Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act

Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act

This bill, known as the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, aims to make improvements to the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation and the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Modifications to the Marine Debris Foundation

The bill includes several changes to the Marine Debris Foundation:

It updates the definitions, including the definition of "Tribal government" and "Tribal organization" to align with existing laws.
The status of the foundation is changed from an "organization" to a "corporation".
The purposes of the foundation are expanded to include support for Indian Tribes.
The appointment, vacancies, and removal of members of the Board of Directors are clarified, with recommendations on candidates submitted to the Under Secretary.
The Board has the power to appoint, remove, and review the performance of the chief executive officer.
The foundation is encouraged to locate its principal office in a coastal state.
The foundation is required to develop and implement best practices for outreach to Indian Tribes and Tribal governments.
The use of funds by the foundation is expanded to include regional organizations, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations.

Modifications to the Marine Debris Program

The bill also makes changes to the Marine Debris Program of NOAA:

The program is allowed to enter into contracts, and other agreements, in addition to grants.
The Administrator of NOAA has the authority to contribute in-kind resources to projects carried out under contracts or other agreements.

The bill was passed by the Senate on December 13, 2023.

Sen. Martin Heinrich

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