WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Bonamici (D-OR-1) and Tonko (D-NY-20), Resident Commissioner González-Colón (R-PR-At Large) and Senator Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Removing and Sequestering Carbon Unleashed in the Environment and Oceans, or the ReSCUE Oceans Act, in the House of Representatives and Senate, respectively. The ReSCUE Oceans Act aims to establish a government-wide framework for responsible research of marine carbon dioxide removal activities and to provide funding for research, monitoring, and verification of this work under different government agencies. Anna-Marie Laura, Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Climate Policy, issued the following statement in response:  
 
“From historic marine heatwaves, to intense hurricanes fueled by warming waters, to a generational coral bleaching event, the past year alone has been a case study in the ways climate change is already wreaking havoc on our ocean. 

“To halt this crisis, we know we must rapidly move away from burning fossil fuels and towards clean, renewable energy. We also know that this alone isn’t enough to avoid the worst impacts of climate change: the world’s top scientists are in agreement that in addition to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we must also remove greenhouse gases currently in the atmosphere if we’re to avoid a climate catastrophe.  

“The ocean, which already absorbs about a third of manmade carbon dioxide emissions, holds potential solutions. The growing field of marine carbon dioxide removal aims to enhance this natural process to store carbon in a safe manner. But as with any new field of research, there are a lot of unknowns about marine carbon dioxide removal.  It is vitally important – for the sake of the ocean and all of the communities who depend on it – that we invest in carefully overseen research and monitoring as these methodologies are increasingly explored.  

“The ReSCUE Oceans Act is a critical piece of legislation that will establish a plan to fund and carry out safe and effective research on marine carbon dioxide removal. We are thrilled to see Congress coming together across the Hill and across the aisle to support climate solutions, and urge Congress to pass this legislation.” 

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Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.