Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 S.171

According to the Congressional Research Service, the Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act aims to "develop and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean observations for the Nation's coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes, to improve warnings of tsunami, hurricanes, El Niño events, and other natural hazards, to enhance homeland security, to support maritime operations, to improve management of coastal and marine resources, and for other purposes." The group assessed the goals of the act and determined whether or not its proposed actions were valid and plausible. By the end of the semester, the group concluded that environmental problems are a matter of national interest and the effectiveness of the act is contingent upon its implementation.

Policy analysis