YourVoice.Now Summary
Transparency & AccountabilityNOAA's coastal mapping program runs through 2030 — with data made fully free and buried utilities added.
Transparency & Accountability
- Data availability — Coastal data must be fully and freely available, not merely accessible
- Data scope — Underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities added to coverage
- Reauthorization deadline — Program extended from 2025 to 2030
The details
NOAA's Digital Coast program would run through 2030. The program gathers and shares mapping data for coastal areas. Communities use it for flood planning, zoning, and emergency response. Reauthorization moves the expiration date from 2025 to 2030. Two substantive changes come with it. Coastal data would have to be fully and freely available, not merely readily accessible. That wording closes the gap between data existing and the public being able to use it. The program would also begin covering underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities. Knowing where buried pipes and cables sit matters when coastlines shift or flood.
Congressional Summary
Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 the Digital Coast program managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and makes other changes to the program. Through the program, NOAA administers a digital platform with data, tools, training, and other information to support coastal management needs.The bill requires NOAA to ensure that data and resulting integrated products developed under the program are fully and freely available on the program website and via other sources. Further, NOAA must support existing efforts to acquire and integrate data related to underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to House
- Action Date
- 2025-10-31
- Date Added
- 2026-07-24
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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