Overview
Title
To establish the Integrated Blue Economy and Blue Energy Technologies Program, and a Blue Economy Center of Excellence, to support research and development of blue energy technologies.
ELI5 AI
The bill is about starting a new program to help people learn about and use the ocean to make energy and find jobs. It wants to work with different groups to make sure everyone is doing a good job together.
Summary AI
H.R. 7722 aims to create the Integrated Blue Economy and Blue Energy Technologies Program and a Blue Economy Center of Excellence to boost research and development of blue energy technologies. The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to fund projects that focus on sustainable ocean resources, carbon capture, and creating job opportunities, while also coordinating efforts with federal agencies and local government entities. The legislation authorizes funding for these initiatives and involves collaboration with other research institutions and national laboratories.
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Keywords AI
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
H.R. 7722, proposed in the House of Representatives, seeks to establish programs and centers to advance blue economy and blue energy technologies. Titled the "Blue Ocean Energy Innovation Act of 2024," the bill aims to set up an Integrated Blue Economy and Blue Energy Technologies Program, manage research, and development initiatives, and build a Blue Economy Center of Excellence. The overarching goal is to innovate in sustainable ocean-based energy solutions to foster economic growth, boost energy efficiency, and support environmental sustainability.
Summary of Significant Issues
The bill raises several critical issues that warrant careful consideration. One of the main concerns is the broad nature of the authorization for appropriations, which uses the phrase "such sums as may be necessary." This lack of specificity can lead to unchecked government spending and a potential lack of oversight. Furthermore, the role and objectives of the Blue Economy Center of Excellence are not clearly defined, which may result in inefficiencies or duplication of effort with existing programs.
Another significant issue is the coordination and accountability in managing inter-agency collaboration, which is crucial for the program's success but is currently not well outlined in the bill. The criteria for managing "gaps in funding" are also vague, complicating targeted and efficient budget allocation. Lastly, while the definitions section establishes key terms used in the bill, it does not offer clear guidance on applying these terms, which may lead to varied interpretations and implementation.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill may benefit the public by encouraging the development of sustainable energy through blue energy technologies, potentially leading to cleaner alternatives that help mitigate climate change. With increased emphasis on job creation and workforce development in these new sectors, the bill could provide economic opportunities and bolster local economies, particularly those with substantial marine resources. However, without clear cost controls and accountability measures, there is a risk of inefficient use of taxpayer dollars, which might diminish public trust in government spending.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The bill could have positive effects on stakeholders such as environmental organizations, maritime industries, and coastal communities. These groups might benefit from advancements in pollution reduction, improved energy infrastructure, and economic activity derived from a thriving blue economy. Researchers and educational institutions could gain from increased funding opportunities for innovation in marine and energy sciences.
On the downside, stakeholders such as competing energy sectors or regions without direct access to maritime resources might see less favorable impacts, as they could face challenges with equitable resource allocation. Moreover, established National Laboratories favored for the co-location of the Blue Economy Center of Excellence might benefit disproportionately, potentially leading to regional imbalances in capacity building and technological advancement.
In conclusion, while the bill outlines ambitious and forward-thinking goals in blue energy, it also contains areas needing refinement to ensure responsible fiscal policy and equitable benefits. Addressing these issues will be crucial for securing the public's trust and the bill's long-term success in promoting sustainable economic growth.
Issues
The authorization of appropriations clause in Sections 2(c)(1) and 3(d) contains the phrase 'such sums as may be necessary,' which is vague and could result in unchecked spending without specified budget limits, potentially leading to fiscal mismanagement and lack of accountability.
Section 3 raises concerns with the undefined 'Blue Economy Center of Excellence' functions and objectives. The lack of clarity might lead to inefficiencies or duplicative efforts, especially when overlapping with existing programs.
Section 4 lacks specific metrics for evaluating the success of interagency coordination. This absence can lead to inefficient resource allocation and program execution, impacting the effectiveness of the Blue Economy and Blue Energy Technologies Program.
Section 4 does not describe a clear mechanism for accountability in the coordination of federal agencies, which might result in management inefficiencies and diluted responsibilities between agencies involved.
The provision in Section 3(b) for co-locating the Blue Economy Center of Excellence at a National Laboratory could potentially favor existing labs that meet specific criteria, possibly excluding other suitable sites and raising questions about equitable resource distribution.
The use of 'gaps in funding' in Section 4(b)(2) is vague, lacking clear criteria or methodology for assessment and filling such gaps, which can lead to inefficient and potentially wasteful budget allocations.
Section 5's definitions lack detailed guidance on how to apply or enforce key terms like 'blue economy' and 'blue energy technology,' which could lead to misinterpretation or misuse of resources intended for sustainable development.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section specifies that the Act can be referred to as the “Blue Ocean Energy Innovation Act of 2024.”
2. Integrated blue economy and blue energy technologies program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill proposes the establishment of the "Integrated Blue Economy and Blue Energy Technologies Program" by the Secretary of Energy, which aims to provide funding for developing blue energy technologies. The program focuses on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy generation and performance, creating jobs, supporting workforce development, and addressing unique challenges in marine and freshwater environments, while coordinating with various Department of Energy offices to align budget and efforts from 2024 to 2034.
3. Blue economy center of excellence Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary of Energy is directed to create a Blue Economy Center of Excellence at an existing National Laboratory focused on blue energy technologies, which may involve building new or upgrading current facilities. The lab must meet specific criteria related to blue energy research and environmental study, and funding is authorized as needed for these efforts.
4. Interagency coordination, reporting, and oversight Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines how the Secretary of Energy must work with other federal agencies, state and tribal governments, educational institutions, and research organizations to implement this Act. It also requires the Secretary to include a report in the Department's annual budget, detailing past spending and future needs for blue energy technology research and development.
5. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section of the Act provides definitions for several key terms: "blue economy," which involves using ocean resources sustainably for economic and job growth while protecting ecosystems; "blue energy technology," which refers to renewable energy technologies or those that capture greenhouse gases in aquatic environments; "bulk-power system" as defined in another law; "National Laboratory" as per the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and "renewable energy resource" according to the Energy Security Act.