-Peterson, NSF Dominic Andrews, CPO Jordan Creed, DOI/BSEE Meaghan Cuddy, State Grant Voirol, CMTS Anna Toline, DOI/NPS Gwynne Taraska, State/SPEC Danielle Kitchen, DOD/Navy Alyson Azzara, DOT Elliott Carman, Army-Civil Works Matt Senska, DOD/Navy Laura Lorenzoni, NASA Candace Nachman, USCG Tricia Perez, DOE Jack Kaye, NASA Eva DiDonato, DOI/NPS Heather Spence, DOE Karen St. Germain, NASA Pete Leary, DOI/FWS Hilary Stockdon, DOI/USGS Katherine Weiler, EPA Daniel Yuska, DOT Ann Tihansky, DOI/USGS John Schmerfeld, DOI/FWS Kurt Johnson, DOI/FWS Courtney Cochran, DOC/NOAA Victoria Moreno, DOC/NOAA Pete Leary, DOI/FWS Scott Covington, DOI/FWS OTHER KEY CONTRIBUTORS Tacey Hicks, DOC/NOAA De’Marcus Robinson, CEQ Hailey Case-Scott, OSTP Amelia-Juliette Demery, NSF Victoria Moreno, NOAA Daniela Cisneros, CEQ Margaret Carson, OSTP Jocelyn D’Ambrosio, CEQ Caitlin Feehery, NOAA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The first-ever U.S. Ocean Climate Action Plan focuses on some of the most important ocean ecosystems and marine activities. Given its reach and timeliness, the OCAP could not have been developed without input from those who know the ocean best. The OPC Co-Chairs are deeply grateful to the Tribal Nations that participated in the formal consultation process, and to the Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations who provided input during a series of other engagements – the knowledge shared during these sessions was crucial to shaping the contours of this action plan. Scientific and non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and industry partners shared valuable input on the scientific underpinnings of the OCAP and on the research and development priorities identified therein. Many of these entities are already taking bold actions to tackle the climate crisis, and they will continue to be essential partners in bringing the OCAP actions to fruition. The OPC Co-Chairs extend their sincere appreciation to the Federal scientists, subject matter experts, and outreach and engagement specialists for their contributions to this action plan and for their commitment to addressing the challenge posed by the climate crisis. The OPC Co-Chairs thank the members of the public who contributed their knowledge 9 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN and shared their priorities to inform the OCAP in response to a request for input. The release of the OCAP is not the end of this engagement. It is a crucial step in the process of collaborating across all aspects of society to tackle climate change head on. 10 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN List of Acronyms and Abbreviations AI – Artificial Intelligence AIS – Automatic Identification Systems BIL – Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (formally known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) BOEM – U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management BSEE – Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement CDR – Carbon Dioxide Removal CEFI – Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative CEQ – Council on Environmental Quality CH4 – Methane CMTS – U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System CO2 – Carbon Dioxide COP15 – 15th Session of the Convention on Biological Diversity COP26 – 26th Session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP27 – 27th Session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change CR-IWG – Coastal Resilience Interagency Working Group DEIJA – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility DOC – U.S. Department of Commerce DOD – U.S. Department of Defense DOE – U.S. Department of Energy DOI – U.S. Department of the Interior DOT – U.S. Department of Transportation EEZ – Exclusive Economic Zone EJ – Environmental Justice EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FDA – U.S. Food and Drug Administration FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency FWS – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service GW – Gigawatts GHG – Greenhouse Gas HUD – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development IUU – Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IRA – Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-169) IWG – Interagency Working Group MARAD – U.S. Maritime Administration MMC – Marine Mammal Commission MMRV – Measuring, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification MOU – Memorandum of Understanding MPA – Marine Protected Areas MPRSA – Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act MTS – Marine Transportation System 11 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASEM – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act NGGI – National Greenhouse Gas Inventories NGO – Non-governmental Organization NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration N2O – Nitrous Oxide NOPP – National Oceanographic Partnership Program NPS – National Park Service NSF – National Science Foundation NSC – National Security Council OA – Ocean Acidification OA-AP – Ocean Acidification Action Plan OCAP – Ocean Climate Action Plan OCS – Outer Continental Shelf OEQ – Office of Environmental Quality OIA – Office of Insular Affairs OMB – Office of Management and Budget ONR – Office of Naval Research OPC – Ocean Policy Committee OSTP – Office of Science and Technology Policy PIDP – Port Infrastructure Development Program R&D – Research and Development RD&T – Research, Development, and Technology RD&D – Research, Development, and Demonstration SDWA – Safe Drinking Water Act State – U.S. Department of State STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics UAV – Underwater Autonomous Vehicle UN – United Nations USACE – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USAID – U.S. Agency for International Development USCG – U.S. Coast Guard USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture USGS – U.S. Geological Survey UUV – Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle 12 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Introduction Climate change is a profound threat that requires urgent and transformative action at all levels of government and in all corners of the planet.8 The ocean, including the open ocean, coasts, estuaries, the U.S. Arctic, the Great Lakes, and U.S. Territories, spans 70% of the globe from shallow bays to the depths and areas beyond any nation’s jurisdiction.9 The ocean area of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone is one and a half times the area of the continental U.S., and our waters are not immune to the impacts of climate change. From the Arctic to the Mariana Islands, and the Great Lakes to Puerto Rico, our ecosystems, coastal communities, and the ocean economy are already experiencing tremendous change.10 Although the ocean is experiencing the effects of climate change, the ocean is also a powerful tool to address the climate crisis.11 The ocean can help generate renewable energy through offshore wind and marine energy, helping to transition the Nation away from fossil fuels that drive climate change. The ocean also removes and stores carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere in natural systems; other technologies allow captured CO2 to be stored under the seabed.12 Industries that depend on the ocean, like maritime shipping and ports, can innovate their operations, with vessels shifting to zerogreenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuels that reduce their contribution to climate change and improve air quality.13 Protecting and restoring ocean ecosystems, making fisheries and aquaculture climate-ready, supporting climate-smart tourism and recreation, and enhancing the resilience of coastal areas will all contribute directly to ameliorating the impacts of climate change on the ocean and communities. Together, these actions will help the Nation and the world keep climate change below catastrophic levels and make the Nation more prepared for the challenges that we already face. Undertaking the actions described in the Ocean Climate Action Plan (OCAP) will provide other benefits, such as new, well-paying and sustainable jobs, a diverse workforce, and equitable access to the ocean and coasts, as well as more resilient global food production and future ocean discovery and innovation. The OCAP is a critical component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s plans to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, create good-paying jobs, and enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems. The OCAP responds to the following calls to action: 8 Exec. Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidentialactions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/, reprinted in 86 Fed. Reg. 7619 (Feb. 1, 2021). 9 For the purposes of this document, collectively, the “ocean”, except where specifically described otherwise, includes the open ocean, coasts, estuaries, the U.S. Arctic Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the ocean and coasts surrounding U.S. territories. 10 U.S. Global Change Research Program, Fourth National Climate Assessment (2018), https://www.globalchange.gov/nca4/; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 6th Assessment Report (2021-2022), https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/. 11 Hoegh-Guldberg, O., Caldeira K., Chopin. T. et al. (2019). The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change: Five Opportunities for Action. World Resources Institute. https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HLP_Report_Ocean_Solution_Climate_Change_final.pdf; HoeghGuldberg, O., Northrop, E. & Lubchenco, J. (2019). The ocean is key to achieving climate and societal goals. Science 365(6460): 1372-1374 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaz4390. 12 GESAMP (2019). High level review of a wide range of proposed marine geoengineering techniques. (Boyd, P.W. and Vivian, C.M.G., eds.). (IMO/FAO/UNESCO-IOC/UNIDO/WMO/IAEA/UN/UN Environment/ UNDP/ISA Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection). Rep. Stud. GESAMP No. 98. http://www.gesamp.org/publications/high-level-review-of-a-wide-range-ofproposed-marine-geoengineering-techniques. 13 U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System. An Assessment of the U.S. Marine Transportation System (2022) https://doi.org/10.21949/1524622. 13 OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Provide 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments, including climate change investments, to disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution;14 Deploy 30 gigawatts (GW) of energy from offshore wind by 2030;15 Deploy 15 GW of energy from floating offshore wind platforms by 2035;16 Conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030;17 Identify opportunities for scaling up nature-based solutions to address climate change, strengthen communities, and support local economies;18 and Achieve, working with countries in the International Maritime Organization, zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by no later than 2050.19 The OCAP also offers opportunities to build on unprecedented investments to address the climate crisis. Under the leadership of President Biden, the 117th Congress enacted the most consequential pieces of legislation to address the climate crisis in U.S. history: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 20,21 The generational investments in BIL and IRA will accelerate growth in the clean energy economy, reduce pollution, cut energy costs, protect ecosystems, and enhance climate resilience while creating millions of high-quality jobs and ensure that no communities are left behind. The BIL invests $1.9 billion to restore nationally significant estuaries and tackle hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico to protect fisheries, improve water quality, and increase resilience across coastal communities.22 23 The BIL is also transforming the Nation’s ports, historically a significant source of air and water pollution, with $2.25 billion directed to the Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure 14 Exec. Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidentialactions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/, reprinted in 86 Fed. Reg. 7619 (Feb. 1, 2021). 15 The White House, FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Jumpstarts Offshore Wind Energy Projects to Create Jobs (Mar. 29, 2021), https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/29/fact-sheet-biden-administration-jumpstarts-offshore-windenergy-projects-to-create-jobs/. 16 The White House, FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Expand U.S. Offshore Wind Energy (Sept. 15, 2022)