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Congress·Reported·S. 1433

Congress renews Northwest Straits marine conservation program with $3M a year through 2031

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

6 months ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • Reauthorizes a federal program focused on protecting and restoring marine waters and wildlife in the Northwest Straits area of Puget Sound in Washington State.
  • Keeps a local advisory commission with members picked by county marine resource groups, the Washington Governor, and Tribal representation coordinated by the Interior Department.
  • Sets the commission’s job as supporting local projects and data collection, helping track ecosystem health, and sharing science-based recommendations with decisionmakers.
  • Requires the commission to consult Tribal governments so its work does not violate Tribal treaty rights, and allows partnerships with nonprofits and acceptance of donations.
  • Authorizes $3 million each year for 2026 through 2031 for this work, and requires yearly public reports on progress like habitat, water quality, and education outreach.
EnvironmentClimate ChangeAgriculture

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Mixed Impacts(4)
Small Business Owner
Neutral
Gig Worker
Neutral
Farmer Rancher
Neutral
Federal Employee
Neutral
Positive Impacts(2)
Tribal Member
Helps
Child Tax Credit
Helps

State Impacts

WashingtonWA
Positive

Direct focus on the Northwest Straits waters in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca (from the Canadian border to the south end of Snohomish County). The Commission membership is tied to specific Washington county marine resources committees (San Juan, Island, Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, Clallam, Jefferson) and includes a Puget Sound Partnership representative. Up to $3M/yr is authorized for NOAA to support this work if appropriated.

Milestones

4 milestones5 actions
Sep 29, 2025Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 172.

Sep 29, 2025Senate

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-67.

Apr 30, 2025Senate

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.

Apr 10, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Apr 10, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Around the start of FY2026 (fall 2025) or when FY2026 funding is enacted

If Congress funds it, NOAA begins providing support to the Commission for FY2026

Local marine committees and partners may start seeing grant/contract activity, technical support, and coordinated projects tied to water quality, habitats, and monitoring.

Within months after funding and Commission operations restart/continue

NOAA designates a staff liaison to coordinate with the Commission

A specific NOAA point of contact helps line up federal science/programs with local priorities, which can speed up coordination but may not change day-to-day life immediately.

Ongoing after enactment; at least every 3 months

Commission meets at least quarterly and continues public forum discussions

Residents, Tribes, counties, and partners get regular chances to raise concerns (like shellfish safety, habitat loss, or marine debris) and hear updates on plans.

Once each year after enactment (timing depends on when work starts)

Annual public report is published on activities and progress benchmarks

The public can track whether projects are improving habitat, water quality, and marine populations, and whether education/outreach is happening.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 1433
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 172.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.