Day 1 of Capitol Hill Ocean Week began with keynote addresses and announcements from the Biden Administration, including tomorrow’s official publication of the Request for Information on the development of an Ocean Justice Strategy and an imminent official request for input on the Biden administration’s development of the National Strategy for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory also highlighted the recent Sackett vs. EPA decision on Clean Water Act jurisdiction on “waters” of the United States, saying it will be a “critical consideration” in how the administration thinks about the land-ocean interconnection, and noted the Biden administration’s committed to figuring out how to correct for what was “clearly an incorrect decision” and make it “less bad.”
Additionally, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) noted his imminent introduction of the bipartisan “Blue Energy Innovation Act,” which he said will include federal support for initiatives to harness the Blue Economy, facilitate decarbonization efforts, generate jobs, and create a Center of Excellence in pursuit of shared decarbonization and renewable energy goals, while U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) highlighted the effects of changing ocean conditions on the planet and communities and noted her introduction of a resolution tomorrow recognizing World Oceans Day.
During brief remarks, Marine Mammal Commission Commissioner Dr. Sue Moore said that the North Atlantic right whale and Rice’s whale are “in peril,” including from vessel activity and underwater noise, and said that the threats are being exacerbated by climate change.
Additional details on Day 1 presentations — including calls for an end to oil and gas development and opposition to hydrogen hubs and carbon capture projects, remarks on the role of offshore wind and other marine renewable energy technologies, shipping, seafood, consumers, and nature-based solutions in facilitating decarbonization, and interactions between offshore wind and fisheries — are included below.
Keynote Addresses
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory emphasized the importance of ocean protection and conservation and the ocean as a solution for confronting climate challenges, while also highlighting the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Sackett vs. EPA regarding Clean Water Act jurisdiction on “waters” of the United States, saying the decision on how to define U.S. waters will be a “critical consideration” in how the Biden administration thinks about the land-ocean interconnection. She added that the administration is committed to figuring out how to correct for what was “clearly an incorrect decision” and make it “less bad.”
Mallory also highlighted Biden administration investments in the ocean through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the “America the Beautiful” conservation initiative, NOAA’s $30 million spend plan to support the designation of new national marine sanctuaries, recent federal conservation actions including new marine sanctuary designation efforts and an offshore oil and gas development moratorium in the U.S. Arctic, and the Ocean Climate Action Plan released earlier this year and its inclusion of an Ocean Justice Strategy, which she urged the audience to weigh in on through a new Request for Information to be published tomorrow.
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Deputy Director for Climate and the Environment Jane Lubchenco focused her remarks on emphasizing the science regarding the health of the ocean, calling for ambitious action and highlighting the need for solutions and action and “system-level change” rather than incremental steps. In doing so, she noted the administration’s ocean-related investments and actions, including through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Ocean Climate Action Plan, Ocean Justice Strategy, Justice40, guidance on Indigenous Knowledge, National Nature Assessment, and Natural Capital Accounts.
She also highlighted the development of the National Strategy for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, which she said will integrate all of those efforts, saying that a sustainable ocean economy promotes effective protection, sustainable production, and equitable prosperity. She also called on the public to respond to an upcoming request for input on the strategy, which she said will be issued “soon.”
U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) spoke about the need for urgent action to address ocean health, as well as progress including Inflation Reduction Act support for climate initiatives, opportunities surrounding aquatic clean energy technologies and innovation, and his imminent introduction of the bipartisan “Blue Energy Innovation Act,” which will include federal support for initiatives to harness the Blue Economy, facilitate decarbonization efforts, generate jobs, and create a Center of Excellence in pursuit of shared decarbonization and renewable energy goals.
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) talked about the effects of changing ocean conditions on the planet and communities, the importance of collaboration and collective action, Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Act climate investments and supporting community needs, the Biden administration’s Ocean Climate Action Plan, and her introduction of a resolution tomorrow recognizing World Oceans Day.
Additionally, during brief remarks, Marine Mammal Commission Commissioner Dr. Sue Moore said that the North Atlantic right whale and Rice’s whale are “in peril,” including from vessel activity and underwater noise, and said that the threats are being exacerbated by climate change.
Ocean x Climate
During a session on how the ocean-climate nexus will shape future of the ocean and how ocean and coastal communities should be front and center in all national climate strategies, Taproot Earth Vision and Initiatives Partner Colette Pichon Battle focused her comments on how the Gulf of Mexico “continues to be sacrificed” for the whole, citing the state of the Texas and Louisiana coast and blaming the fossil fuel industry for ocean desalination, drilling, and hydraulic fracturing. She also said that pipelines are resulting in shoreline loss and said that hydrogen hubs and carbon capture projects would threaten marginalized communities. In doing so, she called for ending all ocean drilling and hydraulic fracturing, “stopping industries” that are “threatening species we care about,” and “fighting for ocean justice.”
Other speakers highlighted the importance of partnerships for ocean-based climate solutions, the scale of the carbon dioxide removal challenge, and the importance of an Ocean Vital Signs Network to monitor ocean health/biodiversity and serve as a testbed for the evaluation of marine carbon dioxide removal technologies (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute President and Director Dr. Peter de Menocal), as well as the need for ocean community engaging action now (Gullah/Geechee Nation Chieftess Queen Quet).
Decarbonization and the Ocean
During a session on “Decarbonization and the Role of the Ocean,” speakers discussed the potential for the ocean and maritime industries to contribute to carbon dioxide removal and mitigation, and challenges and opportunities associated with carbon dioxide removal technology research, development, demonstration, and deployment.
Themes included the importance of partnerships, participation, transparency, and engagement with all sectors of society, including underrepresented groups, the importance of monitoring, reporting, and verification (e.g., for carbon credits), and the role of offshore wind and other marine renewable energy technologies, shipping, seafood, consumers, and nature-based solutions in facilitating decarbonization.
Adaptive Fisheries Management in the Face of Climate Change
During a session focused on how management and communities are responding to climate change to create more resilient fisheries, panelists discussed the current state of knowledge regarding climate impacts on fisheries and needed actions, challenges associated with keeping up with ecosystem changes, the need for greater science, the effects of climate change on crab fisheries in Alaska, and realistic goals for U.S. fisheries (including stock surveys, cooperative research, sustainable management, and resiliency and adaptation).
In terms of solutions to achieve goals, panelists cited areas including an accelerated fishery disaster assistance process, creation of an emergency response checklist for fisheries, extension of emergency rule effectiveness beyond one year, greater focus on ecosystem-based fisheries management, agency partnerships with industry for research, emissions reductions (including through renewable energy development and carbon reduction technologies), climate change scenario planning, investment, innovation, and new partnerships, and aquaculture.
During the discussion, NOAA Asst. Admin. for Fisheries Janet Coit said that offshore wind energy activity creates some challenges for NOAA’s fishery survey work, while also calling offshore wind critical to slowing the pace of climate change. In addressing primary concerns with regard to impacts of offshore wind on fisheries, and opportunities for mitigation, Coit noted NOAA’s regulatory role in offshore wind development and said the expansion of offshore wind and impact on fisheries is of “great concern.”
In doing so, she noted NOAA’s close coordination with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and said “it’s definitely an experiment” given that there are currently seven turbines in the water amid plans for a significant expansion. Coit said the aim and goal is to have fishing occur coincident with offshore wind, and noted efforts to increase marine spatial planning by obtaining resources for up-front work, as well as federal and state-level opportunities for compensation in the event of impacts.
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Executive Director Robert Beal also noted concerns by commercial fishermen over offshore wind, support from recreational fishermen, questions regarding potential impacts of offshore wind on fishery surveys, and efforts to mitigate impacts of onshore transmission infrastructure.
From the Frontlines of Climate Change
During the day’s final session, panelists shared their stories and experiences on how their organizations and communities are addressing local climate impacts in the Gulf Coast, South Florida, Pacific Northwest, Puerto Rico, and Alaska regions, how community values and priorities are being centered in their work, and needed support from the federal government. During the discussion, Native Village of Savoonga advocate Delbert Pungowiyi called for an end to oil and gas development.
Whitehouse shared his concerns about the impact of atmospheric heat on the ocean, noting his efforts to pass legislation on illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing and ocean plastics, as well as his introduction of a bill today to impose a shipping fee for carbon emissions from ships entering a U.S. port. He also cited the following “coming attractions” that he said would be beneficial: continued Inflation Reduction Act implementation, regulatory application of a revised social cost of carbon, a national methane task force that “hits as hard as possible” when leaks occur, and a U.S. border tariff on carbon.
Magaziner highlighted the role of Rhode Island in the clean energy transition, calling the state an example of how offshore wind can be developed responsibly. He also noted congressional efforts to set aside existing offshore wind energy royalties for compensation funds (saying he hopes for progress on bipartisan legislation in the coming year), emphasized the climate, job, and economic benefits associated with offshore wind, and highlighted the ability to develop offshore wind in an inclusive way that is responsive to community concerns.
Garcia highlighted his introduction of legislation today that would provide EPA with the authority to regulate carbon intensity standards for maritime fuel, including a transition to zero emissions fuels by 2040. He noted that Maersk endorsed the bill yesterday and noted the need to address pollution from ports and the shipping industry, and called the Inflation Reduction Act “the largest climate investment” in U.S. history that he said will to “make a huge difference.”
Littlejohn shared her optimism for addressing climate impacts on the ocean, while warning that “if we don’t come together and act now, it might be too late,” saying “this is our moment.” She added that the innovation, passion, and creativity of young and emerging leaders will be critical to making that happen.
Additional details on Day 2 presentations – including the role of offshore wind in the future of offshore energy and the decarbonization of maritime transportation and infrastructure — are included below.
30 Gigawatts x 2030: What is the Future of Offshore Energy?
During this session, panelists discussed what deployment of offshore energy at scale can look like, the opportunities and obstacles to growth, and ensuring that equity remains a central priority as the U.S. seeks to achieve offshore wind development goals.
U.S. DOE Offshore Wind Lead Jocelyn Brown-Saracino highlighted the current state of U.S. offshore wind projects and the history of domestic offshore wind development to date, noting the role of states in incentivizing development through planning commitments. She also emphasized that the national goal to develop 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 includes goals to do so while protecting biodiversity and promoting ocean co-use. She also noted the climate, energy, and job benefits associated with offshore wind energy, as well as efforts to drive U.S. leadership in floating offshore wind technology.
NOAA Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans & Atmosphere and NOAA Admin. Dr. Rick Spinrad called offshore wind an “especially challenging” and “wonderful” opportunity, while noting that it is very fluid and includes economic and supply chain challenges. He also underscored the significant economic development taking place in conjunction with offshore wind, saying that areas around the country have not seen this level of offshore economic development in modern history.
Spinrad also noted that the 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 goal and conservation of 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 goal are complementary, and called the deployment of offshore wind while protecting biodiversity and promoting ocean co-use “incredibly important,” noting that balancing different uses of the ocean is central to building out the Blue Economy and implementing the administration’s 30×30 conservation initiative.
Additionally, Spinrad discussed NOAA’s responsibilities and coordination with other agencies on siting, leasing, and permitting, including work on research and monitoring related to North Atlantic right whale impact mitigation and the importance of a “thoughtful” and “all-of-government” approach. He also underscored NOAA’s commitment to meaningful engagement and ensuring that the clean energy transition is conducted in as inclusive and thoughtful a manner as possible. Lastly, he called this “an incredible era” for marine protection, noting six national marine sanctuary designation processes underway and saying that the administration wants to implement those in a manner that also recognizes the importance of building out economic offshore activities.
Ørsted Head of Government Affairs & Strategy Kathleen Frangione highlighted her company’s offshore wind projects and investments in green shipping and hydrogen, and noted their issuance of blue bonds to fund investments and commitments to equal opportunity and achieving net positive impacts for biodiversity. In calling climate solutions ocean solutions, she referred to offshore wind has having the potential to be the greatest ocean solution to climate change and highlighted an opportunity to shape the industry at the outset and in the right way, equitably and efficiently, while protecting the marine environment.
Ocean Winds CEO, Golden State Wind Tyler Studds discussed his company’s projects on the U.S. East and West Coasts and noted their experience with floating offshore wind technology that he said would be deployed in California. He called their work with tribes and others a central part of the way to develop offshore wind, referring to partnerships as critical. Lastly, he called offshore wind a critical tool for addressing climate change, which he said threatens marine ecosystems.
Wildlife Conservation Society Executive Vice President for Public Affairs John Calvelli emphasized the opportunity to be environmentally responsible while advancing economic justice and social equity goals, and the need to “make sure we get it right this time.” He also called for a “whole-of-ecosystem” approach, saying that WCS cares about whales and calling for the finalization of NOAA’s proposed Atlantic Coast vessel speed regulatory updates in order to protect the North Atlantic right whale.
During Q&A, panelists addressed the role of offshore wind as part of the solution for the clean energy transition and for monitoring to assist with marine carbon dioxide reduction efforts, the geographic breadth of the U.S. supply chain, the role of states in driving offshore wind deployment, efforts to ensure marine mammal protection from offshore wind (including through science, collaboration, and partnerships), opportunities for community jobs and economic development while centering equity and justice, challenges and work underway associated with transmission, and the importance of building a U.S. supply chain.
Maritime Transportation and Infrastructure
During this session, panelists discussed how the maritime transportation sector can decarbonize, including the systems, partnerships, and investments that can be put in place to do so.
Crowley Director of Sustainability Shannon Sarkees highlighted her company’s efforts to set ambitious goals on decarbonization, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050, as well as the importance of maritime transportation, including from an economic, jobs, and environmental perspective.
U.S. Coast Guard Waterways Policy and Activities Division Chief CDR Laura Springer discussed the importance of shipping to the global supply chain, the Coast Guard’s role in ensuring the efficient and safe flow of commerce, and the International Maritime Organization’s effort to develop a regulatory framework for new technologies that safely reduce greenhouse gas emissions technologies.
Seafood Harvesters of America Executive Director Leigh Habegger discussed the role of the commercial fishing industry in the nation’s maritime transportation system and related infrastructure, including as direct users of infrastructure, noting the industry’s role as stewards of marine resources and their commitment to healthy and thriving oceans and coastal communities.
American Association of Port Authorities Manager of Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability Policy Ian Gansler noted that it is a transformational time for the maritime industry, and talked about how increased federal grant and other funding programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have benefited port infrastructure (while noting that more is still needed). He also highlighted the role ports play in supporting businesses throughout the United States.
During Q&A, panelists addressed topics including the Jones Act, its implications for the United States, and how it relates to the commercial fishing industry, opportunities and challenges associated with alternative fuel development, the Coast Guard’s role as head of the U.S. delegation to the IMO and why it matters, how technology innovation and collaboration are translating to the fishing industry, decarbonization opportunities through port infrastructure, and benefits and opportunities associated with green shipping corridors and data products.
Building Resilience through Ocean-Based Climate Solutions
During this session, panelists discussed restoration and conservation for climate mitigation and adaptation. Topics specifically addressed included the importance of looking back to past knowledge and experience, including cultural roots, to make decisions about the course for future action, how resilience is defined and examples of resilience in practice (including through protected areas, national marine sanctuaries, efforts to address plastics), the role of spirituality and spiritual communities in ocean conservation and the climate crisis, and the importance of community engagement.
Margaret Davison Emerging Leaders: Climate Innovations
During this session, panelists discussed climate solutions being applied to the ocean. Discussion centered on topics including how they were drawn to ocean conservation, how to bring information about ocean and marine biodiversity and communicate about it in everyday language, efforts to connect people, communities, and youth to the ocean to better understand the ocean and their connections to it, connections between inland states and the ocean, effective strategies for getting people and communities engaged in ocean matters, and innovation opportunities surrounding cellular technology, producing animal protein without continual harvest, carbon efficiency, and finding solutions by surrounding natural systems with technology to understand and then invest in them.
