ConservAmerica Applauds Introduction of Ocean Restoration Legislation

Washington, DC – ConservAmerica Vice President of Policy Todd Johnston released the following statement today upon the introduction of the Ocean Restoration Research and Development Act of 2024 (H.R. 7797). The legislation was introduced by Roosevelt Conservation Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01):

“This bill could be a game changer when it comes to restoring our oceans and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate. Ocean Iron Fertilization (OIF) provides us a unique opportunity to sequester tens of millions of tons of legacy CO2 while simultaneously helping restore fisheries. It is an approach that has been studied for decades, with its benefits proven time and time again.”

Once enacted, this legislation will direct the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with NOAA and other federal agencies, to develop a demonstration program to close knowledge gaps and help inform policymaking for marine carbon-dioxide removal strategies along with the potential co-benefits to fisheries and marine mammal conservation.

“Our oceans have long been neglected from pollution to overfishing, now exacerbated by warming waters from a rapidly changing climate, which requires us all to think outside the box and act with greater purpose; Rep. Carter is doing just that with this innovative, nature-based solution. We thank Rep. Carter for his continued efforts to make this legislation a reality and look forward to seeing its progress.”

To coincide with the introduction of this legislation, ConservAmerica has launched a webpage offering a critical look at the plight of our oceans and its inhabitants.

Ocean Iron Fertilization is the subject of a recent National Academies report, which touted its benefits and called for additional research and investment.

More reading on ConservAmerica’s support for Ocean Iron Fertilization:

The climate solution that can also restore our seas

ConservAmerica Welcomes Introduction of Ocean Restoration Legislation

ConservAmerica Pleased by White House Announcement on Marine CDR Committee