Proposed “Ocean Innovation Clusters” Will Support Continued Blue Economy Growth and Job Creation in Rhode Island
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has joined a group of members of Congress from coastal communities across the country to introduce legislation that would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a federal strategy for investing in the nation’s ocean-based economy through the creation of “Ocean Innovation Clusters.”
Speaking at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Congressional Breakfast on June 12, 2023, Senator Whitehouse -- a staunch supporter of oceans --, stated that the impending risks associated with climate change demand that we act with urgency.
“Rhode Island has a robust set of Blue Economy participants and we must take these stars and make a constellation by advocating for more support to accomplish this,” said Whitehouse.
When enacted, the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act (Ocean ROI Act) would strengthen the coastal communities and ocean economy of the United States through technological research and development, job training, and cross-sector partnerships.
Per the 2030 Blue Economy Action Plan released in May 2023 by the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation (URIRF), the total impact of the Rhode Island Blue Economy is estimated to be $5.2 billion and more than 36,500 jobs. The Grow Blue partnership is a URIRF initiative.
Click here to read the full press release from Senator Whitehouse’s Office.
Click here to find additional details from Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)’s Office.