Panel approves Blue Economy Center bill as amended and proposes $500,000 appropriation

The Housing and Economic Development committee voted 6–3 on March 13 to recommend that LD2216, which would create a Blue Economy Center, ‘‘ought to pass as amended.’’ Representative Tracy Geer moved the amended recommendation and proposed a $500,000 appropriation; the motion was seconded and carried after roll-call voting.

Committee consideration focused on an amendment that clarified definitions (including ‘‘blue economy’’ and commercial fishing), increased board size and added reporting and data requirements for a ‘‘main ocean account’’ that would collect baseline metrics. The amendment incorporated stakeholder requests for clearer board versus center operations and for including revenues from blue-economy activities in the baseline accounting.

Representative Geer said the amendments, together with the main ocean account addition, improved the bill; she then proposed the appropriation. Representative Collimore opposed the motion on fiscal-return grounds, saying the committee should be more confident the investment would yield the expected returns before increasing funding. Her objection prompted a brief recess before the roll call.

The clerk recorded six yes votes and three no votes. A minority report (‘ought not to pass’) was entered by Representative Walker and placed on the record.

Why it matters: LD2216 would create a new, state-recognized center intended to coordinate blue-economy activities (including marine recreation, tourism and commercial fishing), gather data for a main ocean account, and pursue additional resources. The appropriation would seed the center’s operations but was the subject of fiscal scrutiny during debate.

What’s next: The committee’s majority report advances LD2216 with the amendments and the proposed appropriation; members filing the minority report may continue to recommend changes.