Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
Sponsored By: Senator Dan Sullivan
Became Law
Summary
Reorganizes and expands the Marine Debris Act and Save Our Seas 2.0 to broaden who can lead and benefit from marine debris projects. It centralizes program authority under the Under Secretary at NOAA, updates key definitions, and strengthens the governance of the Marine Debris Foundation.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Marine debris program funded and extended
The law keeps the Marine Debris Act running through fiscal year 2029. It authorizes $2 million for 2025. NOAA can accept help from more non-federal funders, including regional groups, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, foreign governments, and state and local agencies. This is an authorization. Congress must still appropriate the money.
Clear Tribal terms and stronger outreach
The law adds clear definitions, including Tribal Government, Tribal Organization, and coastal shoreline community. It clarifies who can take part in programs and get grants. The Marine Debris Foundation must set best practices to reach Indian Tribes, give technical help, and build capacity. The law does not replace government-to-government consultation and does not change treaty rights.
More flexible NOAA project agreements
NOAA can use contracts and other agreements, not just grants and cooperative agreements, to run marine debris projects. NOAA may provide in-kind help on non-grant agreements, but only up to the share that reflects NOAA’s benefit from the project. This flexibility lowers cash costs for project partners.
Marine Debris Foundation governance updated
The Marine Debris Foundation operates as an independent nonprofit corporation. The Board sends some appointment recommendations to the Under Secretary, and the Secretary of Commerce must approve them. Directors in that group serve six-year terms. The Board hires and may remove the CEO, who manages staff. The main office must be in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Dan Sullivan
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