First-ever Ocean Climate Action Plan Released

At the White House Conservation in Action Summit on Tuesday, March 21, the Biden Administration released the first-ever Ocean Climate Action Plan (OCAP), a roadmap for the federal government’s work to enhance the resilience of ocean ecosystems, mitigate climate impacts, promote environmental justice, and support healthy communities and a sustainable ocean economy.

The OCAP was developed by the Ocean Policy Committee, which is co-chaired by the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to support three overarching goals:

  • Create a carbon-neutral future without harmful emissions that cause climate change
  • Accelerate nature-based solutions to protect and support natural coastal and ocean systems that store greenhouse gasses, reduce the climate threat, and protect communities and ecosystems against unavoidable changes
  • Enhance community resilience to ocean change by developing ocean-based solutions that help communities adapt and thrive in our changing climate

The plan includes a host of initiatives and over 200 near-term actions related to offshore wind and marine energy, marine protected areas, green maritime shipping, blue carbon and carbon sequestration, climate ready fisheries, habitat restoration, coastal resilience, and other focus areas. Also highlighted are actions to support ocean research, observation, modeling, and forecasting.

Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Arati Prabhakar and CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory note that many important ocean research, policy, and management actions across the federal government are not included in the plan. “This plan should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of ocean activities, but rather a plan focused specifically on ocean climate action,” they said in an introductory letter. “We have a narrow moment to pursue action in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis and to seize the opportunities that tackling climate change presents.”

Actions that did make the cut seek to address the OCAP’s six cross-cutting principles:

  • Promote ocean health and stewardship
  • Advance environmental justice
  • Engage with Tribal nations and indigenous peoples
  • Strengthen outreach and engagement
  • Accelerate and use U.S. science and knowledge
  • Facilitate interagency coordination and strategic planning across the federal government

The content in this plan won’t come as a surprise to those who have been following the administration’s ocean priorities. We expect to see federal agencies work to implement the actions identified in the OCAP—some of which are already underway—and we will continue to keep our clients informed.

Brandon Elsner

Brandon Elsner is a government affairs professional with extensive experience shaping federal policy in oceans, science, environment, and infrastructure. He most recently directed federal strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, helping communities secure significant federal funding for water, transportation, and economic development projects. Brandon previously held senior advisory roles at NOAA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

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Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

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Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.

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Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

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Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

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Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

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PAMELA DAY TAPSCOTT

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

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