[DOCID: f:hr311p1.110]
From the House Reports Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
110th Congress Rept. 110-311
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session Part 1
======================================================================
TO AUTHORIZE THE NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM AND THE NATIONAL
UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM WITHIN THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION
_______
August 4, 2007.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Rahall, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 1834]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred the
bill (H.R. 1834) to authorize the national ocean exploration
program and the national undersea research program within the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, having
considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment
and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM
SECTION 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``National Ocean Exploration Program
Act''.
SEC. 102. AUTHORIZATION.
The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall, in consultation with the
National Science Foundation and other appropriate Federal agencies,
conduct a coordinated national ocean exploration program within the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that promotes
collaboration with existing programs of the Administration, including
those authorized in title II.
SEC. 103. AUTHORITIES.
In carrying out the program authorized under section 102, the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(in this title referred to as the ``Administrator'') shall--
(1) conduct interdisciplinary voyages or other scientific
activities of discovery in conjunction with other Federal
agencies or academic or educational institutions, to explore
and survey little known areas of the marine environment,
inventory, observe, and assess living and nonliving marine
resources, and report such findings;
(2) give priority attention to deep ocean regions, with a
focus on deep water marine systems that hold potential for
important scientific discoveries, such as hydrothermal vent
communities and seamounts;
(3) conduct scientific voyages to locate, define, and
document historic shipwrecks, submerged sites, and other ocean
exploration activities that combine archaeology and
oceanographic sciences;
(4) develop and implement, in consultation with the National
Science Foundation, a transparent process for merit-based peer-
review and approval of proposals for activities to be conducted
under this program;
(5) enhance the technical capability of the United States
marine science community by promoting the development of
improved oceanographic research, communication, navigation, and
data collection systems, as well as underwater platforms and
sensors and autonomous vehicles;
(6) accept donations of property, data, and equipment to be
applied for the purpose of exploring the oceans or increasing
knowledge of the oceans; and
(7) establish an ocean exploration forum to encourage
partnerships and promote communication among experts and other
stakeholders in order to enhance the scientific and technical
expertise and relevance of the national program.
SEC. 104. OCEAN EXPLORATION ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall appoint an Ocean
Exploration Advisory Board, or utilize an existing panel, composed of
experts in relevant fields to--
(1) advise the Administrator on priority areas for survey and
discovery;
(2) assist the program in the development of a five-year
strategic plan for the fields of exploration, discovery, and
science;
(3) annually review the quality and effectiveness of the
proposal review process established under section 103(4); and
(4) provide other assistance and advice as requested by the
Administrator.
(b) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
(1) In general.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.) shall not apply to the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board.
(2) Compliance.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Ocean
Exploration Advisory Board shall be appointed and operate in a
manner consistent with all provisions of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act with respect to--
(A) the balance of membership and expertise;
(B) provisions of public notice regarding activities
of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board;
(C) open meetings; and
(D) public access to documents created by the Ocean
Exploration Advisory Board.
(c) Utilization of Existing Panel.--If the Administrator utilizes an
existing panel to fulfill the requirements of this section, the
membership of that panel must include relevant experts in the fields
specified in subsection (a)(2).
SEC. 105. APPLICATION WITH OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS ACT.
Nothing in this title or title II supersedes, or limits the authority
of the Secretary of the Interior under, the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).
SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out this title--
(1) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $33,550,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $36,905,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $40,596,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(5) $44,655,000 for fiscal year 2012;
(6) $49,121,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(7) $54,033,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(8) $59,436,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(9) $65,379,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
(10) $71,917,000 for fiscal year 2017.
TITLE II--UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``National Undersea Research Program
Act of 2007''.
SEC. 202. AUTHORIZATION.
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration shall conduct an undersea research program and shall
designate a Director of that program.
SEC. 203. PURPOSE.
The purpose of the program authorized under section 202 is to
increase scientific knowledge essential for the informed management,
use, and preservation of oceanic, coastal, and large lake resources
through undersea research, exploration, education, and technology
development. The program shall be part of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's undersea research, education, and
technology development efforts, and shall make available the
infrastructure and expertise to service the undersea science and
technology needs of the academic community and marine industry.
SEC. 204. PROGRAM.
The program authorized under section 202 shall be conducted through a
national headquarters, a network of extramural regional undersea
research centers that represent all relevant National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration regions, and a national technology
institute. Overall direction of the program will be provided by the
program director in coordination with a Council of Center Directors
comprised of the directors of the extramural regional centers and the
National Institute for Undersea Science and Technology.
SEC. 205. REGIONAL CENTERS AND INSTITUTE.
(a) Programs.--The following research, exploration, education, and
technology programs shall be conducted through the network of
extramural regional centers and the National Institute for Undersea
Science and Technology:
(1) Core research and exploration based on national and
regional undersea research priorities.
(2) Advanced undersea technology development to support the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research
mission and programs.
(3) Development, testing, and transition of advanced undersea
technology associated with ocean observatories, submersibles,
advanced diving technologies, remotely operated vehicles,
autonomous underwater vehicles, and new sampling and sensing
technologies such as LEO-15, Pisces, and the Aquarius habitat.
(4) Undersea science-based education and outreach programs to
enrich ocean science education and public awareness of the
oceans and Great Lakes.
(5) Discovery, study, and development of natural products
from ocean and aquatic systems.
(b) Operations.--Operation of the extramural regional centers and the
National Institute for Undersea Science and Technology shall leverage
partnerships and cooperative research with academia and private
industry.
SEC. 206. COMPETITIVENESS.
Except for a small discretionary fund for rapid response activities,
for which no more than 10 percent of the program budget shall be set
aside, and for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-related
service projects, the external projects supported by the regional
centers shall be managed using an open and competitive process to
evaluate scientific merit, relevance to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, regional and national research priorities,
and technical feasibility.
SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out this title--
(1) $17,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $19,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $21,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $23,500,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(5) $25,500,000 for fiscal year 2012;
(6) $27,500,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(7) $29,500,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(8) $31,500,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(9) $33,500,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
(10) $35,500,000 for fiscal year 2017.
TITLE III--INTERAGENCY FINANCING, PLANNING, AND COORDINATION
SEC. 301. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Department of the
Navy, and other Federal agencies involved in the programs authorized
under title I and II, may participate in interagency financing and
share, transfer, receive, and spend funds appropriated to any Federal
participant in the program for the purposes of carrying out any
administrative or programmatic project or activity under the program.
Funds may be transferred among such departments and agencies through an
appropriate instrument that specifies the goods, services, or space
being acquired from another Federal participant and the costs thereof.
SEC. 302. OCEAN EXPLORATION AND UNDERSEA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY AND
INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, in coordination with the National Science
Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
United States Geological Survey, the Department of the Navy, the
Mineral Management Service, and relevant governmental, nongovernmental,
academic, industry, and other experts, shall convene an ocean
exploration and undersea research technology and infrastructure task
force, or utilize an existing panel, to develop and implement a
strategy--
(1) to facilitate transfer of new exploration and undersea
research technology to the programs authorized under titles I
and II of this Act;
(2) to improve availability of communications infrastructure,
including satellite capabilities, to the program;
(3) to develop an integrated, workable, and comprehensive
data management information processing system that will make
information on unique and significant features obtained by the
program available for research and management purposes;
(4) to conduct public outreach activities that improve the
public understanding of ocean science, resources, and
processes, in conjunction with relevant programs of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National
Science Foundation, and other agencies; and
(5) to encourage cost-sharing partnerships with governmental
and nongovernmental entities that will assist in transferring
exploration technology and technical expertise to the program.
(b) Utilization of Existing Panel.--If the Administrator utilizes an
existing panel to fulfill the requirements of this section, the
membership of that panel must include representative of all the
agencies and other interests specified in subsection (a).
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of H.R. 1834 is to authorize two ocean research
programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA): the National Ocean Exploration Program
and the National Undersea Research Program.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
In 2004, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, whose members
were appointed by President George W. Bush, released a report
containing recommendations for the establishment of a
comprehensive and coordinated ocean policy for the nation. The
report concluded, among many other findings, that increased
scientific knowledge of the oceans and coasts and the
associated technological development to gather such information
are imperative for sustainable resource use, economic
development, and conservation of marine biodiversity. In order
to attain these goals, a comprehensive national strategy is
needed. In addition, the Commission concluded that the American
public has too little awareness of the importance of the ocean
in their daily lives and to all life on the planet, and that an
interested and an engaged public is essential to addressing
complex ocean- and coastal-related issues. Legislation is
required to implement many of the Commission's recommendations.
NOAA has for many years utilized its broad general
authority as the federal agency responsible for the management
of living marine and coastal resources to conduct activities
supporting ocean exploration and undersea research. In 1971,
NOAA administratively established the Manned Undersea Science
and Technology (MUST) program to pioneer exploration of
undersea habitats. In 1980, the MUST program was reconstituted
as the National Undersea Research Program (NURP) within NOAA's
Office of Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR).
NURP was created to provide marine scientists with the
requisite tools and expertise to investigate the undersea
environment, including submersibles, remotely operated
vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, mixed gas diving
gear, underwater laboratories and observatories, and other
cutting edge technologies. NURP is comprised of a network of
six regional centers and one national technology institute,
located primarily at major universities in Connecticut, New
Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Alaska, Hawaii, and
Mississippi. This extramural network facilitates collaborations
with federal and non-federal programs outside of NOAA,
leverages external funds and infrastructure, and provides
access to world-class marine researchers, technology expertise
and students. Federal grants fund the regional centers and
national technology institute and each facility undergoes
periodic external review to ensure performance and
accountability. NURP supports on average over 100 peer-reviewed
research projects each year that are relevant to NOAA's overall
mission and enhance national ocean research requirements and
priorities. Examples of research produced through NURP grants
include: the discovery and analysis of novel marine bio-
compounds useful for medical and pharmaceutical applications;
research to better understand new chemosynthetic communities
discovered at deep sea vents and seeps; and groundbreaking
research regarding factors affecting coral reef health,
especially coral bleaching events and climate change. Since
1995, Congress has appropriated over $178 million specifically
for NURP.
In 2000, President William J. Clinton's Panel on Ocean
Exploration--a multi-disciplinary group of ocean experts--
released a historic report entitled ``Discovering Earth's Final
Frontier: A U.S. Strategy for Ocean Exploration.'' This panel
found that our current understanding of the ocean environment
is inadequate compared with the undeniable importance of the
oceans to the health and wealth of our country, and that the
U.S. has fallen behind other nations in our capabilities for
undertaking ocean exploration. The panel recommended the
establishment of an Ocean Exploration Program for an initial
10-year period to conduct interdisciplinary voyages of
discovery, develop new platforms, communication, navigation and
other exploration instruments, disseminate information on
discoveries to maximize benefits, and enhance education to
increase science competence of the ocean environment in the
United States.
In 2001, NOAA responded to the panel's recommendation and
established the Office of Ocean Exploration (OE) to support new
expeditions for the purpose of discovery and documentation of
ocean voyages. Also located in OAR, the OE program operates
under a multi-purpose mission to map the physical, biological,
chemical and archaeological aspects of the ocean; to better
understand ocean dynamics and to describe the complex
interactions of the living ocean; to develop new sensors and
systems to regain U.S. leadership in ocean technology, and; to
conduct public outreach to communicate the benefits of ocean
exploration to the nation. The OE program has conducted field
seasons every year since 2001, often in collaboration with
other NOAA programs and federal agencies such as NURP, the
National Marine Sanctuary Program and the National Science
Foundation. The OE program has conducted over 100 expeditions
in unknown, remote or poorly understood ocean areas, including
expeditions to assess hydrothermal vents at the Galapagos Rift
in the equatorial Pacific Ocean; investigations of the frigid
depths of the Canada Basin in the Arctic Ocean; exploration of
little known sea mounts in the North Atlantic; and,
reconnaissance of the Bransfield Strait and Drake's Passage in
the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. The Congress has
appropriated $118.5 million to support this program since its
establishment in 2001.
H.R. 1834 would implement a key recommendation of the U.S.
Commission on Ocean Policy to provide specific and separate
authorizations for these two programs within NOAA. The
authorizations would further strengthen NOAA's standing as the
preeminent civilian federal ocean agency by granting the agency
explicit authority to conduct scientific research that directly
contributes to increasing scientific knowledge of the world's
oceans. The legislation would address the glaring national need
to develop and advance new innovations in oceanographic
research, communication and navigation technologies that
support ocean exploration and science and expand extramural
ocean research. Additionally, this legislation would emphasize
the importance of outreach and public education to ensure that
future scientific discoveries and benefits are disseminated to
decision-makers in both the public and private sectors, and
conveyed to the general public to increase public awareness and
appreciation of the world's ocean to our economic and
environmental well-being.
COMMITTEE ACTION
H.R. 1834 was introduced on March 29, 2007 by Mr. Saxton
(R-NJ). The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on
Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans on April 10, 2007. The bill was also
referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, as well as the
Committee on Armed Services. On June 5, 2007, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on the bill and received supportive testimony regarding the
need for and substance of the legislation. On June 19, 2007, the
Subcommittee met to mark up the bill. Mr. Saxton (R-NJ) offered an
amendment in the nature of a substitute to add an additional Title III
to authorize federal interagency financing in support of NURP and OE
projects and expeditions; to extend the purview of the Technology and
Infrastructure Task Force to both the OE and NURP programs, and to
allow the Administrator of NOAA to utilize an existing entity to carry
out the functions of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board and the
Technology and Infrastructure Task Force. The amendment was adopted by
voice vote. The bill was then forwarded to the Full Committee, as
amended. On June 28, 2007, the Full Natural Resources Committee met to
consider the bill. Mr. Saxton (R-NJ) again offered an amendment in the
nature of a substitute to clarify that there must be broad membership
representation on the authorized advisory bodies for ocean exploration
and undersea research technology and infrastructure. It was adopted by
unanimous consent. The bill, as amended, was then ordered favorably
reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent.
SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS
Title I--National Ocean Exploration Program
Section 101. Short title
Section 101 cites this Act as the ``National Ocean
Exploration Program Act.''
Section 102. Authorization
Section 102 would establish a coordinated national ocean
exploration program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), to work in consultation with the
National Science Foundation and other appropriate Federal
agencies.
Section 103. Authorities
Section 103 would authorize NOAA, with other entities, to
conduct activities to explore and document lesser known marine
resources. NOAA will utilize a transparent review process for
proposed activities, enhance the technical capabilities of the
U.S. marine science community, and improve communication and
cooperation among experts by establishing an ocean exploration
forum.
Section 104. Ocean Exploration Advisory Board
Section 104 directs the Administrator of NOAA to appoint an
Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, or utilize an existing panel
such as the Ocean Exploration Advisory Working Group formed
under NOAA's Science Advisory Board, to advise NOAA on the
development and implementation of the OE program. This advisory
board would be exempt from operating under the Federal Advisory
Committee Act except for requirements regarding board
membership, public notice, open meetings and public
availability to documents developed by the advisory board.
Section 105. Application with Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
Section 105 confirms that nothing in this Title or Title II
supercedes, or limits the authority of the Secretary of the
Interior under, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
Section 106. Authorization of appropriations
Section 106 would authorize appropriations to NOAA for this
program on an incrementally increasing basis beginning with
$30,500,000 in fiscal year 2008 and ending with $71,917,000 in
fiscal year 2017.
Title II--Undersea Research Program
Section 201. Short title
Section 201 cites this Act as the ``National Undersea
Research Program Act of 2007.''
Section 202. Authorization
Section 202 would direct the Administrator of NOAA to
conduct and designate a director of an undersea research
program.
Section 203. Purpose
Section 203 states that the purpose of the program would be
to increase the scientific knowledge essential for the informed
management, use, and preservation of oceanic, coastal, and
large lake resources. It would also make available the
infrastructure and expertise to meet the undersea science needs
of the academic community.
Section 204. Program
Section 204 states that the program will be conducted
through a national headquarters, a network of regional research
centers, and a national technology institute. Direction will be
provided by the program director with the support of the
directors of all regional centers and the national technology
institute (the ``Council of Center Directors'').
Section 205. Regional centers and technology institute
Section 205 states that the regional research centers and
National Technology Institute will conduct programs that
address undersea research priorities, enhance undersea
technological capabilities, promote public education and
awareness, discover and develop natural products fromocean and
aquatic systems, and contribute to our understanding of the U.S.'s
ocean and coastal resources.
Section 206. Competitiveness
Section 206 dictates that the program budget will be used
for external projects, supported by the regional centers, to be
managed using an open and competitive process and evaluated
using specified criteria. No more than 10 percent of the
program budget will be set aside for rapid response activities
and for NOAA-related service projects.
Section 207. Authorization of appropriations
Section 207 would authorize appropriations to NOAA on an
incrementally increasing basis beginning in fiscal year 2008
and ending in fiscal year 2017, divided between the National
Technology Institute and the regional centers. Appropriations
would begin in fiscal year 2008 with $16,638,000 for the
regional centers and $6,655,000 for the National Technology
Institute, and end in fiscal year 2017 with $29,474,000 for the
regional centers and $11,790,000 for the National Technology
Institute.
Title III. Interagency Financing, Planning, and Coordination
Section 301. Interagency financing
Section 301 would authorize NOAA, the National Science
Foundation, the Department of the Navy, and other Federal
agencies to share, transfer, receive, or spend funds
appropriated to any of the program participants provided they
were appropriated specifically for this program.
Section 302. Ocean exploration and undersea research technology and
infrastructure task force
Section 302 would establish a task force consisting of the
National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), the U.S. Geological Survey, the
Department of the Navy, the Minerals Management Service, and
other relevant governmental, non-governmental, academic,
industry, and other experts. The task force would enhance the
program's use of new technology and improve its communications,
data management, and technical expertise capacity though
partnerships between the government and other entities. The
Administrator may utilize an existing panel for this purpose,
but it must meet the criteria for membership described in this
section.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT
The functions of the proposed advisory committee authorized
in the bill is not currently being nor could they be performed
by one or more agencies, an advisory committee already in
existence or by enlarging the mandate of an existing advisory
committee. The legislation as reported does grant to the NOAA
Administrator discretionary authority to utilize an Ocean
Exploration Advisory Working Group formed under NOAA's Science
Advisory Board to fulfill this responsibility. This pre-
existing panel would have to comply with certain requirements
under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)
regarding membership and public notice, meeting and information
availability requirements.
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact this bill.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII
1. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the
Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and
a comparison by the Committee of the costs which would be
incurred in carrying out this bill. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B)
of that rule provides that this requirement does not apply when
the Committee has included in its report a timely submitted
cost estimate of the bill prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 3(c)(2)
of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and
section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this
bill does not contain any new budget authority, spending
authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in
revenues or tax expenditures.
3. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or
objective of this bill, as ordered reported, is to authorize
the national ocean exploration program and the national
undersea research program within in the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. Under clause
3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives and section 403 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974, the Committee has received the following cost estimate
for this bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office:
H.R. 1834--A bill to authorize the national ocean exploration program
and the national undersea research program within the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Summary: H.R. 1834 would direct the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out programs on
Ocean exploration and undersea research programs. For this
purpose, the bill would authorize the appropriation of nearly
$300 million over the 2008-2012 period and nearly $760 million
over the 2008-2017 period.
Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO
estimates that implementing H.R. 1834 would cost $30 million in
2008 and $260 million over the 2008-2012 period. We estimate
that about $500 million would be spent after 2012, including
$460 million authorized to be appropriated after 2012. Enacting
the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues.
H.R. 1834 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 1834 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 300
(natural resources and environment).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of
dollars--
---------------------------------------
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Authorization Level\1\.......... 49 54 59 65 71
Estimated Outlays............... 30 45 55 62 68
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\NOAA's National Ocean Service received appropriations of around $600
million in 2007, including funding for some activities that are
similar to the exploration, research, and mapping programs that would
be authorized by H.R. 1834. In addition to the amounts shown in the
table, the bill would authorize funding of about $460 million over the
2013-2017 period. In total, the bill would authorize appropriations of
nearly $760 million over the 2008-2017 (1O-year) period.
Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that the
legislation will be enacted near the beginning of 2008 and that
the entire amounts authorized will be appropriated for each
fiscal year. Estimated outlays are based on historical spending
patterns for NOAA programs.
The authorization levels in the table are as specified in
the bill for fiscal years 2008 through 2012, including between
$31 million and $45 million per year for ocean exploration and
between $18 million and $26 million per year for undersea
research.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1834
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments.
Previous CBO cost estimate: On March 23, 2007, CBO
transmitted a cost estimate for S. 39, the Ocean and Coastal
Exploration and NOAA Act (OCEAN Act), as ordered reported by
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
on February 13, 2007. The provisions of S. 39 regarding ocean
exploration and undersea research are similar to those in H.R.
1834. The CBO estimates for those provisions reflect
differences in the authorization levels for the affected
programs.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Deborah Reis and David
Reynolds. Impact on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Leo
Lex. Impact on the Private-Sector: Jacob Kuipers.
Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4
This bill contains no unfunded mandates.
EARMARK STATEMENT
H.R. 1834 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9(d), 9(e) or 9(f) of rule XXI.
PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW
This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or
tribal law.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing
law.
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