To amend the Digital Coast Act to improve the acquisition, integration, and accessibility of data of the Digital Coast program and to extend the program.
Summary
This bill amends the Digital Coast Act to improve data acquisition, integration, and accessibility within the Digital Coast program. It mandates that data be fully and freely available, includes underground infrastructure and subsurface utility data, and extends the program's authorization through 2030. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Ms. Baldwin and Ms. Murkowski and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Expected Effects
The changes will enhance the availability and scope of data related to coastal regions. This will improve decision-making related to coastal management and infrastructure. The extension of the program ensures continued support for these efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced access to coastal data for researchers and policymakers.
- Improved understanding of coastal infrastructure, including subsurface utilities.
- Continued funding and support for the Digital Coast program through 2030.
- Better-informed decisions regarding coastal resilience and development.
- Increased transparency in coastal data management.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with making data fully and freely available.
- Possible privacy concerns related to sensitive infrastructure data (though not explicitly mentioned, this is a general concern with increased data accessibility).
- The bill does not address specific methods for data integration, which could lead to inconsistencies.
- No specific provisions for data security are mentioned, which could be a vulnerability.
- The bill's impact on specific communities or regions is not detailed, making it difficult to assess localized effects.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve coastal management and infrastructure, which can benefit the public. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to enact laws that provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).