PRIA Logo™
119-s-216119th CongressWALLET

Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act

Sponsored By: Senator Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

Became Law

Summary

Consolidates Save Our Seas 2.0 into the Marine Debris Act and reorganizes federal marine debris authorities. The law recasts NOAA and Coast Guard program rules, harmonizes definitions, and expands who can receive grants and technical support.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More flexible NOAA project deals

The law lets NOAA run marine debris projects using contracts and other agreements, not just grants and cooperative agreements. For projects under those contracts or agreements, NOAA can give in‑kind support up to the share that reflects NOAA’s benefit from the project. This can lower cash costs for partners and contractors. These changes take effect upon enactment.

Marine debris programs funded through 2029

The law keeps Marine Debris Act activities authorized for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2029. NOAA and partners can keep running and funding these programs under the Act. This takes effect upon enactment.

Stronger marine debris foundation and Tribal outreach

The law reforms the National Marine Debris Foundation. The Board recommends candidates for some seats and some appointments need the Commerce Secretary’s approval. Certain Directors serve six‑year terms. The Board hires and can remove the CEO, and the CEO manages staff. The Foundation is a nonprofit and must place its main office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community. It must create best practices and outreach to Indian Tribes, with technical help and capacity building, and promote program and grant awareness. The law authorizes $2 million for fiscal year 2025 and lets State and local agencies, regional groups, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and foreign governments receive support. Nothing in the Act replaces formal Tribal consultation or changes any Tribal treaty or other rights. These changes take effect upon enactment.

Updated terms and definitions across the Act

The law updates titles and definitions in the Marine Debris Act. It names the NOAA Under Secretary, instead of the Administrator, in key sections. It adds definitions for circular economy, coastal shoreline community, and the EPA Administrator. It also removes a cross‑reference in the definition of non‑Federal funds. These are technical edits and do not change who can get money.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

AK • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]

    RI • D

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation