An Act relative to the blue economy

This bill creates three new grant programs in Massachusetts to support the blue economy, which focuses on sustainable ocean and marine industry practices. The first program provides funding to small businesses transitioning to circular economy models that keep materials in use longer, prioritizing minority-owned, women-owned, and environmental justice community businesses. The second program offers grants to nonprofits, academic institutions, and businesses for research and technology development that improves ocean health, with priority given to projects benefiting marine species, coastal communities, and equity. The third program establishes a fund within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support high schools in developing blue-STEAM workforce training and job placement programs, with funding prioritized for schools in environmental justice communities.