Originally published by Magnolia Tribune

Mississippi Congressman Mike Ezell’s legislation to reauthorize the Integrated Ocean Observation System (IOOS) passed the U.S. House of Representatives Monday night. The bill, H.R. 2294, reauthorizes and modifies the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s IOOS through Fiscal Year 2030. The bill also directs the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to develop requirements and processes for regional offices and federally funded projects of the agencies of the committee to collaborate with the regional coastal observing systems for data sharing at regional levels.

Congressman Ezell (R), who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, said the measure ensures the continued operation and modernization of a critical national system that provides real-time data on ocean conditions, weather patterns, and coastal hazards while supporting communities, industries, and emergency response efforts across the Gulf Coast and the nation. Read more here. 

[Image: Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS 4), Magnolia Tribune]