H.R. 3748: Maintaining Area Rights and Integrity Through International Maritime Enforcement Act

The bill titled "Maintaining Area Rights and Integrity Through International Maritime Enforcement Act" (MARITIME Act) aims to address the impacts of sea level rise due to climate change on the statehood and maritime zones of countries, particularly focusing on low-lying island states in the Pacific Ocean. Here's a breakdown of the main components of the bill:

Findings

• The bill recognizes that rising sea levels pose a significant threat to low-lying island nations.
• Maritime zones are crucial for the economies of these islands, as they rely on exclusive rights to resources found in those zones.
• There is a shift in views among nations regarding the stability of maritime boundaries in light of climate change, particularly among members of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Alliance of Small Island States.

Statement of Policy

The United States outlines its policy, stating that:

• Countries should not lose their recognition or membership in the United Nations and other international organizations due to sea level rise.
• The U.S. will collaborate with other countries to address issues related to sea level rise and statehood.
• Sea level rise should not negatively affect maritime zones that coastal states depend on for food and livelihoods.
• The U.S. aims to uphold the legitimacy of established maritime zones consistent with international law, even as sea levels rise.
• Support is encouraged for initiatives aimed at establishing and publishing coastal baselines according to international law.
• Countries are urged to adopt similar policies regarding statehood and maritime zones.

Reporting Requirements

The bill requires the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress within 120 days of the bill’s enactment. This report must include:

• A review of U.S. efforts to encourage the adoption of complementary policies by foreign nations and international organizations concerning sea level rise.
• An assessment of U.S. bilateral and multilateral initiatives aimed at fostering these policies in international discussions.
• An evaluation of any barriers—legal, logistical, financial, or administrative—that hinder the promotion of such policies.
• A list of countries and organizations that have embraced these policies.

The report will be unclassified but may include a classified annex if necessary. It will be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees, namely the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

Relevant Companies

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