Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
This bill, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, would overhaul and broaden the administration of the Marine Debris Program and the related Marine Debris Foundation. It reorganizes where certain programs sit within law, renames and transfers various sections, and creates a more formal governance framework for the Marine Debris Foundation as a nonprofit corporation. It expands the Foundation’s focus to include greater engagement with Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments, adds an executive structure (including a CEO) and board procedures, and requires the Foundation to adopt best practices for tribal outreach. The bill also broadens who can receive authorizations and assistance (adding regional organizations, Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and foreign governments) and provides a modest increase in funding for fiscal year 2025. In short, it aims to strengthen and more widely deploy resources to address marine debris, with particular emphasis on tribal relations and international/federal collaboration.
Key Points
- 1Structural reorganizations and transfers: The Marine Debris Act is amended to insert a new “Subtitle A—NOAA And Coast Guard Programs” and to relocate portions of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act into the Marine Debris Act framework, creating a more unified legal structure for marine debris programs under NOAA and related agencies.
- 2In-kind contributions for non-grant projects: For contracts or other agreements (not grants or cooperative agreements) tied to debris projects, the Under Secretary may provide in-kind contributions (non-cash support) equal to the value of benefits received by NOAA. This expands the ways NOAA can support projects beyond traditional funding.
- 3Transformation of the Marine Debris Foundation: The Save Our Seas 2.0 Foundation is restructured as a nonprofit corporation with a formal board, a six-year term for directors, and a chief executive officer (CEO) appointed by the Board. The CEO and board have enhanced governance roles, including recommendations for appointments and Secretary-level oversight. The Foundation’s principal office would be in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.
- 4Expanded focus on tribal outreach: The bill adds Tribal Governments and Indian Tribes to the Foundation’s purposes, requires best practices for outreach to Tribes, and includes capacity-building and awareness components related to programs and grants available under the Act. It also preserves tribal rights in a way that avoids implying government-to-government consultation is required, while promoting engagement.
- 5Funding and authorizations: Authorization of appropriations is updated to include $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and broadened recipient types to include state/local entities, regional organizations, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and foreign governments. Reauthorizes funding for debris programs through 2029.
- 6Definitions and conforming amendments: New and updated definitions (e.g., Circular Economy, Coastal Shoreline Community, Indian Tribe, Nonprofit Organization, Under Secretary, Tribal Government) are added and integrated into the Marine Debris Act. Several cross-references are updated so a range of sections use the term “Under Secretary” instead of “Administrator,” aligning with the reorganization.