The temporary council would study scientific research on the topic and issue a report.
AUGUSTA — A Maine legislative panel is grappling with whether to create a state council to deal with the issue of changing ocean chemistry.
The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources is set to vote on whether to recommend creation of the Ocean Acidification Council at its meeting on Wednesday in Augusta. Supporters say the council would have responsibilities similar to an earlier temporary council that issued a February report about the potential impacts of ocean pollution on the state’s fishing industry.
The temporary council spent months studying published scientific research on carbon dioxide emissions and chemical runoff. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines chemical changes in the ocean as a result of carbon dioxide emissions as “ocean acidification.”
The full Legislature would have to eventually vote to create the council.