Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act

This law reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program through fiscal year 2029 and expands the agency's authority to use in-kind contributions and various agreement types for debris-related projects. It also updates the governance of the Marine Debris Foundation by establishing a Chief Executive Officer position and requiring the foundation to develop outreach practices for Indian tribes and tribal governments. Additionally, the foundation is authorized to match contributions from regional organizations, tribal entities, and foreign governments while maintaining its principal office in either the National Capital Region or a coastal community.

This bill affects the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Marine Debris Foundation by modifying their administrative authorities and personnel structures. It also impacts Indian tribes, tribal governments, and tribal organizations through new outreach requirements and contribution matching authorizations. Additionally, regional organizations and foreign governments are affected as entities now eligible to have their contributions matched by the foundation.

• Reauthorization of the Marine Debris Program. Extends the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's program to assess and address marine debris through fiscal year 2029.
• Expansion of NOAA project and agreement authorities. Authorizes NOAA to provide in-kind contributions for project costs based on derived value and allows the agency to enter into a broader range of agreements beyond standard contracts and grants.
• Modification of Marine Debris Foundation leadership and staffing. Redesignates the Chief Operating Officer as the Chief Executive Officer and grants the board of directors the authority to appoint and oversee this position. The CEO is further authorized to manage all foundation employees and officers.
• Tribal outreach and organizational location requirements. Directs the foundation to implement best practices for outreach to Indian tribes and tribal governments. The foundation must also establish its principal office in either the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.
• Enhanced contribution matching for the foundation. Authorizes the foundation to match contributions from a variety of entities, including regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.

• S. 216, Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
  Mar 3, 2025 · As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on February 5, 2025

The bill reauthorizes the Marine Debris Foundation for fiscal year 2025 and extends the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program through fiscal year 2029.

This bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program through fiscal year 2029 and extends authorization for the Marine Debris Foundation through fiscal year 2025. It also modifies the administrative structure and operational authorities of both the program and the foundation.

This bill aims to strengthen efforts to assess, prevent, and mitigate the impacts of marine debris on the U.S. economy, marine environment, and navigation safety by reauthorizing the Marine Debris Program through 2029. It also seeks to improve the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation by updating its leadership structure, operational requirements, and outreach strategies for tribal governments.