,,ii ,calendar ,no4 #bbd #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bbfj ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #bd1 #bjai,mr4 ,sullivan 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,whitehouse1 ,mr4 ,menendez1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 ,mr4 ,coons1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 and ,mr4 ,merkley7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works ,september #be1 #bjai,reported by ,mr4 ,barrasso1 with an amendment,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,a ,,bill ,to provide for the improvement of domestic infrastructure in order to prevent marine debris1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 definitions 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,save ,our ,seas #b4j3 ,improving ,domestic ,infrastructure to ,prevent ,marine ,debris ,act4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,,epa ,administrator ,the term ,,epa ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#b7 ,indian ,tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term ,indian tribe in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd71 without regard to capitalization4 7#c7 ,intended use plan ,the term intended use plan means a plan developed by a ,state under section #c7;c77#a74 7#d7 ,nonprofit organization ,the term nonprofit organization means an organization that is described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code4 7#e7 ,post-consumer materials management ,the term post-consumer materials management means the systems1 operation1 supervision1 and aftercare of processes and equipment used for post-use material 7including packaging1 goods1 products1 and other materials71 including-- 7,a7 collection2 7,b7 transport2 7,c7 safe disposal of waste that cannot be recovered1 reused1 recycled1 repaired1 or refurbished2 and 7,d7 systems and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered1 reused1 recycled1 repaired1 or refurbished4 7#f7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 an ,indian ,tribe2 7,c7 the ,district of ,columbia2 and 7,d7 a territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7#g7 ,state loan fund ,the term ,state loan fund means a post-consumer materials management revolving ,state loan fund established by a ,state under section #c7;a77#b77;,b74 7#h7 ,under ,secretary ,the term ,under ,secretary means the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,oceans and ,atmosphere and ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 #b4 ,strategy for improving post-consumer materials management and water management 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall1 in consultation with stakeholders1 develop a strategy to improve post-consumer materials management and residential recycling infrastructure1 particularly for post-consumer materials management that is 7at the time of enactment of this ,act7 not meeting existing national standards1 for the purpose of reducing potential leakage of plastic waste and other post-consumer materials into waterways and oceans4 7b7 ,release ,on development of the strategy under subsection 7a71 the ,,epa ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 distribute the strategy to ,states and units of local government2 and 7#b7 make the strategy publicly available for use by-- 7,a7 for-profit private entities involved in post-consumer materials management2 and 7,b7 other nongovernmental entities4 7c7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the strategy under subsection 7a7 should include guidance1 for the purpose of reducing potential leakage of plastic waste and other post-consumer materials into waterways and oceans1 relating to-- 7#a7 the harmonization of post-consumer materials management protocols1 such as waste collection and municipal recycling1 including-- 7,a7 best practices for the collection of residential recyclables2 7,b7 improved quality and sorting of residential recyclable materials through opportunities such as-- 7i7 education and awareness programs2 7ii7 improved infrastructure1 including new equipment and innovative technologies for processing of recyclable materials2 7iii7 enhanced markets for recycled material2 and 7iv7 standardized measurements2 and 7,c7 increasing capacity for more types of plastic 7including plastic films7 and other materials to be collected1 processed1 and recycled or repurposed into usable materials or products2 7#b7 the development of new strategies and programs that prioritize engagement and cooperation with ,states and the private sector to expedite efforts and assistance in ,states to partner with1 encourage1 advise1 and facilitate the development and execution1 where practicable1 of projects1 programs1 and initiatives-- 7,a7 to improve the capacity1 security1 and standards of operations for post-consumer materials management2 7,b7 to monitor and track how well post-consumer materials management entities are functioning1 based on uniform and transparent standards developed in cooperation with municipal1 industrial1 ,federal1 and civil society stakeholders2 7,c7 7i7 to identify the operational challenges of post-consumer materials management2 and 7ii7 to develop policy and programmatic solutions to those challenges2 and 7,d7 to end intentional and unintentional incentives for municipalities1 industries1 and individuals to improperly dispose of municipal post-consumer materials2 and 7#c7 strengthening markets for products with high levels of recycled plastic content4 7d7 ,complementary activities ,it is the sense of ,congress that the strategy developed under subsection 7a7 should include guidance on activities that are complementary to the activities described in subsection 7c71 such as-- 7#a7 reducing waste at the source of the waste1 including anti-litter initiatives2 7#b7 developing effective post-consumer materials management provisions for-- 7,a7 national pollutant discharge elimination system permits issued to municipal separate storm sewer systems under section #djb of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acdb72 and 7,b7 stormwater management plans2 7#c7 capturing post-consumer materials at stormwater inlets1 at stormwater outfalls1 or in bodies of water2 7#d7 providing education and outreach relating to post-consumer materials movement and reduction2 and 7#e7 monitoring or modeling post-consumer material flows and the reduction of post-consumer materials resulting from the implementation of best management practices4 #c4 ,post-consumer materials management ,state revolving funds 7a7 ,block grants to ,states ,to establish loan funds 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator shall offer to enter into agreements with eligible ,states to make capitalization block grants1 including letters of credit1 to the ,states under this subsection-- 7,a7 to support improvements to local post-consumer materials management1 including municipal recycling programs2 7,b7 to assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems-- 7i7 to meet waste management standards1 particularly with respect to systems falling significantly below national standards1 as determined by the ,,epa ,administrator2 and 7ii7 to implement the strategy developed under section #b7;a72 7,c7 to deploy waste interceptor technologies1 such as trash wheels and litter traps1 to manage the collection and cleanup of aggregated waste from waterways2 and 7,d7 for such other purposes as the ,,epa ,administrator determines to be appropriate4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible to receive a capitalization block grant under this subsection1 a ,state shall-- 7,a7 enter into a capitalization agreement with the ,,epa ,administrator under paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 establish a post-consumer materials management revolving ,state loan fund4 7#c7 ,deposit ,funds from a capitalization block grant to a ,state under this subsection shall be deposited in the ,state loan fund established by the ,state4 7#d7 ,period ,funds from a capitalization block grant to a ,state under this subsection shall be available to the ,state for obligation-- 7,a7 during the fiscal year for which the funds are authorized2 and 7,b7 during the following fiscal year4 7#e7 ,allotment ,funds made available to carry out this section shall be allotted to ,states at the discretion of the ,,epa ,administrator4 7#f7 ,reallotment ,any funds not obligated by a ,state by the last day of the period for which the block grants are available shall be reallotted in accordance with paragraph 7#e74 7b7 ,use of funds 7#a7 ,in general ,amounts deposited in a ,state loan fund1 including loan repayments and interest earned on the amounts1 shall be used only-- 7,a7 for providing loans or loan guarantees2 7,b7 for outcomes-based or performance payments2 or 7,c7 as a source of reserve and security for leveraged loans4 7#b7 ,limitations ,loans or loan guarantees made by a ,state under paragraph 7#a77;,a7-- 7,a7 may be used only for expenditures of a type or category that the ,,epa ,administrator has determined1 through guidance1 will-- 7i7 facilitate compliance with an intended use plan2 or 7ii7 otherwise significantly further the purposes described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c7 of subsection 7a77#a72 and 7,b7 may not be used for the acquisition of real property or an interest in real property1 unless the acquisition is-- 7i7 integral to an intended use plan2 and 7ii7 from a willing seller4 7c7 ,intended use plans 7#a7 ,in general ,after providing for public review and comment1 each ,state that has entered into a capitalization agreement under subsection 7a77#a7 annually shall prepare a plan that identifies the intended uses of the amounts available from the ,state loan fund of the ,state4 7#b7 ,contents ,an intended use plan shall include-- 7,a7 a list of the projects to be carried out by entities receiving the loans in the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the intended use plan1 including a description of the project2 7,b7 a description of how the funds will support disadvantaged communities2 7,c7 an explanation of any local restrictions1 such as flow control measures1 that restrict access to recyclable materials2 7,d7 the criteria and methods established for the use of the funds2 and 7,e7 a description of the financial status of the ,state loan fund and the short- and long-term goals of the ,state loan fund4 7#c7 ,list of projects ,each ,state1 after notice and opportunity for public comment1 shall publish1 and periodically update1 a list of projects in the ,state that are eligible for assistance under this section1 including-- 7,a7 the priority assigned to each project2 and 7,b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 the expected funding schedule for each project4 7d7 ,fund management 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state loan fund shall be established1 maintained1 and credited with repayments and interest1 and the fund corpus shall be available in perpetuity in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,investment authorized ,to the extent amounts in the ,state loan fund of a ,state are not required for current obligation or expenditure1 the amounts shall be invested in interest bearing obligations4 7e7 ,state contributions ,each capitalization agreement entered into under subsection 7a77#a7 shall require that the ,state deposit in the ,state loan fund from ,state funds an amount equal to not less than #bj percent of the total amount of the block grant to be made to the ,state on or before the date on which the block grant payment is made to the ,state4 7f7 ,administration of ,state loan fund 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state annually may use not greater than #d percent of the funds allotted to the ,state under this section to cover the reasonable costs of administration of the programs under this section1 including the recovery of reasonable costs expended to establish a ,state loan fund that are incurred after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,guidance and regulations ,the ,,epa ,administrator shall issue guidance and promulgate regulations as are necessary to carry out this section1 including guidance and regulations-- 7,a7 to ensure that each ,state commits and expends funds allotted to the ,state under this section as efficiently as practicable in accordance with this section and applicable ,state law2 7,b7 to prevent waste1 fraud1 and abuse2 and 7,c7 to ensure that the ,states receiving block grants under this section use accounting1 audit1 and fiscal procedures that conform to generally accepted accounting standards4 7#c7 ,state report ,not less frequently than every #b years1 each ,state administering a ,state loan fund under this section shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator a report describing the activities carried out under this section1 including the findings of the most recent audit of the ,state loan fund and the entire ,state allotment4 7#d7 ,audits ,the ,,epa ,administrator shall periodically audit all ,state loan funds established by1 and all other amounts allotted to1 the ,states in accordance with procedures established by the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states4 7g7 ,applicability of ,federal law 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator shall ensure that all laborers and mechanics employed on projects funded directly1 or assisted in whole or in part1 by a ,state loan fund established by this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the ,secretary of ,labor in accordance with subchapter ,,iv of chapter #ca of part ,a of subtitle ,,ii of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,authority ,with respect to the labor standards specified in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in ,reorganization ,plan ,numbered #ad of #aiej 7#fd ,stat4 #abfg2 #e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 and section #cade of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #cjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbe4 #d4 ,grant programs 7a7 ,post-,consumer ,materials ,management ,infrastructure ,grant ,program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide grants to units of local government1 ,indian ,tribes1 and local post-consumer materials management entities-- 7,a7 to assist those entities in making improvements to post-consumer materials management-- 7i7 to meet waste management standards2 and 7ii7 to implement the strategy developed under section #b7;a72 and 7,b7 to support improvements to local post-consumer materials management1 including traditional and innovative recycling and reuse technologies and processes for transforming recyclable plastics into commodity-grade materials for use4 7#b7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an applicant shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7b7 ,drinking water infrastructure grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide competitive grants to units of local government 7including units of local government that own treatment works 7as defined in section #bab of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abib7771 ,indian ,tribes1 and public water systems 7as defined in section #adja of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f771 as applicable1 to support improvements in removing plastic waste from drinking water1 including planning1 design1 construction1 technical assistance1 and planning support for operational adjustments4 7#b7 ,preference ,in making grants under paragraph 7#a71 the ,,epa ,administrator shall give preference to applicants that-- 7,a7 seek to improve the removal of microplastics1 including microfibers1 from drinking water2 and 7,b7 have demonstrated prior commitment and success in reducing other pollution sources in drinking water1 such as lead and other contaminants4 7#c7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an applicant shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7c7 ,wastewater infrastructure grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide grants to units of local government 7including units of local government that own treatment works 7as defined in section #bab of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abib777 and public water systems 7as defined in section #adja of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f771 as applicable1 to support improvements in removing plastic waste from wastewater4 7#b7 ,preference ,in making grants under paragraph 7#a71 the ,,epa ,administrator shall give preference to applicants that-- 7,a7 seek to improve the removal of microplastics1 including microfibers1 from wastewater2 and 7,b7 have demonstrated prior commitment and success in reducing other pollution sources in wastewater1 such as nutrient pollution and other contaminants4 7#c7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an applicant shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7d7 ,trash-,free waters grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide grants to political subdivisions of ,states and units of local government1 ,indian ,tribes1 and nonprofit organizations-- 7,a7 to support projects to reduce the quantity of solid waste in bodies of water by reducing the quantity of waste at the source1 including through anti-litter initiatives2 7,b7 to enforce local post-consumer materials management ordinances2 7,c7 to implement the solid waste provisions of a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit issued to a municipal separate storm sewer system under section #djb of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acdb72 7,d7 to capture post-consumer materials at stormwater inlets1 at stormwater outfalls1 or in bodies of water2 7,e7 to provide education and outreach about post-consumer materials movement and reduction2 and 7,f7 to monitor or model flows of post-consumer materials1 including monitoring or modeling a reduction in trash as a result of the implementation of best management practices for the reduction of plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in sources of drinking water4 7#b7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an applicant shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 there are authorized to be appropriated1 for each of the programs described in this section1 #ej1jjj1jjj per year for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbe4 7#b7 ,no impact on other ,federal funds 7,a7 ,in general ,no funds shall be made available under paragraph 7#a7 to carry out subsections 7b7 and 7c7 in a fiscal year if the total amount made available to carry out the programs described in subparagraph 7,b7 for that fiscal year is less than the total amount made available to carry out the programs described in subparagraph 7,b7 for fiscal year #bjai4 7,b7 ,programs described ,the programs referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 are-- 7i7 ,state drinking water treatment revolving loan funds established under section #adeb of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ab72 7ii7 programs for assistance for small and disadvantaged communities under subsections 7a7 through 7j7 of section #adei;,a of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ai;a72 and 7iii7 ,state water pollution control revolving funds established under title ,,vi of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq474 #e4 ,study on repurposing plastic waste in infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 and the ,,epa ,administrator shall seek to jointly enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine under which the ,national ,academies will-- 7#a7 conduct a study of the feasibility and advisability of innovative uses of plastic waste in roadways1 bridges1 and other infrastructure2 and 7#b7 as part of the study under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 identify international examples of-- 7i7 the use of materials described in that paragraph2 and 7ii7 projects in which the use of plastic waste has been applied2 7,b7 assess the economic benefits1 if any1 including employment opportunities1 to municipalities and ,states in investing in innovative reuse of plastic waste in infrastructure2 and 7,c7 if the ,national ,academies consider uses described in that paragraph to be advisable1 make recommendations with respect to what ,federal testing standards and other barriers may need to be addressed to enable those uses1 including with respect to ensuring human health and safety4 7b7 ,report required ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,national ,academies consider the innovative uses of plastic waste described in subsection 7a77#a7 to be advisable1 and the ,secretary agrees1 the ,secretary shall establish a grant program to encourage those uses4 7#b7 ,demonstration projects ,if the ,secretary establishes a grant program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall carry out the grant program by selecting1 through a competitive process1 not more than #e projects to demonstrate the uses described in subsection 7a77#a71 each of which shall be located in a different region of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the last demonstration project1 if any1 is completed under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report summarizing the results of the demonstration projects1 including-- 7,a7 the total quantity of plastic waste redirected from the waste stream into infrastructure2 7,b7 the durability of the infrastructure constructed with plastic waste2 and 7,c7 any cost savings achieved through the use of plastic waste in the demonstration projects4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section4 #f4 ,study on options to advance technologies for converting plastic waste to chemicals1 feedstocks1 and other products 7a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine under which the ,national ,academies will conduct a study on options to advance technologies 7including pyrolysis1 hydropyrolysis1 methanolysis1 gasification1 and enzymatic breakdown7 for converting plastic waste to useful products1 such as chemicals1 feedstocks1 fuels1 and energy4 7b7 ,inclusions ,as part of the study under subsection 7a71 the ,national ,academies shall conduct an evaluation of-- 7#a7 the air emissions associated with technologies described in that subsection2 and 7#b7 an evaluation of the ability of those technologies to become cost-competitive with other options for obtaining source materials or producing energy4 7c7 ,report required ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a74 #g4 ,study on effects of microplastics in food supplies and sources of drinking water 7a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,under ,secretary1 shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine under which the ,national ,academies will conduct a human health and environmental risk assessment on microplastics1 including microfibers1 in food supplies and sources of drinking water4 7b7 ,report required ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 a science-based definition of microplastics that can be adopted in federally supported monitoring and future assessments supported or conducted by a ,federal agency2 7#b7 recommendations for standardized monitoring1 testing1 and other necessary protocols relating to microplastics2 7#c7 7,a7 an assessment of whether microplastics are currently present in the food supplies and sources of drinking water of ,united ,states consumers2 and 7,b7 if the assessment under subparagraph 7,a7 is positive-- 7i7 the extent to which microplastics are present in the food supplies and sources of drinking water2 and 7ii7 an assessment of the type1 source1 prevalence1 and risk of microplastics in the food supplies and sources of drinking water2 7#d7 an assessment of the risk posed1 if any1 by the presence of microplastics in the food supplies and sources of drinking water of ,united ,states consumers that includes-- 7,a7 an identification of the most significant sources of those microplastics2 and 7,b7 a review of the best available science to determine any potential hazards of microplastics in the food supplies and sources of drinking water of ,united ,states consumers2 and 7#e7 a measurement of-- 7,a7 the quantity of environmental chemicals that absorb to microplastics2 and 7,b7 the quantity described in subparagraph 7,a7 that would be available for human exposure through food supplies or sources of drinking water4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section4 #h4 ,report on eliminating barriers to increase the collection of recyclable materials ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report describing-- 7#a7 the economic1 technological1 resource availability1 or other barriers to increasing the collection of recyclable materials2 and 7#b7 recommendations to overcome the barriers described under paragraph 7#a74 #i4 ,report on economic incentives to spur development of new end-use markets for recycled plastics ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report describing the most efficient and effective economic incentives to spur the development of additional new end-use markets for recyclable plastics 7including plastic film71 including the use of increased recycled content by manufacturers in the production of plastic goods and packaging4 #a4 ,short title2 definitions 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,save ,our ,seas #b4j3 ,improving ,domestic ,infrastructure to ,prevent ,marine ,debris ,act4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,,epa ,administrator ,the term ,,epa ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#b7 ,indian ,tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term ,indian tribe in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd71 without regard to capitalization4 7#c7 ,nonprofit organization ,the term nonprofit organization means an organization that is described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code4 7#d7 ,post-consumer materials management ,the term post-consumer materials management means the systems1 operation1 supervision1 and long-term management of processes and equipment used for post-use material 7including packaging1 goods1 products1 and other materials71 including-- 7,a7 collection2 7,b7 transport2 7,c7 safe disposal of waste that cannot be recovered1 reused1 recycled1 repaired1 or refurbished2 and 7,d7 systems and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered1 reused1 recycled1 repaired1 or refurbished4 7#e7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 an ,indian ,tribe2 7,c7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,d7 a territory or possession of the ,united ,states2 or 7,e7 any political subdivision of an entity described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d74 7#f7 ,under ,secretary ,the term ,under ,secretary means the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,oceans and ,atmosphere and ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 #b4 ,strategy for improving post-consumer materials management and water management 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall1 in consultation with stakeholders1 develop a strategy to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure for the purpose of reducing plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in waterways and oceans4 7b7 ,release ,on development of the strategy under subsection 7a71 the ,,epa ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 distribute the strategy to ,states2 and 7#b7 make the strategy publicly available for use by-- 7,a7 for-profit private entities involved in post-consumer materials management2 and 7,b7 other nongovernmental entities4 #c4 ,sense of the ,senate for issues to be included in strategy for post-consumer materials management and water management ,it is the sense of the ,senate that the strategy under section #b should address1 for the purpose of reducing plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in waterways and oceans-- 7#a7 the harmonization of post-consumer materials management protocols1 including-- 7,a7 best practices for the collection of post-consumer recyclables2 7,b7 improved quality and sorting of post-consumer recyclable materials through opportunities such as-- 7i7 education and awareness programs2 7ii7 improved infrastructure1 including new equipment and innovative technologies for processing of recyclable materials2 7iii7 enhanced markets for recycled material2 and 7iv7 standardized measurements2 and 7,c7 increasing capacity1 where practicable1 for more types of plastic 7including plastic films7 and other materials to be collected1 processed1 and recycled or repurposed into usable materials or products2 7#b7 the development of new strategies and programs that prioritize engagement and cooperation with ,states and the private sector to expedite efforts and assistance for ,states to partner with1 encourage1 advise1 and facilitate the development and execution1 where practicable1 of projects1 programs1 and initiatives-- 7,a7 to improve operations for post-consumer materials management2 7,b7 to monitor how well post-consumer materials management entities are functioning2 7,c7 7i7 to identify the operational challenges of post-consumer materials management2 and 7ii7 to develop policy and programmatic solutions to those challenges2 and 7,d7 to end intentional and unintentional incentives to improperly dispose of post-consumer materials2 7#c7 strengthening markets for products with high levels of recycled plastic content2 and 7#d7 the consideration of complementary activities1 such as-- 7,a7 reducing waste at the source of the waste1 including anti-litter initiatives2 7,b7 developing effective post-consumer materials management provisions in stormwater management plans2 7,c7 capturing post-consumer materials at stormwater inlets1 at stormwater outfalls1 or in bodies of water2 7,d7 providing education and outreach relating to post-consumer materials movement and reduction2 7,e7 monitoring or modeling post-consumer material flows and the reduction of post-consumer materials resulting from the implementation of best management practices2 and 7,f7 incentives for manufacturers to design packaging and consumer goods that can more easily be recycled1 repurposed1 or otherwise removed from the waste stream after their initial use4 #d4 ,grant programs 7a7 ,post-,consumer ,materials ,management ,infrastructure ,grant ,program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide grants to ,states1 as defined in section #a7;b77#e71 to implement the strategy developed under section #b7;a7 and-- 7,a7 to support improvements to local post-consumer materials management1 including municipal recycling programs2 7,b7 to assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems2 7,c7 to deploy waste interceptor technologies1 such as trash wheels and litter traps1 to manage the collection and cleanup of aggregated waste from waterways2 and 7,d7 for such other purposes as the ,,epa ,administrator determines to be appropriate4 7#b7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 the applicant ,state shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7#c7 ,contents of applications ,in developing application requirements1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall consider requesting that a ,state applicant provide-- 7,a7 a description of the project or projects to be carried out by entities receiving the grant2 7,b7 a description of how the funds will support disadvantaged communities2 and 7,c7 an explanation of any limitations1 such as flow control measures1 that restrict access to recyclable materials4 7#d7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than ,january #a1 #bjbc1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes-- 7,a7 a description of the activities carried out under this subsection2 7,b7 estimates as to how much plastic waste was prevented from entering the oceans and other waterways as a result of activities funded by the grant2 and 7,c7 a recommendation on the utility of evolving the grant program into a new waste management ,state revolving fund4 7b7 ,drinking water infrastructure grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide competitive grants to units of local government1 including units of local government that own treatment works 7as defined in section #bab of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abib771 ,indian ,tribes1 and public water systems 7as defined in section #adja of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f771 as applicable1 to support improvements in removing plastic waste and post-consumer materials1 including microplastics and microfibers1 from drinking water1 including planning1 design1 construction1 technical assistance1 and planning support for operational adjustments4 7#b7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an applicant shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7c7 ,wastewater infrastructure grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide grants to units of local government1 including units of local government that own treatment works 7as defined in section #bab of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abib771 ,indian ,tribes1 and public water systems 7as defined in section #adja of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f771 as applicable1 to support improvements in removing plastic waste and post-consumer materials1 including microplastics and microfibers1 from wastewater4 7#b7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an applicant shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7d7 ,trash-free waters grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator may provide grants to units of local government1 ,indian ,tribes1 and nonprofit organizations-- 7,a7 to support projects to reduce the quantity of solid waste in bodies of water by reducing the quantity of waste at the source1 including through anti-litter initiatives2 7,b7 to enforce local post-consumer materials management ordinances2 7,c7 to implement ,state or local policies relating to solid waste2 7,d7 to capture post-consumer materials at stormwater inlets1 at stormwater outfalls1 or in bodies of water2 7,e7 to provide education and outreach about post-consumer materials movement and reduction2 and 7,f7 to monitor or model flows of post-consumer materials1 including monitoring or modeling a reduction in trash as a result of the implementation of best management practices for the reduction of plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in sources of drinking water4 7#b7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an applicant shall submit to the ,,epa ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,,epa ,administrator may require4 7e7 ,applicability of ,federal law 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator shall ensure that all laborers and mechanics employed on projects funded directly1 or assisted in whole or in part1 by a grant established by this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the ,secretary of ,labor in accordance with subchapter ,,iv of chapter #ca of part ,a of subtitle ,,ii of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,authority ,with respect to the labor standards specified in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in ,reorganization ,plan ,numbered #ad of #aiej 7#fd ,stat4 #abfg2 #e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 and section #cade of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7f7 ,limitation on use of funds ,a grant under this section may not be used 7directly or indirectly7 as a source of payment 7in whole or in part7 of1 or security for1 an obligation the interest on which is excluded from gross income under section #ajc of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 there are authorized to be appropriated-- 7,a7 for the program described subsection 7a71 #ee1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe2 and 7,b7 for each of the programs described subsections 7b71 7c71 and 7d71 #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 7#b7 ,no impact on other ,federal funds 7,a7 ,in general ,no funds shall be made available under paragraph 7#a7 to carry out subsections 7b7 and 7c7 in a fiscal year if the total amount made available to carry out the programs described in subparagraph 7,b7 for that fiscal year is less than the total amount made available to carry out the programs described in subparagraph 7,b7 for fiscal year #bjai4 7,b7 ,programs described ,the programs referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 are-- 7i7 ,state drinking water treatment revolving loan funds established under section #adeb of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ab72 7ii7 programs for assistance for small and disadvantaged communities under subsections 7a7 through 7j7 of section #adei;,a of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ai;a72 and 7iii7 ,state water pollution control revolving funds established under title ,,vi of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq474 #e4 ,study on repurposing plastic waste in infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 and the ,,epa ,administrator shall jointly enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine under which the ,national ,academies will-- 7#a7 conduct a study on the uses of plastic waste in infrastructure2 and 7#b7 as part of the study under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 identify domestic and international examples of-- 7i7 the use of plastic waste materials described in that paragraph2 7ii7 infrastructure projects in which the use of plastic waste has been applied2 and 7iii7 projects in which the use of plastic waste has been incorporated into or with other infrastructure materials2 7,b7 assess-- 7i7 the effectiveness and utility of the uses of plastic waste described in that paragraph2 7ii7 the extent to which plastic waste materials are consistent with recognized specifications for infrastructure construction and other recognized standards2 7iii7 relevant impacts of plastic waste materials compared to non-waste plastic materials2 7iv7 the health1 safety1 and environmental impacts of-- 7,i7 plastic waste on humans and animals2 and 7,,ii7 the increased use of plastic waste for infrastructure2 7v7 the ability of plastic waste infrastructure to withstand natural disasters1 extreme weather events1 and other hazards2 and 7vi7 plastic waste in infrastructure through an economic analysis2 and 7,c7 make recommendations with respect to what standards or matters may need to be addressed with respect to ensuring human and animal health and safety from the use of plastic waste in infrastructure4 7b7 ,report required ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act and subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,secretary and the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a74 #f4 ,study on effects of microplastics in food supplies and sources of drinking water 7a7 ,in general ,the ,,epa ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,under ,secretary1 shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine under which the ,national ,academies will conduct a human health and environmental risk assessment on microplastics1 including microfibers1 in food supplies and sources of drinking water4 7b7 ,report required ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 a science-based definition of microplastics that can be adopted in federally supported monitoring and future assessments supported or conducted by a ,federal agency2 7#b7 recommendations for standardized monitoring1 testing1 and other necessary protocols relating to microplastics2 7#c7 7,a7 an assessment of whether microplastics are currently present in the food supplies and sources of drinking water of ,united ,states consumers2 and 7,b7 if the assessment under subparagraph 7,a7 is positive-- 7i7 the extent to which microplastics are present in the food supplies and sources of drinking water2 and 7ii7 an assessment of the type1 source1 prevalence1 and risk of microplastics in the food supplies and sources of drinking water2 7#d7 an assessment of the risk posed1 if any1 by the presence of microplastics in the food supplies and sources of drinking water of ,united ,states consumers that includes-- 7,a7 an identification of the most significant sources of those microplastics2 and 7,b7 a review of the best available science to determine any potential hazards of microplastics in the food supplies and sources of drinking water of ,united ,states consumers2 and 7#e7 a measurement of-- 7,a7 the quantity of environmental chemicals that absorb to microplastics2 and 7,b7 the quantity described in subparagraph 7,a7 that would be available for human exposure through food supplies or sources of drinking water4 #g4 ,report on eliminating barriers to increase the collection of recyclable materials ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report describing-- 7#a7 the economic1 educational1 technological1 resource availability1 legal1 or other barriers to increasing the collection1 processing1 and use of recyclable materials2 and 7#b7 recommendations to overcome the barriers described under paragraph 7#a74 #h4 ,report on economic incentives to spur development of new end-use markets for recycled plastics ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,,epa ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report describing the most efficient and effective economic incentives to spur the development of additional new end-use markets for recyclable plastics 7including plastic film71 including the use of increased recycled content by manufacturers in the production of plastic goods and packaging4 ,september #be1 #bjai,reported with an amendment