This Act prohibits the NSF from defunding or decommissioning Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments until a comprehensive review with community input is completed.
Lisa Murkowski
Senator
AK
The Saving the OOI Act of 2026 prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from scaling back or decommissioning critical Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments. This measure ensures the continued operation of these vital coastal and deep-sea monitoring assets until the NSF completes a comprehensive review with community input. The bill mandates the full maintenance of the initiative throughout the review period.
Saving the OOI Act of 2026 Freezes National Science Foundation Cuts to Ocean Research Tech Through 2026.
The Saving the OOI Act of 2026 acts as a legislative 'pause button' on any plans to downsize the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). Specifically, Section 2 of the bill bans the National Science Foundation (NSF) from using a single federal dollar to descope or decommission scientific instruments anchored off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and North Carolina, as well as those in the North Atlantic’s Irminger Sea. It essentially locks the current research infrastructure in place, preventing the government from pulling the plug on the high-tech sensors that monitor everything from underwater earthquakes to changing ocean temperatures.
Keeping the Lights On Underwater
Think of the OOI like a massive, underwater home security and weather system for the continent. This bill ensures that the 'batteries' stay in and the sensors stay active. Under Section 2, the NSF Director isn't just told to stop cuts; they are legally required to maintain 'full and consistent operations.' For people living in coastal towns or working in industries like commercial fishing or maritime shipping, this means the data flow they rely on for safety and environmental planning won't suddenly go dark. If you’re a crabber in Alaska or a researcher in North Carolina, the bill ensures the tech you use to understand the water stays in the water.
No More Quiet Closures
The legislation also includes a 'restore and review' mandate. If the NSF already started packing up equipment in certain states, this bill requires them to bring those monitoring capabilities back online. This isn't a permanent ban on changes, but it sets a high bar for future cuts. The NSF cannot move forward with decommissioning until they complete a 'thorough review' that proves the value of these assets. Most importantly for those outside of D.C., the bill mandates that this review must include 'robust input' from the scientific and coastal communities—meaning the people whose livelihoods actually depend on the ocean get a seat at the table before any gear is hauled back to shore.