,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bcfd ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #ca1 #bjai ,mr4 ,sullivan 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,whitehouse1 ,mr4 ,menendez1 ,ms4 ,collins1 ,mr4 ,booker1 ,mr4 ,coons1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 and ,mr4 ,murphy7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to enhance domestic marine debris response1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,save ,our ,seas #b4j3 ,enhancing the ,domestic ,marine ,debris ,response ,act4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,circular economy ,the term circular economy means an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that-- 7,a7 are restorative or regenerative by design2 7,b7 enable resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest values for as long as possible2 and 7,c7 aim for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials1 products1 and systems 7including business models74 7#b7 ,,epa ,administrator ,the term ,,epa ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#c7 ,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#d7 ,marine debris ,the term marine debris has the meaning given that term in section #g of the ,marine ,debris ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aief74 7#e7 ,non-,federal funds ,the term non-,federal funds means funds provided by-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 an ,indian ,tribe2 7,c7 a territory of the ,united ,states2 7,d7 one or more units of local governments or ,tribal organizations 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd772 7,e7 a private for-profit entity2 7,f7 a nonprofit organization2 or 7,g7 a private individual4 7#f7 ,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#g7 ,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#h7 ,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#i7 ,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 ,i ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund #aja4 ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,a of chapter #ih of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ieab4 ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund 7a7 ,creation of ,trust ,fund ,there is established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states a trust fund to be known as the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund1 consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated or credited to the ,trust ,fund as provided in this section4 7b7 ,purposes of ,trust ,fund 7#a7 ,in general ,amounts in the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund shall be available for the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration to respond to a marine debris event described in paragraph 7#b71 which may include-- 7,a7 monitoring1 response1 and prevention2 7,b7 providing funding to ,states1 territories1 ,indian ,tribes1 and other ,united ,states ,government and nongovernmental organizations supporting prevention1 cleanup1 and response efforts2 or 7,c7 administrative costs relating to distributing amounts from the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7#b7 ,marine debris event described ,a marine debris event described in this paragraph is an event that affects or may affect the ,united ,states involving-- 7,a7 marine debris caused by a natural event1 including a tsunami1 flood1 landslide1 hurricane1 or other natural source2 7,b7 distinct1 nonrecurring marine debris1 including derelict vessel groundings and container spills1 that have immediate or long-term impacts on habitats with high ecological1 economic1 or human-use values2 or 7,c7 marine debris caused by an intentional or grossly negligent act or acts that causes substantial economic or environmental harm4 7c7 ,limitations on expenditures 7#a7 ,maximum per event ,the maximum amount that may be paid from the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund with respect to any single event may not exceed #ajj1jjj1jjj4 7#b7 ,minimum balance ,a payment may be made from the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund only if the amount in the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund after the payment will not be less than #a1jjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,maximum balance ,amounts in the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund may not exceed #ejj1jjj1jjj4 7d7 ,initial funding ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund #b1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj to establish the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7e7 ,authority ,to borrow 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund1 as repayable advances1 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7#b7 ,limitation on amount outstanding ,the maximum aggregate amount of repayable advances to the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund outstanding at any one time may not exceed #a1jjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,repayment of advances 7,a7 ,in general ,advances made to the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund shall be repaid1 and interest on such advances shall be paid1 to the general fund of the ,treasury when the ,secretary of ,commerce1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 determines that amounts are available for such purposes in the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7,b7 ,final repayment ,no advance may be made to the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund after ,september #cj1 #bjce1 and all advances to such ,fund shall be repaid on or before that date4 7,c7 ,rate of interest ,interest on advances made pursuant to this subsection shall be-- 7i7 at a rate determined by the ,secretary of the ,treasury 7as of the close of the calendar month preceding the month in which the advance is made7 to be equal to the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the ,united ,states with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the anticipated period during which the advance will be outstanding1 and 7ii7 compounded annually4 7f7 ,availability of funds ,amounts in the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund shall-- 7#a7 be available without fiscal year limitation and without apportionment2 and 7#b7 shall supplement and not supplant other amounts available for responding to marine debris events4 7g7 ,investment ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall invest amounts in the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund in interest bearing obligations of the ,united ,states to the extent such amounts are not required to meet current withdrawals4 ,interest earned by such investments shall be credited to1 and become a part of1 the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7h7 ,administration ,the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,oceans and ,atmosphere shall prescribe regulations-- 7#a7 providing for a process for submitting a claim to the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund and for distributing amounts from the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund pursuant to those claims2 and 7#b7 providing guidance with respect to what constitutes an event for which amounts will be distributed from the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7i7 ,liability of the ,united ,states limited to amount in ,trust ,fund 7#a7 ,in general ,any claim filed against the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund may be paid only out of the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7#b7 ,order in which unpaid claims are to be paid ,if at any time the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund has insufficient funds to pay all of the claims out of the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund at such time1 such claims shall1 to the extent permitted under paragraph 7#a71 be paid in full in the order in which they were finally determined4 7j7 ,non-,federal contributions to the ,trust ,fund 7#a7 ,in general ,a gift1 award1 devise1 or bequest1 and non-,federal amounts from legal judgments or settlements may be accepted by the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund without regard to whether the gift1 devise1 or bequest is encumbered1 restricted1 or subject to beneficial interests of private persons if any current or future interest in the gift1 devise1 or bequest is for the benefit of the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 7#b7 ,foreign gifts ,any gifts1 awards1 devises1 or bequests given to or received from a person in a foreign country by or to the ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund shall be made only with the concurrence of the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation1 as appropriate1 with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for subchapter ,a of chapter #ih of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,sec4 #ieab4 ,marine ,debris ,response ,trust ,fund4 4 ,,ii ,marine ,debris ,foundation #bja4 ,establishment and purposes of ,foundation 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established the ,marine ,debris ,foundation 7in this title referred to as the ,foundation74 ,the ,foundation is a charitable and nonprofit organization and is not an agency or establishment of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of the ,foundation are-- 7#a7 to encourage1 accept1 and administer private gifts of property for the benefit of1 or in connection with1 the activities and services of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration under the ,marine ,debris ,program established under section #c of the ,marine ,debris ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aieb71 and other relevant programs and agencies2 7#b7 to undertake and conduct such other activities as will further the efforts of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration to assess1 prevent1 reduce1 and remove marine debris and address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the economy of the ,united ,states1 the marine environment1 and navigation safety2 7#c7 to participate with1 and otherwise assist1 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments1 foreign governments1 entities1 and individuals in undertaking and conducting activities to assess1 prevent1 reduce1 and remove marine debris and address the adverse impacts of marine debris and its root causes on the economy of the ,united ,states1 the marine environment 7including waters in the jurisdiction of the ,united ,states1 the high seas1 and waters in the jurisdiction of other countries71 and navigation safety2 and 7#d7 to support other ,federal actions to reduce marine debris4 #bjb4 ,board of ,directors of the ,foundation 7a7 ,establishment and membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,foundation shall have a governing ,board of ,directors 7in this title referred to as the ,board71 which shall consist of the ,under ,secretary and #ab additional ,directors appointed in accordance with subsection 7b7 from among individuals who are ,united ,states citizens4 7#b7 ,representation of diverse points of view ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the membership of the ,board shall represent diverse points of view relating to the assessment1 prevention1 reduction1 and removal of marine debris4 7#c7 ,not ,federal employees ,appointment as a ,director of the ,foundation shall not constitute employment by1 or the holding of an office of1 the ,united ,states for the purpose of any ,federal law4 7b7 ,appointment and terms 7#a7 ,appointment ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 after consulting with the ,,epa ,administrator1 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service1 the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for the ,bureau of ,oceans and ,international ,environmental and ,scientific ,affairs1 and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and considering the recommendations submitted by the ,board1 the ,under ,secretary shall appoint #ab ,directors who meet the criteria established by subsection 7a71 of whom-- 7,a7 at least #d shall be educated or experienced in the assessment1 prevention1 reduction1 or removal of marine debris1 which may include an individual with expertise in post-consumer materials management or a circular economy2 7,b7 at least #b shall be educated or experienced in the assessment1 prevention1 reduction1 or removal of marine debris outside the ,united ,states2 7,c7 at least #b shall be educated or experienced in ocean and coastal resource conservation science or policy2 and 7,d7 at least #b shall be educated or experienced in international trade or foreign policy4 7#b7 ,terms 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 each ,director 7other than the ,under ,secretary7 shall be appointed for a term of #f years4 7,b7 ,initial appointments to new member positions ,of the ,directors appointed by the ,under ,secretary under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall appoint1 not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act-- 7i7 #d ,directors for a term of #f years2 7ii7 #d ,directors for a term of #d years2 and 7iii7 #d ,directors for a term of #b years4 7#c7 ,vacancies 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,under ,secretary shall fill a vacancy on the ,board4 7,b7 ,term of appointments to fill unexpired terms ,an individual appointed to fill a vacancy that occurs before the expiration of the term of a ,director shall be appointed for the remainder of the term4 7#d7 ,reappointment ,an individual 7other than an individual described in paragraph 7#a77 shall not serve more than #b consecutive terms as a ,director1 excluding any term of less than #f years4 7#e7 ,request for removal ,the executive committee of the ,board may submit to the ,under ,secretary a letter describing the nonperformance of a ,director and requesting the removal of the ,director from the ,board4 7#f7 ,consultation before removal ,before removing any ,director from the ,board1 the ,under ,secretary shall consult with the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for the ,bureau of ,oceans and ,international ,environmental and ,scientific ,affairs1 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service1 and the ,,epa ,administrator4 7c7 ,chairman ,the ,chairman shall be elected by the ,board from its members for a #b-year term4 7d7 ,quorum ,a majority of the current membership of the ,board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business4 7e7 ,meetings ,the ,board shall meet at the call of the ,chairman at least once a year4 ,if a ,director misses #c consecutive regularly scheduled meetings1 that individual may be removed from the ,board and that vacancy filled in accordance with subsection 7b74 7f7 ,reimbursement of expenses ,members of the ,board shall serve without pay1 but may be reimbursed for the actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred by them in the performance of the duties of the ,foundation4 7g7 ,general powers 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board may complete the organization of the ,foundation by-- 7,a7 appointing officers and employees2 7,b7 adopting a constitution and bylaws consistent with the purposes of the ,foundation and the provisions of this title2 and 7,c7 undertaking of other such acts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title4 7#b7 ,limitations on appointment ,the following limitations apply with respect to the appointment of officers and employees of the ,foundation3 7,a7 ,officers and employees may not be appointed until the ,foundation has sufficient funds to pay them for their service4 ,officers and employees of the ,foundation shall be appointed without regard to the provisions of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 governing appointments in the competitive service1 and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of such title relating to classification and ,general ,schedule pay rates4 7,b7 ,the first officer or employee appointed by the ,board shall be the ,secretary of the ,board who-- 7i7 shall serve1 at the direction of the ,board1 as its chief operating officer2 and 7ii7 shall be knowledgeable and experienced in matters relating to the assessment1 prevention1 reduction1 and removal of marine debris4 #bjc4 ,rights and obligations of the ,foundation 7a7 ,in general ,the ,foundation-- 7#a7 shall have perpetual succession2 7#b7 may conduct business throughout the several ,states1 territories1 and possessions of the ,united ,states and abroad2 7#c7 shall have its principal offices in the ,district of ,columbia or in a county in the ,state of ,maryland or ,virginia that borders on the ,district of ,columbia2 and 7#d7 shall at all times maintain a designated agent authorized to accept service of process for the ,foundation4 7b7 ,service of process ,the serving of notice to1 or service of process upon1 the agent required under subsection 7a77#d71 or mailed to the business address of such agent1 shall be deemed as service upon or notice to the ,foundation4 7c7 ,seal ,the ,foundation shall have an official seal selected by the ,board which shall be judicially noticed4 7d7 ,powers 7#a7 ,in general ,to carry out its purposes under section #bja1 the ,foundation shall have1 in addition to the powers otherwise given it under this title1 the usual powers of a corporation acting as a trustee in the ,district of ,columbia1 including the power-- 7,a7 to accept1 receive1 solicit1 hold1 administer1 and use any gift1 devise1 or bequest1 either absolutely or in trust1 of real or personal property or any income therefrom or other interest therein2 7,b7 to acquire by purchase or exchange any real or personal property or interest therein2 7,c7 to invest any funds provided to the ,foundation by the ,federal ,government in obligations of the ,united ,states or in obligations or securities that are guaranteed or insured by the ,united ,states2 7,d7 to deposit any funds provided to the ,foundation by the ,federal ,government into accounts that are insured by an agency or instrumentality of the ,united ,states2 7,e7 to make use of any interest or investment income that accrues as a consequence of actions taken under subparagraph 7,c7 or 7,d7 to carry out the purposes of the ,foundation2 7,f7 to use ,federal funds to make payments under cooperative agreements to provide substantial long-term benefits for the assessment1 prevention1 reduction1 and removal of marine debris2 7,g7 unless otherwise required by the instrument of transfer1 to sell1 donate1 lease1 invest1 reinvest1 retain or otherwise dispose of any property or income therefrom2 7,h7 to borrow money and issue bonds1 debentures1 or other debt instruments2 7,i7 to sue and be sued1 and complain and defend itself in any court of competent jurisdiction1 except that the ,directors of the ,foundation shall not be personally liable1 except for gross negligence2 7,j7 to enter into contracts or other arrangements with1 or provide financial assistance to1 public agencies and private organizations and persons and to make such payments as may be necessary to carry out its functions2 and 7,k7 to do any and all acts necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of the ,foundation4 7#b7 ,non-,federal contributions to the ,fund ,a gift1 devise1 or bequest may be accepted by the ,foundation without regard to whether the gift1 devise1 or bequest is encumbered1 restricted1 or subject to beneficial interests of private persons if any current or future interest in the gift1 devise1 or bequest is for the benefit of the ,foundation4 7e7 ,notice to ,members of ,congress ,the ,foundation may not make a grant of ,federal funds in an amount greater than #ajj1jjj unless1 by not later than #ae days before the grant is made1 the ,foundation provides notice of the grant to the ,member of ,congress for the congressional district in which the project to be funded with the grant will be carried out4 7f7 ,coordination of international efforts ,any efforts of the ,foundation carried out in a foreign country1 and any grants provided to an individual or entity in a foreign country1 shall be made only with the concurrence of the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation1 as appropriate1 with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development4 7g7 ,consultation with ,,noaa ,the ,foundation shall consult with the ,under ,secretary during the planning of any restoration or remediation action using funds resulting from judgments or settlements relating to the damage to trust resources of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 #bjd4 ,administrative services and support 7a7 ,provision of services ,the ,under ,secretary may provide personnel1 facilities1 and other administrative services to the ,foundation1 including reimbursement of expenses1 not to exceed the current ,federal ,government per diem rates1 for a period of up to #e years beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,reimbursement ,the ,foundation may reimburse the ,under ,secretary for any administrative service provided under subsection 7a74 ,the ,under ,secretary shall deposit any reimbursement received under this subsection into the ,treasury to the credit of the appropriations then current and chargeable for the cost of providing such services4 #bje4 ,volunteer status ,the ,secretary of ,commerce may accept1 without regard to the civil service classification laws1 rules1 or regulations1 the services of the ,foundation1 the ,board1 and the officers and employees of the ,board1 without compensation from the ,department of ,commerce1 as volunteers in the performance of the functions authorized in this title4 #bjf4 ,report requirements2 petition of attorney general for equitable relief 7a7 ,report ,the ,foundation shall1 as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year1 transmit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives a report-- 7#a7 describing the proceedings and activities of the ,foundation during that fiscal year1 including a full and complete statement of its receipts1 expenditures1 and investments2 and 7#b7 including a detailed statement of the recipient1 amount1 and purpose of each grant made by the ,foundation in the fiscal year4 7b7 ,relief with respect to certain foundation acts or failure ,to act ,if the ,foundation-- 7#a7 engages in1 or threatens to engage in1 any act1 practice1 or policy that is inconsistent with its purposes set forth in section #bja7;b72 or 7#b7 refuses1 fails1 or neglects to discharge its obligations under this title1 or threatens to do so1 the ,attorney ,general may petition in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia for such equitable relief as may be necessary or appropriate4 #bjg4 ,united ,states release from liability ,the ,united ,states shall not be liable for any debts1 defaults1 acts1 or omissions of the ,foundation nor shall the full faith and credit of the ,united ,states extend to any obligation of the ,foundation4 #bjh4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,commerce such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbe4 7#b7 ,use of appropriated funds ,subject to paragraph 7#c71 amounts made available under paragraph 7#a7 shall be provided to the ,foundation to match contributions 7whether in currency1 services1 or property7 made to the ,foundation1 or to a recipient of a grant provided by the ,foundation1 by private persons and ,state and local government agencies4 7#c7 ,prohibition on use for administrative expenses 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 no ,federal funds made available under paragraph 7#a7 may be used by the ,foundation for administrative expenses of the ,foundation1 including for salaries1 travel and transportation expenses1 and other overhead expenses4 7,b7 ,exception ,the ,secretary may allow the use of ,federal funds made available under paragraph 7#a7 to pay for salaries during the #ah-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,additional authorization 7#a7 ,in general ,in addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection 7a71 the ,foundation may accept ,federal funds from a ,federal agency under any other ,federal law for use by the ,foundation to further the assessment1 prevention1 reduction1 and removal of marine debris in accordance with the requirements of this title4 7#b7 ,use of funds accepted from ,federal agencies ,federal funds provided to the ,foundation under paragraph 7#a7 shall be used by the ,foundation for matching1 in whole or in part1 contributions 7whether in currency1 services1 or property7 made to the ,foundation by private persons and ,state and local government agencies4 7c7 ,prohibition on use of grant amounts for litigation and lobbying expenses ,amounts provided as a grant by the ,foundation shall not be used for-- 7#a7 any expense related to litigation consistent with ,federal-wide cost principles2 or 7#b7 any activity the purpose of which is to influence legislation pending before ,congress consistent with ,federal-wide cost principles4 ,,iii ,genius ,prize for ,save ,our ,seas ,innovations #cja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,prize competition ,the term prize competition means the competition for the award of the ,genius ,prize for ,save ,our ,seas ,innovations established under section #cjb4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,commerce4 #cjb4 ,genius prize for ,save ,our ,seas ,innovations 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish under section #bd of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgai7 a prize competition-- 7#a7 to encourage technological innovation with the potential to reduce plastic waste and thereby prevent marine debris2 and 7#b7 to award #a or more prizes biennially for projects that advance human understanding and innovation in removing and preventing plastic waste1 including-- 7,a7 advancements in materials used in packaging and other products that1 if such products enter the coastal or ocean environment1 will fully degrade without harming the environment1 wildlife1 or human health2 7,b7 innovations in production and packaging design that reduce the use of raw materials1 increase recycled content1 encourage reusability and recyclability1 and promote a circular economy2 7,c7 improvements in marine debris detection1 monitoring1 and cleanup technologies and processes2 7,d7 technological improvements or improved strategies to increase solid waste collection1 processing1 sorting1 recycling1 reuse1 or repurposing2 and 7,e7 new designs or strategies to reduce overall packaging needs4 7b7 ,designation ,the prize competition established under subsection 7a7 shall be known as the ,genius ,prize for ,save ,our ,seas ,innovations4 7c7 ,prioritization ,in selecting awards for the prize competition1 priority shall be given to projects that-- 7#a7 have a strategy1 submitted with the application or proposal1 to move the new technology1 process1 design1 material1 or other product supported by the prize to market-scale deployment2 7#b7 support the concept of a circular economy2 and 7#c7 promote development of materials that-- 7,a7 can fully degrade in the ocean without harming the environment1 wildlife1 or human health2 and 7,b7 are to be used in fishing gear or other maritime products that have an increased likelihood of entering the coastal or ocean environment as unintentional waste4 #cjc4 ,save ,our ,seas ,innovation ,steering ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a steering committee1 to be known as the ,save ,our ,seas ,innovation ,steering ,committee 7in this title referred as the ,committee7 to provide expert advice and recommendations in the establishment of the prize competition1 selection of awardees1 and analysis of the successes of the prize competition4 7b7 ,duties ,subject to subsection 7d71 with respect to the prize competition1 the ,committee shall-- 7#a7 select a topic2 7#b7 issue a problem statement2 and 7#c7 advise the ,secretary on any opportunity for market-scale development of technological innovation to prevent marine plastic debris and promote the development of materials that fully degrade in ocean and coastal environments without harming the environment1 wildlife1 or human health4 7c7 ,competition judges ,a member of the ,committee may serve as a judge for the prize competition under section #cje4 7d7 ,administrative cost reduction ,the ,committee shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 minimize the administrative costs of the ,committee1 including by encouraging remote participation to reduce travel costs4 7e7 ,consultation ,in selecting a topic and issuing a problem statement for the prize competition under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7b71 respectively1 the ,committee shall consult widely with ,federal and non-,federal stakeholders1 including-- 7#a7 #a or more ,federal agencies with jurisdiction over the prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative materials2 7#b7 #a or more ,state agencies with jurisdiction over the prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative materials2 7#c7 #a or more ,state1 regional1 or local conservation or post-consumer materials management organizations1 the mission of which relates to the prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative materials2 7#d7 #a or more conservation groups1 technology companies1 research institutions1 institutions of higher education1 industry associations1 or individual stakeholders with an interest in the prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative materials2 7#e7 #a or more experts in the area of standards development regarding the degradation1 breakdown1 or recycling of polymers2 and 7#f7 experts in the following areas3 7,a7 ,polymer chemistry4 7,b7 ,wildlife conservation and management4 7,c7 ,marine biology or animal science4 7,d7 ,post-consumer materials management4 7,e7 ,technology development4 7,f7 ,engineering4 7,g7 ,lifecycle assessment4 7,h7 ,economics4 7,i7 ,recycling4 7,j7 ,business development and management4 7,k7 ,marine environmental chemistry4 7,l7 ,any other discipline that the ,secretary determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of this title4 7f7 ,nonapplicability of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply with respect to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,applicability of financial disclosure requirements ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 section #bjh7;b77#c7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply with respect to ,government employees serving on the ,committee4 #cjd4 ,agreement with the ,marine ,debris ,foundation 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall offer to enter into an agreement1 which may include a grant or cooperative agreement1 under which the ,marine ,debris ,foundation established under title ,,ii shall administer the prize competition4 7b7 ,requirements ,an agreement entered into under subsection 7a7 shall comply with the following requirements3 7#a7 ,duties ,the ,marine ,debris ,foundation shall-- 7,a7 advertise the prize competition2 7,b7 solicit prize competition participants2 7,c7 administer funds relating to the prize competition2 7,d7 receive ,federal and non-,federal funds-- 7i7 to administer the prize competition2 and 7ii7 to award a cash prize2 7,e7 carry out activities to generate contributions of non-,federal funds to offset1 in whole or in part-- 7i7 the administrative costs of the prize competition2 and 7ii7 the costs of a cash prize2 7,f7 in consultation with1 and subject to final approval by1 the ,secretary1 develop criteria for the selection of prize competition winners2 7,g7 provide advice and consultation to the ,secretary on the selection of judges under section #cje based on criteria developed in consultation with1 and subject to the final approval of1 the ,secretary2 7,h7 announce #a or more annual winners of the prize competition2 7,i7 subject to paragraph 7#b71 award #a or more cash prizes biennially of not less than #ajj1jjj2 and 7,j7 protect against unauthorized use or disclosure by the ,marine ,debris ,foundation of any trade secret or confidential business information of a prize competition participant4 7#b7 ,additional cash prizes ,the ,marine ,debris ,foundation may award more than #a cash prize in a year-- 7,a7 if the initial cash prize referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,i7 and any additional cash prizes are awarded using only non-,federal funds2 and 7,b7 consisting of an amount determined by the ,under ,secretary after the ,secretary is notified by the ,marine ,debris ,foundation that non-,federal funds are available for an additional cash prize4 7#c7 ,solicitation of funds ,the ,marine ,debris ,foundation-- 7,a7 may request and accept ,federal funds and non-,federal funds for a cash prize or administration of the prize competition2 7,b7 may accept a contribution for a cash prize in exchange for the right to name the prize2 and 7,c7 shall not give special consideration to any ,federal agency or non-,federal entity in exchange for a donation for a cash prize awarded under this section4 #cje4 ,judges 7a7 ,appointment ,the ,secretary shall appoint not fewer than #c judges who shall1 except as provided in subsection 7b71 select the #a or more annual winners of the prize competition4 7b7 ,determination by the secretary ,the judges appointed under subsection 7a7 shall not select any annual winner of the prize competition if the ,secretary makes a determination that1 in any fiscal year1 none of the technological advancements entered into the prize competition merits an award4 #cjf4 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #fj days after the date on which a cash prize is awarded under this title1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the prize competition that includes-- 7#a7 a statement by the ,committee that describes the activities carried out by the ,committee relating to the duties described in section #cjc2 7#b7 if the ,secretary has entered into an agreement under section #cjd1 a statement by the ,marine ,debris ,foundation that describes the activities carried out by the ,marine ,debris ,foundation relating to the duties described in section #cjc2 and 7#c7 a statement by #a or more of the judges appointed under section #cje that explains the basis on which the winner of the cash prize was selected4 #cjg4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for expenses1 including administrative expenses1 relating to the prize competition4 7b7 ,reimbursement of expenses ,members of the ,committee and judges appointed under section #cje shall serve without pay1 but may be reimbursed for the actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses4 #cjh4 ,termination of authority ,the prize program will terminate after #e prize competition cycles have been completed4 ,,iv ,other measures relating to combating marine debris #dja4 ,prioritization of marine debris in existing innovation and entrepreneurship programs ,the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,secretary of ,energy1 the ,,epa ,administrator1 and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall prioritize efforts to combat marine debris in innovation and entrepreneurship programs established before the date of the enactment of this ,act1 including by using such programs to increase innovation in and the effectiveness of post-consumer materials management1 monitoring1 detection1 and data-sharing related to the prevalence and location of marine debris1 demand for recycled content1 alternative uses for plastic waste1 product design1 reduction of disposable plastic consumer products and packaging1 ocean biodegradable materials development1 waste prevention1 and cleanup4 #djb4 ,expansion of derelict vessel recycling ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,under ,secretary and the ,,epa ,administrator shall jointly conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a nationwide derelict vessel recycling program-- 7#a7 using as a model the fiberglass boat recycling program from the pilot project in ,rhode ,island led by ,rhode ,island ,sea ,grant and its partners2 and 7#b7 including1 if possible1 recycling of vessels made from materials other than fiberglass4 #djc4 ,incentive for fishermen to collect and dispose of plastic found at sea 7a7 ,in general ,the ,under ,secretary shall establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing incentives1 such as grants1 to fishermen based in the ,united ,states who incidentally capture marine debris while at sea-- 7#a7 to track or keep the debris on board2 and 7#b7 to dispose of the debris properly on land4 7b7 ,support for collection and removal of derelict gear ,the ,under ,secretary shall encourage ,united ,states efforts1 such as the ,fishing for ,energy net disposal program1 that support-- 7#a7 collection and removal of derelict fishing gear and other fishing waste2 7#b7 disposal or recycling of such gear and waste2 and 7#c7 prevention of the loss of such gear4 #djd4 ,amendments to ,marine ,debris ,program 7a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #i7;a7 of the ,marine ,debris ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aieh7;a77 is amended by-- 7#a7 striking #aj1jjj1jjj and inserting #ae1jjj1jjj2 and 7#b7 striking #e percent and inserting #g percent4 7b7 ,enhancement of purpose ,section #b of the ,marine ,debris ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aiea7 is amended by striking marine environment1 and inserting marine environment 7including waters in the jurisdiction of the ,united ,states1 the high seas1 and waters in the jurisdiction of other countries714 7c7 ,technical corrections ,section #c7;d77#b7 of the ,marine ,debris ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aieb7;d77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the matching requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting a matching requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,c72 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 by striking ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a7 and except as provided in subparagraph 7,b74 #dje4 ,marine debris on ,national ,forest ,system land 7a7 ,special-,use authorization ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 shall not require a volunteer organization to obtain a special-use authorization for the removal of any marine debris being stored on ,national ,forest ,system land4 7b7 ,temporary storage ,marine debris may be stored on ,national ,forest ,system land in a location determined by the ,secretary for not more than #fj days4 7c7 ,requirements ,except as otherwise provided in this section1 any activities related to the removal of marine debris from ,national ,forest ,system land shall be conducted in a manner consistent with applicable law and regulations and subject to such reasonable terms and conditions as the ,secretary may require4 ,v ,studies and reports #eja4 ,report on opportunities for innovative uses of plastic waste ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,marine ,debris ,coordinating ,committee established under section #e of the ,marine ,debris ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aied7 7in this title referred to as the ,interagency ,marine ,debris ,coordinating ,committee7 shall submit to ,congress a report on innovative uses for plastic waste other than in infrastructure4 #ejb4 ,report on microfiber pollution ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,interagency ,marine ,debris ,coordinating ,committee shall submit to ,congress a report on microfiber pollution that includes-- 7#a7 a definition for microfiber2 7#b7 an assessment of the sources1 prevalence1 and causes of microfiber pollution2 7#c7 a recommendation for a standardized methodology to measure and estimate the prevalence of microfiber pollution2 7#d7 recommendations for reducing microfiber pollution2 and 7#e7 a plan for how ,federal agencies1 in partnership with other stakeholders1 can lead on opportunities to reduce microfiber pollution during the #e-year period beginning on such date of enactment4 #ejc4 ,study on ,united ,states plastic pollution data 7a7 ,in general ,the ,under ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,,epa ,administrator1 shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine under which the ,national ,academies will undertake a multifaceted study that includes the following3 7#a7 ,an evaluation of ,united ,states contributions to global ocean plastic waste1 including types1 sources1 and geographic variations4 7#b7 ,an assessment of the prevalence of marine debris and mismanaged plastic waste in saltwater and freshwater ,united ,states waterways4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,under ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 the findings of the ,national ,academies2 7#b7 recommendations on knowledge gaps that warrant further scientific inquiry2 and 7#c7 recommendations on the potential value of a national marine debris tracking and monitoring system and how such a system might be designed and implemented4 #ejd4 ,report on minimizing the creation of new plastic waste ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,interagency ,marine ,debris ,coordinating ,committee shall submit to ,congress a report on minimizing the creation of new plastic waste4 #eje4 ,study on mass balance methodologies to certify circular polymers 7a7 ,in general ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall conduct a study of available mass balance methodologies that are or could be readily standardized to certify circular polymers4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,institute shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 an identification and assessment of existing mass balance methodologies1 standards1 and certification systems that are or may be applicable to supply chain sustainability of polymers1 considering the full life cycle of the polymer1 and including an examination of-- 7,a7 the ,international ,sustainability and ,carbon ,certification2 and 7,b7 the ,roundtable on ,sustainable ,biomaterials2 and 7#b7 an assessment of any legal or regulatory barriers to developing a standard and certification system for circular polymers4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,circular polymers ,the term circular polymers means polymers that can be reused multiple times or converted into a new1 higher-quality product4 7#b7 ,mass balance methodology ,the term mass balance methodology means the method of chain of custody accounting designed to track the exact total amount of certain content in products or materials through the production system and to ensure an appropriate allocation of this content in the finished goods based on auditable bookkeeping4