Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has joined Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and ten other bipartisan senators in introducing the Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act. The bill aims to renew partnerships among federal, state, nonprofit, university, and private sector organizations to help communities better coordinate coastal resources.
“Louisiana is the Sportsman’s Paradise, and we owe so much of that to the Gulf of America and the incredible natural bounty our state is blessed with. That’s why I’m proud to help renew our partnerships with the federal government, other states, and businesses and nonprofits to keep our Gulf communities strong and clean,” said Kennedy.
Wicker highlighted shared concerns among coastal states regarding American waters. “Mississippi and other coastal states share similar concerns regarding American waters, including the impact of harmful algal blooms and lack of data for oyster farmers. It is important for states to work together to provide solutions for the issues our coasts face today. This bill promotes regional collaboration, builds stronger data-base portals, and leverages funding to strengthen our Blue Economy and protect natural resources,” he said.
The proposed legislation would reauthorize the public-private Regional Ocean Partnerships program through fiscal years 2028 to 2031. The program supports four regional alliances that coordinate voluntary conservation, resilience, and restoration efforts among various partners.
In the Gulf region, the Gulf of America Alliance (GOAA) includes Louisiana along with Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. GOAA focuses on improving long-term health and resilience of the Gulf. Projects in Louisiana supported by GOAA include monitoring habitat health for Gulf species, tracking water quality along coasts, helping northeast Louisiana farmers reduce erosion and water pollution, removing lost crab traps, and evaluating toxins in waterfowl.
Other cosponsors of the legislation are Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
“I’m proud to be introducing the bipartisan Regional Ocean Partnerships Act with Senator Wicker. Together, we will further empower states to work collaboratively to address coastal issues,” said Blunt Rochester.
Britt emphasized local engagement: “My dedication to supporting Alabama’s coastal communities is unwavering. The most significant priorities in the Gulf of America may differ from those in the Pacific or the Atlantic – The Regional Ocean Partnerships Act engages local and state governments, including stakeholders, to safeguard our oceans and coasts by curating regional plans to ensure federal and state resources are used efficiently from coast to coast. As coastal communities, including in our Southern states, continue to grow and thrive, I’m proud to champion legislation that prioritizes their needs.”
Coons spoke about Delaware’s beaches: “Delaware’s beaches are treasures of our state. We must protect them for the families that come to our shores to make lifelong memories, for the communities they protect from storms and flooding, and for the coastal economies they sustain and grow. I’m proud to support this bill to help preserve these natural resources, because healthy oceans make for a stronger Delaware.”
Markey added: “Massachusetts’ coastal communities depend on a healthy ocean—but we can’t navigate stormy waters alone. This bipartisan bill will support the ongoing work done across the Northeast region to address key ocean and coastal issues.”
Murphy addressed Connecticut’s perspective: “The Regional Ocean Partnership program is one of our best tools when it comes to planning for the future of Connecticut’s economy and protecting the health of the Long Island Sound. By bringing together ocean scientists and lawmakers from across New England, we can collaborate on research and be better prepared to respond to climate change and worsening natural disasters. I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation to make sure this collaboration remains strong and can expand across the country.”
The Regional Ocean Partnerships program was originally authorized as part of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal years 2023 through 2027; Kennedy previously cosponsored its original authorization in 2019 during Congress’ 116th session.
Senator Kennedy represents all of Louisiana in Washington D.C., operating offices throughout Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, and Shreveport according to his official website. He chairs committees such as Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs while also serving on Appropriations; Budget; Energy & Natural Resources committees (source). Kennedy advances policies supporting veterans as well as initiatives focused on farmers’ interests—like those affected by erosion—and small businesses (source). He regularly communicates with constituents through newsletters as well as public events (source).
The full text of this new legislation is available online.
