Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
Plain Language Summary
# Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act Summary **What the bill does:** This law extends and updates programs that address marine debris—trash and pollution in the ocean—through 2029. It reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program and the Marine Debris Foundation, which work to identify, prevent, and clean up ocean debris that harms marine life, fishing, and navigation.
The bill gives NOAA more flexibility in how it partners with other organizations and funds cleanup projects. **Who it affects:** The law benefits environmental organizations, fishing communities, coastal states, and indigenous groups working on ocean conservation. It also affects NOAA and partner organizations that receive funding or work with the government on marine debris initiatives. **Current status:** This bill has already been signed into law and is in effect.
CRS Official Summary
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments ActThis bill reauthorizes and modifies administration of Marine Debris Program (MDP) activities and the Marine Debris Foundation. (The program and the foundation support efforts to assess, prevent, and otherwise address marine debris and its adverse impacts on the U.S. economy, the marine environment, and navigation safety.)First, the bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Marine Debris Program through FY2029. The bill authorizes NOAA to provide contributions for MDP project costs on an in-kind basis in an amount that NOAA determines represents the value it derives from the project. The bill also authorizes NOAA to enter into agreements other than cooperative agreements, contracts, and grant agreements for projects.Next, the bill modifies requirements for the Marine Debris Foundation and reauthorizes it for FY2025. Among other changes, the bill designates the current Chief Operating Officer (i.e., the first officer or employee appointed by the board) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and specifies that the board has the authority to appoint, review the performance of, and remove the CEO. The bill authorizes the CEO to appoint, supervise, and remove foundation employees and officers.Further, the bill directs the foundation to develop and implement best practices for conducting outreach to Indian tribes and tribal governments. The foundation must locate its principal office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.Finally, the bill authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-65.