This bill reorganizes and strengthens federal programs that address marine debris—trash and pollution in ocean and coastal waters. It consolidates the Marine Debris Act and portions of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act into a single, clearer legal framework, making it easier for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to manage grants and contracts for cleanup efforts. The legislation improves governance of the Marine Debris Foundation by establishing clearer procedures for appointing board members and the chief executive officer, and it expands the foundation's authority to receive in-kind contributions for cleanup projects. A key change is strengthening outreach and support to Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments, including requirements for best practices in technical assistance and grant awareness. The bill reauthorizes funding through fiscal year 2029 and increases appropriations by $2 million for fiscal year 2025, while expanding eligible grant recipients to include regional organizations and foreign governments working on marine debris issues.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.