Overview
Title
U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Advisory Committee Public Meeting
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is having a big meeting in January 2025 to talk about ocean projects, and people can join and share their thoughts either in person or online. They want to hear what people think, but make sure to share ideas before the middle of January so they have time to look at them!
Summary AI
The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Advisory Committee will hold a hybrid public meeting from January 21-23, 2025, in Houma, Louisiana. The meeting is open to both virtual and in-person participation, and public comments can be submitted online or via email. The meeting will discuss new member onboarding, the development of a work plan focusing on IOOS Inflation Reduction Act projects, updates on committee governance, and reports from NOAA and partners. Public comments are encouraged but should be submitted by January 13, 2025, for inclusion in the review process.
Abstract
Notice is hereby given of a hybrid meeting of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS[supreg]) Advisory Committee (Committee). The meeting is open to the public and an opportunity for oral and written comments will be provided.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Advisory Committee has announced a hybrid public meeting scheduled from January 21 to 23, 2025, in Houma, Louisiana. This meeting will allow both virtual and in-person participation, offering an opportunity for the public to submit oral and written comments. Key topics to be discussed include on-boarding new members, developing a work plan with a focus on IOOS Inflation Reduction Act projects, updates on governance, and reports from NOAA and key partners.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable issue with the document is the lack of detail regarding the specific objectives and expected outcomes of the meeting. This omission might hinder the public's ability to assess the significance or potential impact of the event. Further clarification on the "IOOS Inflation Reduction Act projects" is needed, as the term is vague and does not provide enough insight into what these projects entail or how they might affect the public or relevant stakeholders.
Another concern is the accessibility of the meeting. While links for online registration and comment submission are provided, there is no mentioned alternative for those without internet access, limiting some individuals from participating. Moreover, although the document suggests that non-responsive or inappropriate comments will not be considered, it lacks transparency regarding the criteria and process for evaluating comments, which might deter some potential participants.
The instructions for submitting public comments specify a deadline of January 13, 2025, for consideration during the meeting. This deadline could restrict contributions from individuals facing unforeseen circumstances that delay their responses. Additionally, the document does not provide details on the virtual access procedure, such as the platform used or necessary accessibility tools, which might complicate participation for some.
Broad Public Impact
The meeting provides a platform for public engagement with discussions that could shape future ocean observation policies and projects under the IOOS. However, the limited instruction on participation methods and vague descriptions of agenda items could impede effective public involvement. Enhancing transparency and accessibility could significantly improve public understanding and engagement.
Impact on Stakeholders
For stakeholders directly involved with or impacted by ocean observation initiatives, this meeting represents an opportunity to contribute to policy formulation and the development of new projects. However, the lack of detailed information on specific projects or anticipated decisions may lead to uncertainty about their roles and the meeting's relevance to their interests.
Efforts to include diverse stakeholder perspectives are beneficial but might be undermined by restrictions on comment submission and access difficulties. Encouraging broad participation through better-organized information and alternative submission methods could positively influence how stakeholders interact with the committee and ensure that a wide range of insights and opinions are considered.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact purpose or specific outcomes expected from the meeting, which could make it difficult for the public to assess the necessity or impact of the event.
• The mention of 'IOOS Inflation Reduction Act projects' is vague and lacks detail on what these projects involve or their expected impacts.
• The document provides links for registration and comments but does not give an alternative way to access them for individuals without internet access.
• Instructions for public comment state that non-responsive comments or those with inappropriate language will not be considered, but it could be more transparent about how comments are vetted and the criteria for determining responsiveness.
• The section regarding public comment contributions indicates possible lack of consideration for late submissions, which might limit public participation due to unforeseen circumstances.
• The document does not provide details on how the public can virtually access the meeting aside from registration, such as specific platforms or accessibility tools needed.
• There is a lack of clarity regarding what constitutes 'repetitive' public statements, which might deter some individuals from participating.