# Summary of S. 5629 - ReSCUE Oceans Act
The ReSCUE Oceans Act establishes a comprehensive federal program to research, develop, and test marine carbon dioxide removal technologies—methods that remove carbon from the ocean and atmosphere to combat climate change. Led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coordination with other federal agencies, the program will fund research on various approaches including ocean alkalinity enhancement, macroalgae cultivation, and artificial upwelling. The legislation affects researchers, coastal communities, environmental organizations, and companies developing carbon removal technologies.
The bill creates designated research areas where scientists can conduct field trials and tests, establishes strict environmental monitoring and community engagement requirements, and sets up an interagency working group to coordinate federal efforts across multiple departments. It requires monitoring data to be publicly available, establishes a code of conduct for researchers that prioritizes transparency and community input, and mandates biennial reports to Congress on progress and findings.
Funding is authorized at approximately $280 million annually from 2025-2029, declining to about $160 million annually from 2030-2034, with support distributed across NOAA, the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The legislation emphasizes protecting coastal ecosystems and communities, requiring careful environmental assessments before any research activities proceed and establishing advisory boards with community representation to oversee operations.
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