On February 23, 2024, the National Science Foundation (NSF), on behalf of the White House National Science and Technology Council Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Fast-Track Action Committee, issued a request for information seeking input to inform the development of a plan to guide research into marine carbon dioxide removal ("CDR"). "Marine CDR refers to efforts to increase the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide taken up by the ocean, adding to the large, natural ocean carbon reservoir."
The Marine CDR implementation plan is intended to accomplish three objectives:
- "establish a comprehensive Federal marine CDR research program"l
- "clarify permitting, regulatory, and other standards and policies, and establish guidelines for marine CDR research;" and
- "establish a Marine CDR Initiative to enable public-private partnerships, ... strengthen interagency coordination," and "promote public awareness and engagement."
This plan is part of the Biden Administration's Ocean Climate Action Plan, which proposes a coordinated regulatory program to promote carbon-neutral energy production, develop nature-based solutions for mitigation and adaptation, and enhance community resilience to climate change.
NSF is accepting responses to this request for information until April 23, 2024.