Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
In Committee
Summary
This bill would reorganize NOAA's Marine Debris Program and remake the Marine Debris Foundation to broaden funding tools, tighten governance, and expand outreach to Tribal Governments and partners. It refocuses program structure under the Under Secretary and recasts the Foundation as a nonprofit corporation with a Board-appointed CEO.
Show full summary
- Tribal Governments and Indian Tribes would get clearer definitions and required outreach, plus a process for technical assistance and capacity building to help tribes access grants and programs.
- Nonprofit partners and the Marine Debris Foundation would see governance changes that make the Foundation a corporation, give the Board authority to appoint a CEO, set Director terms at six years, and let the CEO hire and remove staff.
- NOAA and project partners would gain broader funding options, including grants, contracts, and in-kind contributions where the Under Secretary can represent NOAA’s share of project benefits, and eligible recipients would expand to include state and local agencies, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.
*Would authorize an additional $2.0 million for FY2025, increasing the program’s authorized spending.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More NOAA contract options for debris work
If enacted, NOAA would be able to fund marine debris projects using contracts and other agreements, not just grants. For projects under a contract or other non‑grant deal, NOAA could give in‑kind support equal to the benefit NOAA gets. Contractors, nonprofits, Tribal governments, and state or local agencies could use these options. Changes would take effect upon enactment.
More Marine Debris grants and clearer eligibility
If enacted, the bill would add $2 million for FY2025 to Marine Debris Act grants. It would extend the program’s authorization through FY2029. Eligible applicants would include state and local agencies, regional groups, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, and foreign governments. It would also clarify terms like “coastal shoreline community” and “Tribal Government,” which define who can apply. Changes would take effect upon enactment.
Marine Debris Foundation overhaul and Tribal safeguards
If enacted, the bill would restructure the Marine Debris Foundation as a nonprofit with a Board‑appointed CEO. Directors would serve six‑year terms, and some actions would need approval by the Secretary of Commerce. The Foundation would place its main office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community. It would create best practices to reach Tribal Governments, including technical help and capacity building. The bill would also say nothing here replaces government‑to‑government consultation or changes any Tribal treaty rights. Changes would take effect upon enactment.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
OR • D
Cosponsors
Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]
AS • R
Sponsored 4/3/2025
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
GU • R
Sponsored 4/3/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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