Saving the OOI Act of 2026

This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from using federal funds to decommission or descope instruments belonging to the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). This restriction specifically applies to OOI instruments located off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina, and in the Irminger Sea. The prohibition is contingent upon the NSF conducting a thorough review of the initiative and its national assets, which must include robust engagement from both scientific and coastal communities. Until this comprehensive review is completed, the Director of the National Science Foundation is mandated to maintain full and consistent operations of the Ocean Observatories Initiative, including monitoring in all states that previously had instruments decommissioned.