MARITIME Act

This bill, titled the MARITIME Act , establishes a United States policy regarding the impacts of sea level rise on the statehood and maritime zones of countries. It asserts that climate change-driven sea level rise should not cause any country to lose its statehood or membership in international organizations, nor should it diminish the maritime zones upon which island and coastal states rely. The United States is committed to preserving the legitimacy of maritime zones established consistent with international law, even if not updated due to sea level rise. To advance these objectives, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State, in consultation with other federal agencies, submit a report to Congress within 120 days of enactment. This report must provide a comprehensive review of U.S. initiatives to promote the adoption of these policies by foreign countries and international organizations. It will also assess bilateral and multilateral efforts, identify any barriers to promotion, and list countries and organizations that have adopted complementary policies.