1.This Act may be cited as the
Ocean Conservation, Education, and
National Strategy for the 21st Century Act
.
2.The table of
contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Purpose.
Sec. 4. Definitions.
Title I—National ocean governance
Sec. 101. National Ocean Policy and principles.
Sec. 102. National Ocean Advisor.
Sec. 103. Committee on Ocean Policy.
Sec. 104. Coordination plan.
Sec. 105. Council of Advisors on Ocean Policy.
Title II—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Organic
Act
Sec. 201. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
Sec. 202. Functions.
Sec. 203. Administration leadership.
Sec. 204. National Weather Service.
Sec. 205. Science Advisory Board.
Sec. 206. Restructuring plan.
Sec. 207. Reprogramming requests.
Sec. 208. Savings provisions.
Sec. 209. Report.
Sec. 210. Function defined.
Title III—Regional Coordination and Planning
Sec. 301. Regional ocean coordination.
Sec. 302. Regional Ocean Partnerships.
Sec. 303. Regional Ocean Strategic Plans.
Sec. 304. Regulations.
Sec. 305. Other authority.
Title IV—Authorization of appropriations and establishment of
trust fund
Sec. 401. Establishment of fund.
Sec. 402. Payments to States.
Sec. 403. Eligibility for funding.
Sec. 404. Funding procedures.
Sec. 405. Equitable allocation.
Sec. 406. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 407. Healthy Ocean Stamp.
Sec. 408. Limitation on use of available amounts for
administration.
Sec. 409. Recordkeeping requirements.
Sec. 410. Maintenance of effort and matching
funding.
3.The purpose of this Act is to secure, for
present and future generations of people of the United States, the full range
of ecological, economic, educational, social, cultural, nutritional, and
recreational benefits of healthy marine ecosystems, by—
(1)establishing and
implementing a National Ocean Policy;
(2)promoting
ecologically sustainable ocean resource use and management by strengthening and
empowering ocean governance on regional and Federal levels;
(3)promoting
ecosystem-based approaches to management of United States ocean waters, coastal
waters, and ocean resources; and
(4)establishing an
ocean and Great Lakes conservation trust fund to support the purposes and
policies of this Act.
4.In this Act:
(1)The
term Administrationmeans the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration provided for in section 201.
(2)The
term Administrator means the Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
(3)The
term Advisormeans the National Ocean Advisor appointed under
section 102.
(4)Coastal
political subdivisionThe term coastal political
subdivision means a political subdivision of a coastal State all or part
of which political subdivision is within the coastal zone (as defined in
section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C.
1453)).
(5)Coastal
population densityThe term coastal population
density means the population as determined by the most recent census
data in the State’s coastal zone as determined pursuant to the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.).
(6)The term coastal State—
(A)subject to
subparagraph (B), means a State of the United States in, or bordering on, the
Atlantic, Pacific, or Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Long Island Sound, or
one or more of the Great Lakes; and
(B)includes Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, and American Samoa.
(7)The term coastal waters means the waters
within the coastal zone as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453), which includes such waters as bays and
estuaries.
(8)Ecosystem-based
managementThe term ecosystem-based management means
an integrated approach to management that—
(A)considers the
entire ecosystem, including humans, and accounts for interactions among the
ecosystem, the range of activities affecting the ecosystem, and the management
of such activities;
(B)aims to maintain
ecosystems in a healthy, productive, sustainable, and resilient condition so
that they can provide the services humans want and need;
(C)emphasizes the
protection of ecosystem structure, function, patterns, and important
processes;
(D)considers the
impacts, including cumulative impacts, of the range of activities affecting an
ecosystem that fall within geographical boundaries of the ecosystem;
(E)explicitly
accounts for the interconnectedness within an ecosystem, such as food webs, and
acknowledges the interconnectedness among systems, such as between air, land,
and sea; and
(F)integrates
ecological, social, economic, and institutional perspectives, recognizing their
strong interdependences.
(9)The term Federal agency means any department,
agency, or instrumentality of the United States.
(10)Important
ecological areaThe term important ecological area
means an area that contributes significantly to local or larger marine
ecosystem health or is an especially unique or sensitive marine
ecosystem.
(11)The term marine ecosystem
healthmeans the ability of an ecosystem in ocean waters or coastal
waters to support and maintain patterns, important processes, and productive,
sustainable, and resilient communities of organisms, having a species
composition, diversity, and functional organization resulting from the natural
habitat of the region, such that it is capable of supporting a variety of
activities and provides a complete range of ecological benefits
including—
(A)a complete
diversity of native species and habitats wherein each native species is able to
maintain an abundance, population structure, and distribution supporting its
ecological and evolutionary functions, patterns, and processes; and
(B)a physical,
chemical, geological, and microbial environment that is supportive of the
requirements of this paragraph.
(12)The term National Ocean Policymeans the
policy set forth in section 101(a).
(13)The term ocean region means such a region
designated under section 301(c).
(14)The term ocean resourcesmeans any living,
nonliving, or cultural amenities in ocean waters or coastal waters.
(15)The term ocean watersmeans the zone extending
from the baseline from which the breadth of the United States territorial sea
is measured to the extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone as specified in
Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983, including the
territorial waters of the Great Lakes and the waters of the continental shelf
to which the United States is granted sovereign rights under international
law.
<enum>I</enum><header>National ocean
governance</header>
<section id="HC0C1C5AD128343BBA37CAF25BB7E3648"><enum>101.</enum><header>National Ocean
Policy and principles</header>
<subsection id="HFB3B5B36A90B479EA55546CAEFEE697F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>National ocean
policy</header>
<paragraph id="H52F22E65821F4F2CA200A4464F366657"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>It is the policy of the United States to protect,
maintain, and restore marine ecosystem health in order to fulfill the
ecological, economic, educational, social, cultural, nutritional, recreational,
and other requirements of current and future generations of Americans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H7E661D660AE14B76A10389C635353F18"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Principles</header><text>The
National Ocean Policy shall be implemented in accordance with the following
principles:</text>
<subparagraph id="HA4A3C80003F0449681539BB5952D6CB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Policies, programs,
and activities should minimize negative environmental impacts to ocean waters,
coastal waters, and ocean resources and be conducted so that by themselves or
cumulatively they do not undermine efforts to protect, maintain, and restore
marine ecosystem health.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H07768DC27C5E422EA18463CB2B4196D9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Ocean waters,
coastal waters, and ocean resources should be managed to meet the needs of the
present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their needs.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD4EEDDE554CD4B54A8296E75C36547BA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Ocean waters,
coastal waters, and ocean resources should be managed using ecosystem-based
management.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9C363685356D40B594DFE684356CF69F"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The lack of
scientific certainty should not be used as justification for postponing action
to prevent negative environmental impacts. In cases in which significant
threats to marine ecosystem health exist, the best of the available science
should be used to manage ocean waters, coastal waters, and ocean resources in a
manner that gives the greatest weight to the protection, maintenance, and
restoration of marine ecosystem health.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9782321146B249AC94EBCC60B80287AC"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Policies,
programs, and activities recognize the interconnectedness of the land,
atmosphere including climate, and oceans including ocean waters, coastal
waters, and ocean resources, and should recognize that actions affecting one of
these, such as the climate, are likely to affect another, such as ocean
resources.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAEFD846327FB4D0495B15F4F2CE81200"><enum>(F)</enum><text>Potential uses of
ocean waters, coastal waters, and ocean resources should be managed in a way
that balances competing uses and does not undermine efforts to protect,
maintain, and restore marine ecosystem health.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HC929A648B5984F5FB338DD62310078F6"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Implementation</header>
<paragraph id="H3CDCBA913E0F416DBF9FB83B525741D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>To
the fullest extent possible and to the extent not inconsistent with other laws,
each Federal agency shall interpret and administer policies, regulations and
laws in accordance with the National Ocean Policy.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H48948EE980464CD6AD272FD42B5B7576"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Guidance</header>
<subparagraph id="H35AE0948C0174D5591333DAF000496F3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the National Ocean Advisor shall develop and issue guidance,
consistent with the National Ocean Policy, for the development of Federal
agency regulations to implement the National Ocean Policy.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H579C002FC92B47A3A740922342EF2F00"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Public
participation</header><text>The National Ocean Advisor shall provide adequate
opportunity for public comment and review during the development of the
guidance under subparagraph (A).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HB5B439D6C8924FC100EC6F92829EAF8E"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Agency
actions</header>
<paragraph id="HE006846AA78F417DBB00584B48B0197"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Regulations</header>
<subparagraph id="H2FA0DAC1258C41A8AE001181B488C18B"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Within 2 years after the issuance of the guidance under
subsection (b)(2), each Federal agency shall issue new or revised regulations
as necessary to ensure consistency with the National Ocean Policy for actions
undertaken, authorized, or funded by the agency that may significantly affect
ocean waters, coastal waters, or ocean resources.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD16AB5FBEAF34E2794D789D2C8829CC"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Public
comment</header><text>The head of each Federal agency shall—</text>
<clause id="HF272E6E71D984AD8AC8F909444000456"><enum>(i)</enum><text>publish proposed
regulations under this subsection in the Federal Register; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HB6E4743200924FB595007382560985CE"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provide a period
for public comment of not less than 60 days before final regulations are
published under this subsection.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF74D2D5234174994A9F5E6AB31D6B101"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 1 year after the issuance of the
guidance under subsection (b)(2), each Federal agency, shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="HFDACE507993B46B0887D60972FA23792"><enum>(A)</enum><text>conduct a review
of the existing policies, regulations, and laws that apply to the agency and
identify any inconsistencies that preclude the agency from fully implementing
the National Ocean Policy; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H229D2EAD92A64E61B6B26C7B5EC6F7A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit to the
Committee on Ocean Policy, the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate a report on such review that includes proposals as may be necessary
to eliminate such inconsistencies.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HA3E2D3C2AE01433CAC02F2565B193ED7"><enum>102.</enum><header>National Ocean
Advisor</header>
<subsection id="H0726D64917A84DB78C446B32015D4BDC"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header>
<paragraph id="HF5A5EB43B56F4667A139C659A8E2681D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There is established in the Executive Office of the
President a National Ocean Advisor, who shall be appointed by the President, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall not be an employee of
any Federal agency represented on the Committee on Ocean Policy.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9BFBAC717D9A4FFC8735752E9D84DBB5"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compensation</header><text>The
Advisor shall be paid at a rate specified by the President not to exceed the
rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5136 of title
5, United States Code.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2DE22380163F4ADF8845037C662B911B"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Qualifications</header><text>The
individual appointed as the Advisor must be a person who, as a result of his or
her training, experience, and attainments, is well qualified—</text>
<subparagraph id="H7515C51F2A6F4DD09D83B55EE1EDDC2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to analyze and
interpret marine ecosystem trends and all relevant information related to such
trends;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE429803718224591B63600913152A724"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to appraise
programs and activities of the Federal Government in light of the National
Ocean Policy; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H389A88784AF747028875CC897EDF07DD"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to formulate and
recommend actions and decisions to promote marine ecosystem health.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE890C2A6C8434497B5F603DCB893C4F9"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
Advisor shall—</text>
<paragraph id="H7CE91802BCBF45C9BDF7CC726FFDAC3D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>advise the
President on implementation of this Act, activities of the Committee on Ocean
Policy, and other matters relating to ocean waters, coastal waters, ocean
resources, and maintaining marine ecosystem health;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H67A30A4286B9470AB7B5CECC400044B0"><enum>(2)</enum><text>serve as the chair
of the Committee on Ocean Policy established by section 103;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H05D4A0FA90F54DF29E4990476EF7DA59"><enum>(3)</enum><text>lead efforts to
coordinate Federal agency actions to implement the National Ocean
Policy;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB20F3CFA25B14AD7863491AE04301B00"><enum>(4)</enum><text>establish a
process, in consultation with the Committee on Ocean Policy, for resolving
interagency disputes and advise Federal agencies as requested regarding the
implementation of the National Ocean Policy; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8212496BD3FA4931A5A084F9AFBD8D68"><enum>(5)</enum><text>develop, issue,
and revise as needed, the guidance required under section 101(b)(2).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H290AA0A5AC6744849EE32D3129C6F6A4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Staffing</header>
<paragraph id="H5039D410FFFF4E6F9B7D10E7F6970B5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Staff</header><text>The
Advisor may employ such staff as may be necessary to carry out his or her
functions under this Act.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA96AA4173D2447BDA914245EC19597DE"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Uncompensated
services</header><text>The Advisor may accept, utilize, and terminate voluntary
and uncompensated services in furtherance of his or her functions.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H146E3E55F9D24E20850431C91C5D67F9"><enum>103.</enum><header>Committee on
Ocean Policy</header>
<subsection id="H6E548372566945029B79F628232B2E26"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>There
is established in the Executive Office of the President a Committee on Ocean
Policy, which succeeds the Committee on Ocean Policy established on December
17, 2004, by Executive Order 13366 and shall continue the activities of that
committee as it was in existence on the day before the date of enactment of
this Act unless otherwise stated by this Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H383E52FF56F84DFCABC0B733F4B559C1"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
Committee shall—</text>
<paragraph id="H85897C8A22C14D61BC809F0044D9C15F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>within 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, review and appraise the various laws,
programs, and activities of the Federal Government for consistency with the
National Ocean Policy, determine whether existing Federal agencies’ authorities
are adequate to implement the National Ocean Policy, and prepare
recommendations regarding any resources or new authorities that are needed for
that implementation;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H018D6F2A53534985A7A47B09E87E9540"><enum>(2)</enum><text>review and prepare
recommendations regarding agency ocean budgets and their sufficiency to achieve
the National Ocean Policy;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1796D7556155407F00AD289BBC08EB17"><enum>(3)</enum><text>obtain and provide
information to facilitate and advance the efforts of Regional Ocean
Partnerships in accordance with title III; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H7AF1441A3AB44AEAA5E8ED544E87F9A7"><enum>(4)</enum><text>facilitate
coordination and integration of Federal activities in ocean waters and coastal
waters and develop, and update as needed, a coordination plan in accordance
with section 104.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H493B5BE9DE414140933B8BD8EBFAE89C"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Chair</header><text>The
National Ocean Advisor shall be the Chair of the Committee, and shall, in that
capacity, be responsible for—</text>
<paragraph id="H9CB98CF4C4054899891B01626DDDA639"><enum>(1)</enum><text>regularly
convening and presiding at meetings of the Committee;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H62137742B35D4E5A835B08FB395F6BD7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>directing the work
of the Committee; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H75C74300522D481488D235A4C5BA9272"><enum>(3)</enum><text>establishing and
directing subcommittees of the Committee, as appropriate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HED1E666D2D924B369E03E29FBD004EE8"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Membership</header>
<paragraph id="H42F36D1BE4654F2890ADF8BC27A46307"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Committee shall have the following voting
members:</text>
<subparagraph id="H25C5D3BE1D63453EBAF7A6BB1FFD3700"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Secretary of
Commerce.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD0269DC6984446C6BE24B2DF5800A2DA"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary of
State.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H04E1D667D2EB4CB39500C9497E727D"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The Secretary of the
Interior.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5F195FB92EB5430FB96820C511F50446"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The Secretary of
Defense.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9539530E67AF4E199B6F5CAFCEB437D6"><enum>(E)</enum><text>The Secretary of
Agriculture.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC95152D848754ED4AC3BFB93E006B900"><enum>(F)</enum><text>The Secretary of
Transportation.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H99650AA7DF0A47348955399688151EED"><enum>(G)</enum><text>The Secretary of
Homeland Security.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5DE2CE5696BD4E749F185BFEF398FB5"><enum>(H)</enum><text>The Secretary of
Energy.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE692F78CCED94B35B5017CC328D03CCE"><enum>(I)</enum><text>The Administrator
of the Environmental Protection Agency.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCCC51C4712424BE4A500BC66127F0640"><enum>(J)</enum><text>The Director of
the Office of Management and Budget.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAC4F687CA99B4A2DB42EB86432B123B9"><enum>(K)</enum><text>The Director of
the National Science Foundation.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H43827871DA75417486F2B3E1DE88C63"><enum>(L)</enum><text>Six State Governors
appointed by the National Governors Association, who shall represent State and
local interests.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE551C567167E471FA4BDD75CBD04BAEB"><enum>(M)</enum><text>The Administrator
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H91498DDE21EB4B16BE51001E00023FED"><enum>(N)</enum><text>The Chair of the
Council on Environmental Quality.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF842FEDB1FAA448A87026FF618A0E6DF"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Delegation</header><text>A
member of the Committee may delegate the authority to perform the Committee or
subcommittee functions of the member, to any individual who is employed by such
member’s department, agency, or office and who is—</text>
<subparagraph id="H8299F290900F44588D0099159FD8F0AE"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an officer of the
United States appointed by the President;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H41A8A94BF1374407B286D076213FA830"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a member of the
Senior Executive Service; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H148D8A6E503C44248788D4BE7CFE488"><enum>(C)</enum><text>an officer or
employee within the Executive Office of the President.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H3CD35CED74994A2C8C84FE3E006EB0EB"><enum>(3)</enum><header>State governor
members</header>
<subparagraph id="H8D2D8565DAC348DCA7DB100050B23734"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>The
members appointed under paragraph (1)(L) shall be chosen to provide broad
geographical representation. Of those members, at least 4 shall be Governors of
coastal States.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H54F1F658801D4FB1B0F7ACA19800CCFC"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Limitation on
appointment</header><text>A Governor of a State may not be appointed under
paragraph (1)(L) to serve on the Committee in the 4-year period following the
prior service on the Committee by a Governor of that State.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3C7F30E48AE54F1D9BBA749C00C36D00"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Term;
reappointment</header><text>A member appointed under paragraph (1)(L)—</text>
<clause id="H9EB02C554D8D4687001666DBF500B054"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shall be appointed
for a term of 4 years; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H1C161752053045EAAAC4FF7E343F268F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>shall be eligible
for reappointment consistent with subparagraph (B).</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEBA1B75E114649A1984D33744C2E0969"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Replacement</header><text>Any
member who cannot serve the full length of the member’s term may be replaced by
another individual who can serve the remainder of that term.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8F6C6FDF435E4B60AC1B66938E00937F"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Subcommittees</header><text>The
Chair of the Committee, in consultation with the Administrator, may create such
subcommittees of the Committee as necessary to help carry out the functions of
the Committee.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H5026B3159E344DDC94158C54E7A63126"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Coordination</header><text>The
Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality and the National Ocean Advisor
shall ensure appropriate coordination of the activities of the Committee and
other policy coordination structures relating to ocean or maritime
issues.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H23F73A6B2A614D309308683DA09C2140"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Staff</header>
<paragraph id="H94F9F7310D4642F4ADCBBA6E9E7CB1C7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Chair may employ such employees as may be necessary
to carry out the functions of the Committee under this Act.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCC3D7E4DCE3D48EABAF8CAD27000F3F4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Voluntary and
uncompensated services</header><text>The Chair may accept, utilize, and
terminate voluntary and uncompensated services in furtherance of the functions
of the Committee.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE2A3F039337A458A9BAF191D4FBEC5C9"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Information</header><text>In
carrying out its functions under this Act, the Committee may secure directly
from any Federal agency or department any information it considers to be
necessary to carry out its functions under this Act. Each such agency or
department shall cooperate with the Committee and, to the extent permitted by
law, shall furnish such information (other than information described in
section 552(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States Code) to the Committee, upon
request of the Committee.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HE059347B38AC4BE495C876DCE6306B00"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Federal advisory
committee act</header>
<paragraph id="HF54F8F5D095D43E596783E0579E447F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall
not apply to the Committee on Ocean Policy, or any of its subcommittees formed
in accordance with subsection (e).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF15158812E18403087932B349CB990A1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compliance</header><text>Notwithstanding
paragraph (1), the Committee and its subcommittees shall be appointed and
operate in a manner consistent with all provisions of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act with respect to—</text>
<subparagraph id="HEF53AD0066994A85A1414599D96E289B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the balance of its
membership;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H820DE7518D1241609D6B75ADD0E1F703"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provision of
public notice regarding its activities;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5ACBB82F5A884E28865997DFEAD98559"><enum>(C)</enum><text>open meetings;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDD0B7CDBDE0749E9970063CFD7D509AE"><enum>(D)</enum><text>public access to
documents created by the Committee.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H7B3AE4F93FC84509966185A898BEF84D"><enum>104.</enum><header>Coordination
plan</header>
<subsection id="H39FCE33B41B6492FB41F6B5851D2EC51"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Coordination
plan</header><text>The Committee on Ocean Policy shall submit to the Congress
by not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, a plan
for coordinating Federal activities in ocean waters and coastal waters
that—</text>
<paragraph id="H974A09F403514E21ADB582F02AC9B00"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is
consistent with the National Ocean Policy;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2B6470CAB97540FC9DECFCAE73AB45D1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>designates a lead
Federal agency for each existing activity and new activity in Federal waters
and identifies a process for coordination of such activities among
agencies;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H369D56D6983E4D319353009650E08745"><enum>(3)</enum><text>identifies the
process by which Federal agencies will coordinate with and participate in the
Regional Ocean Partnerships established under title III and establishes Federal
regional ocean partnership teams to participate in that process;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE7F7788617194F2F8848487291425668"><enum>(4)</enum><text>considers possible
consolidation of oceanic or atmospheric programs, functions, services, or
resources within or among Federal agencies, if their consolidation would not
undermine the National Ocean Policy;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3EFA057A22F14AC8B5704DB88EDDB783"><enum>(5)</enum><text>includes
recommendations prepared under section 103(b)(1) for any resources or new
authorities that Federal agencies may need to implement the National Ocean
Policy;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HDAD84B80D9D541098D9DA58F24CC73B7"><enum>(6)</enum><text>includes
recommendations prepared under section 103(b)(2) regarding agency ocean budgets
and their sufficiency to achieve the National Ocean Policy; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA1D4880A780D415FA663A3DE9CD2C6CF"><enum>(7)</enum><text>includes a report
on the condition of ocean waters, coastal waters, and ocean resources and the
progress toward meeting the goals of the National Ocean Policy.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H36BF45EF57794D48A13736A302A0637E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Review and
update</header><text>The Committee on Ocean Policy shall review and update the
coordination plan as needed, but at least every 6 years.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H0E2F2E1AEA2B415791C4A2F450050C3"><enum>105.</enum><header>Council of
Advisors on Ocean Policy</header>
<subsection id="HDE7CA77266064E8A955CF080DD198489"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>There
is established the Council of Advisors on Ocean Policy, which shall advise the
President on policies to protect, maintain, and restore marine ecosystem health
on a regional and national basis.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HE572F17F774B4672A526E2DFF41FD56"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Chair</header><text>The
President shall designate a non-Federal member of the Council to serve as Chair
of the Council. The term of the Chair shall be 4 years. The Chair shall be
responsible for—</text>
<paragraph id="H7D9C79920FB744DBBDC5A0EEEE3E8956"><enum>(1)</enum><text>convening meetings
at least two times a year; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H6461D730391D4811854D8C564538C7C7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>directing the work
of the Council.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEDD3EF6D631D4E949E3B00454758D6D4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Membership</header><text>The
Council shall have at least 20 members appointed by the President, in
consultation with the National Ocean Advisor (who shall serve as an ex officio
member of the Council). Such members of the Council shall—</text>
<paragraph id="HDC5A15E1E81B4476B2B84F7C23F7BF78"><enum>(1)</enum><text>be appointed based
on their knowledge and experience in coastal, ocean, and atmospheric science,
policy, and other related areas; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3D93CAA11CFE433BB3626358036F8CA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>include at least 1
representative from—</text>
<subparagraph id="H0BAB81BC732B472799CD90F3DD274278"><enum>(A)</enum><text>local
governments;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD09653C15975456887AC1F9F36911D62"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Indian
tribes;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H37B5090612394F5BA4F7EC57BDB9C4E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the marine science
research community;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1B054E083A9E42439F06BEB2B1252848"><enum>(D)</enum><text>the marine science
education community;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC573A983674842309BCE1146F5C64D43"><enum>(E)</enum><text>the commercial
fishing sector;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H75B6CFA022614E28829234FB6EA3E3A"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the commercial seafood sector;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H116EA3ABA89249BAA95F07C5BD3F5C1C"><enum>(G)</enum><text>the recreational
fishing sector;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBCC3E2DB0E924DD6B044F743DD8392F8"><enum>(H)</enum><text>the energy
development, the shipping and transportation, and the marine tourism
industries;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H295A7397CFB349249F5700122617E0ED"><enum>(I)</enum><text>agriculture, which
may include timber;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAD6C4BAA0AD94EA5AC7F844D008D00DE"><enum>(J)</enum><text>watershed
organizations (other than organizations represented under subparagraph (J)),
which may include resource conservation districts; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H65798CFA94AE40E1AB5736BFA1FC8A3"><enum>(K)</enum><text>nongovernmental
organizations (other than organizations represented under subparagraph (I)),
including groups interested in marine conservation.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HF687AB32DA3D431CA1DE2B238023500"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Terms of
membership</header>
<paragraph id="HD1AD136C8959453C9726EB6536E28CD9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The term of a member of the Council shall be 4
years.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H91B48F23A6364CB200BC412C2011AC0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Initial
appointees</header><text>Of the members initially appointed to the
Council—</text>
<subparagraph id="HEFFEFC524FD74E9AB98C46823CB65ED7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>at least one-half
shall be appointed to a 4-year term that ends in a Federal election year in
which there occurs an election of the President; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD3A7390F623C43088F1BBCFEC3141195"><enum>(B)</enum><text>at least one-half
shall be appointed to a 4-year term that ends in a Federal election year in
which there does not occur an election of the President.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HAD6BC93088C744409FC8D6A1A1300000"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Vacancies</header><text>Any
member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term
for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for
the remainder of that term.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H14347148B7C7422DA6BFADF4C111FC"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>An
individual may not serve more than 2 terms as a member of the Council.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H53651E8641ED45B5B2EF147248BA6F7"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Compensation and
expenses</header><text>A member of the Council shall not receive compensation
for service on the Council, but upon request by the member may be allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H5655EE2481AE4CB5BA676BE86C616F60"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Federal Advisory
Committee Act</header>
<paragraph id="H5C01F7A1FEDD4BE288565BA1414D7FB9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall
not apply to the Council.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H56933ECE8E2846468CF9ABF9B8D339F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compliance</header><text>Notwithstanding
paragraph (1), the Council shall be appointed and operate in a manner
consistent with all provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act with
respect to—</text>
<subparagraph id="HBC80F4F1CC3E41B08821EB4438487B2F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the balance of its
membership;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H54A8629BB03C4E649100ADC3EFE1E567"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provision of
public notice regarding its activities;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF3693BEFC51148249C78EFD7E7C19B86"><enum>(C)</enum><text>open meetings;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDF0388C2C9B14B2C8B70AB6DB63D416D"><enum>(D)</enum><text>public access to
documents created by the Council.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>II</enum><header>National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration Organic Act</header>
<section id="HEFEFA28C159841B3B5081603E617F889"><enum>201.</enum><header>National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</header>
<subsection id="H840B939DF9D54AC9A0E6B6A654EE2882"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as
in effect immediately before the enactment of this Act, shall be an
administration in the Department of Commerce. Except as otherwise provided in
this Act (including the amendments and repeals made by this Act)—</text>
<paragraph id="H1FBBA335E8E94F2A97D11871E0C4AEFC"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the Administration
shall have the administrative structure, officers, functions, and authorities
it had immediately before the enactment of this Act, including under
Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (5 U.S.C. App.); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HED142AC4E8B242BEAFC2A013A3F2FCD7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the Administrator
shall have the authority, subject to the availability of appropriations—</text>
<subparagraph id="H52276F75B0E84324BE46E406CE4292B3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to create,
support, and maintain joint centers, and to enter into and perform contracts,
leases, grants, or cooperative agreements on terms the Administrator considers
appropriate;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H888884C51DF3435B81DA1975207C10A4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to disseminate
information and conduct education and outreach in direct support of the
purposes of this Act; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3380F565F0104B8480639145A0CCA2B2"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to accept
interagency financing of boards or similar groups to carry out interagency
activities for which the Administration serves as a lead agency.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H98974BF65BF94F639B47E95B7F5100EB"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Mission</header><text>The
Administration shall be the civilian agency of the Federal Government
principally responsible for—</text>
<paragraph id="HB8C31E7B194C454B86BF5D56F005DC0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>providing to the
Nation oceanic, weather, atmospheric, and climate services and research;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1E3E65584D40428EB63EBFD81D8222E"><enum>(2)</enum><text>monitoring changes
in the earth’s environment; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H81CE9CA2E2414F01B26F21844C30EF95"><enum>(3)</enum><text>conducting and
supporting research, conservation, management, education and outreach regarding
ocean and coastal resources, weather, and climate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H4683F280E48B4D179214948FE967781D"><enum>202.</enum><header>Functions</header>
<subsection id="H5D198911208142439491B946A8B17D14"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Administrator shall perform the following functions
to carry out the mission set forth in section 201(b) in a coordinated,
integrated, and ecosystem-based manner for the benefit of the Nation:</text>
<paragraph id="HDC69D5283E094F89B352C6E0735E0900"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Management,
conservation, protection, and restoration of ocean and coastal resources,
including living marine resources, habitats, maritime heritage resources, and
ocean ecosystems.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H53A29F881E7E472F932D68B6CDE6B9D2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Observation,
monitoring, assessment, forecasting, prediction, operations, and exploration
for ocean, coastal, and atmospheric environments including weather, space
weather, climate, navigation, and marine resources.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8B55080F7E2C48A5852E7F4F77D087EB"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Research,
education and outreach, development of hydrographic products and services,
technical assistance, technology development, and innovation activities
relating to ocean and atmospheric environments including basic and applied
scientific research and activities that support other agency functions and
missions.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H407F7DD7A85646CE84000059AD84293"><enum>(b)</enum><header>State and federal
coordination</header><text>The Administrator shall ensure that Administration
programs and activities collaborate with State and Federal programs to
encourage cooperation, coordination, and integration of State and Federal
coastal, oceanic, and atmospheric programs, including the planning and
implementation of regional and ecosystem-based activities.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HEC3370D11E0E40D8B9D77EA019E86D53"><enum>(c)</enum><header>International
coordination</header>
<paragraph id="H1B2EF5481FC24254812B4DF04715C221"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Cooperation by
administrator</header><text>The Administrator shall cooperate to the fullest
extent practicable with the Secretary of State in providing representation at
all meetings and conferences relating to actions or activities described in
this Act in which representatives of the United States and foreign countries
participate.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA2C6933C8BC64DF58D949CDFF560FD4E"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consultation
with administrator</header><text>The Secretary of State and any other officer
of the United States with responsibility for agreements, treaties, or
understandings with foreign nations and international organizations shall
consult with the Administrator whenever the subject matter or activity involved
relates to a function of the Administrator.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2CD834A302F24AC9A3078200336BF0DB"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Authority of
Secretary of Commerce not affected</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">This subsection does not affect the
authority of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to international fishing
agreements.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H47B3C6A147584E0EB1DE6B37B2C1A2F1"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Partnerships</header><text>The
Administrator may promote, support, and enter into agreements with academia,
industry, conservation groups, educators, and other interested persons to
improve the effectiveness of Administration programs and activities and enhance
public awareness and understanding of Administration science, service, and
stewardship missions.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H2291AEF0D01D4128ACDF3F3EB30466D"><enum>203.</enum><header>Administration
leadership</header>
<subsection id="HE58D5BE3B2714FC491EFF5CFEAE123EE"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Under Secretary
of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator</header>
<paragraph id="H48143581E7084140929400F0DBE8E3D7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There shall be, as the Administrator and head of the
Administration, an Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. The
Administrator shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9EABE6F2DC90479084388EDC50C313F9"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
Administrator, as head of the Administration, shall be responsible for—</text>
<subparagraph id="H2B946E8C937D4D4CB6AA7C2B642F610"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the functions under
section 202(a);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H55DB26BAFD3B4B8099DCCE172E81ACFE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>general management
and supervision of the operations of the Administration;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB04B8B89E93A4185BA427B21F6BB26F8"><enum>(C)</enum><text>policy development
and guidance;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAC66AF573DE04ED28E06E539398113E8"><enum>(D)</enum><text>formulation,
guidance, and execution of budget for the Administration;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H511894A5149648018B0789419133B212"><enum>(E)</enum><text>serving as the
Department of Commerce official for all ocean and atmosphere issues with other
elements of the Department of Commerce and with other Federal agencies, State,
tribal, and local governments, and the public; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5212B981EF514374A08D1C2080C9068C"><enum>(F)</enum><text>such other duties
with respect to the Administration as the Secretary may prescribe.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H3EEC84508FD24E18BD270007EB4068F"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy
Administrator</header>
<paragraph id="H423C5B3753724EA5946E1C36EFCA8850"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There shall be, as Deputy Administrator of the
Administration, an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
The Deputy Administrator shall be appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Administrator shall be the
Administrator’s first assistant for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 33 of
title 5, United States Code.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5BF207E017414EA0B400EDF0DCF5F3B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
Deputy Administrator shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="HC4DAF427F3D246C784DBCACA7CEAF202"><enum>(A)</enum><text>serve as an
advisor to the Administrator on all program and policy issues;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H334E99546FB240B8982E178E2E3031C1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>perform such
functions and exercise such powers as the Administrator may prescribe;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5518413745FB45C7A941C334003645B9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>act as
Administrator during the absence or disability of the Administrator or in the
event of a vacancy in the office of Administrator.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H831AC2A3FA914D379EBFF04D009C934"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Deputy Under
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Chief Operating
Officer</header>
<paragraph id="HDF146C5323894AD9BE73594D3D85FFC3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There shall, be as the Chief Operating Officer of the
Administration, a Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
The Deputy Under Secretary shall be appointed by the Secretary. The position of
Deputy Under Secretary shall be a Senior Executive Service position authorized
under section 3133 of title 5, United States Code.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB87A0966F0A44D5995840006FF3ED2E1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
Deputy Under Secretary shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="HEA6A42C8C7D842B6ADECFD9149BE6651"><enum>(A)</enum><text>ensure the timely
and effective implementation of Administration policies and objectives;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H53BAAAE765B848E4B14DE34B9C3C6C51"><enum>(B)</enum><text>be responsible for
all aspects of the Administration’s operations and management, including
budget, financial operations, information services, facilities, human
resources, procurements, and associated services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA44461573C1949DCB6FCEEB0B4A596CC"><enum>(C)</enum><text>act as the
Assistant Secretary during the absence or disability of the Assistant Secretary
or in the event of a vacancy in such position; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFBAD9BD4462342A480E700F5CC75CC2C"><enum>(D)</enum><text>perform such other
duties as the Administrator shall prescribe.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HA52B063D5E704E708FBC8E32C9F80008"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Deputy assistant
secretaries</header>
<paragraph id="HC9F59661B03347628912A027007DADA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There shall be in the Administration three Deputy
Assistant Secretaries.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H10A697075945495F98ADEF5224AF54D4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
Secretary shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="HFD08BF36B5DF4951B4DFAE9182A4D3B7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>designate the
functions of each Deputy Assistant Secretary; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEE46677E263743AAB077768279B3C0A0"><enum>(B)</enum><text>assign to each
Deputy Assistant Secretary one of the functions under paragraphs (1), (2), and
(3) of section 202(a).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H6154E4F370274917AE31007442A77EFD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Qualifications</header><text>The
Deputy Assistant Secretaries shall be appointed by the Secretary from among
individuals who are qualified by reason of background and experience to direct
the implementation and administration of the functions for which they are
responsible. The positions of Deputy Assistant Secretaries shall be Senior
Executive Service positions authorized under section 3133 of title 5, United
States Code.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H4892AA1845584BD195439C4B008EB9B8"><enum>(e)</enum><header>General
counsel</header>
<paragraph id="H2E35B0546CB346A8007C92FD8C1A758"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There shall be in the Administration a General Counsel.
The General Counsel shall be appointed by the Secretary. The General Counsel
shall be paid at the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive
Schedule.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HEBAE5E71CA1841F695005411B0008899"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
General Counsel shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="H0843DC78168F41CE8EFDBDCEF8BE5D3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>serve as the chief
legal officer of the Administration for all legal matters that arise in
connection with the conduct of the functions of the Administration; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H42C3D8E80299445DBDB27633BB17988"><enum>(B)</enum><text>perform such other
functions and exercise such powers as the Administrator may prescribe.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9B38C26C3CAC43A6A0A557DC28FFFCF0"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Additional
positions</header><text>The Administrator may appoint individuals to such
additional positions in the Administration as may be appropriate to reflect any
restructuring of the Administration.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HDCAA4DFA5BA74A5CBB77033312F6E9AC"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Conforming
amendments to reorganization plan</header>
<paragraph id="H90A0FAF1C14F46E1BEBA3C6E464107C5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Reorganization
plan no. 4 of 1970</header><text>Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (5 U.S.C.
App.) is amended—</text>
<subparagraph id="H9CF7E55CAE254237AF8E357454B4FA45"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in section 1, by
adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF72C8CB83CDB4C2B8D865BB175666FDF" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H5FEC24713911494C93E3D800E606A818"><enum>(g)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The functions vested in the Secretary of
the Interior and the Secretaries by the Act of June 8 1906, (16 U.S.C. 433 et
seq.), popularly known as the Antiques Act of 1906, relating to national
monuments comprised of ocean or coastal
resources.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H001D8D429ED34A2FB34B92F022D8FD13"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in section 2, by
striking subsection (e).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H683DEDF84F6140C896B51163B3F72EA2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Title 5,
u.s.c</header><text>Section 5316 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
striking <quote>Assistant Administrator for Coastal Zone Management,</quote>
and all that follows through <quote>Assistant Administrators (3), National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H426E4B6973664392AE9155963755A997"><enum>204.</enum><header>National
Weather Service</header>
<subsection id="H4D678A8F019B45128155F33D373EA4EA"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There shall be in the Administration the National Weather
Service.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H5F903B4B292F430287F0EDD8477DA2AB"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Mission</header><text>The
mission of the National Weather Service is to provide weather, water, climate,
tsunami, and space weather forecasts and warnings for the United States, its
territories, adjacent waters, and ocean areas for the protection of life and
property and the enhancement of the national economy. In carrying out the
mission of the National Weather Service, the Administrator shall seek to ensure
that the National Weather Service—</text>
<paragraph id="H1622933FD7FC445BAB132FE4E99B6501"><enum>(1)</enum><text>provides timely
and accurate weather, water, climate, tsunami, and space weather forecasts;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HFF6EA788140A42F5A5008CE5E92C2E8C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>provides timely
and accurate warnings of natural hazards related to weather, water, climate,
and tsunamis, and of space weather hazards.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H19DDA2EAF90840D584A9006E138960EB"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>To
accomplish the mission described in section 201(b), and in addition to the
functions described in section 202(a), the functions of the National Weather
Service shall include—</text>
<paragraph id="H5E6847880CA74568B6B0AA1236B73638"><enum>(1)</enum><text>maintaining a
network of local weather forecast offices;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB6EA3160616E4E339DDF3909ABF5FAAB"><enum>(2)</enum><text>maintaining a
network of observation systems to collect weather, water, and climate
data;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HC5419C4E31774394B0E620A72777EE73"><enum>(3)</enum><text>operating national
centers to deliver guidance, forecasts, warnings, and analysis about weather,
water, climate, tsunami, and space weather phenomena for use by the
Administration and the public;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD6DEA4B6CA14450B86E821E467C902D8"><enum>(4)</enum><text>providing
information to Federal, State, and local agencies and other organizations
responsible for emergency preparedness and response;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB62BDE2681824A5E00E1BE9D2B7D8FB7"><enum>(5)</enum><text>conducting and
supporting applied research to facilitate the rapid incorporation of weather
and climate science advances into operational tools; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9254059D8DBB47EFAB8B876DE06CBA30"><enum>(6)</enum><text>other functions to
serve the mission of the National Weather Service described in subsection
(b).</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HFCBF913114754A748E9E7B3458DD761F"><enum>205.</enum><header>Science
Advisory Board</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There shall be
within the Administration a Science Advisory Board, in accordance with the
document entitled <quote>U.S. Department of Commerce Charter of the NOAA
Science Advisory Board</quote>, dated August 9, 2005.</text>
</section><section id="HC1C780DAA3E5404D9637FD6B67B3B084"><enum>206.</enum><header>Restructuring
plan</header>
<subsection id="H8EA0E210C7F4403DA99DE8CF52313806"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Administrator shall develop a plan and budget setting
forth a proposal for restructuring the Administration and its programs, as they
existed immediately before enactment of this title, that implement this title,
are consistent with section 101, and consider the recommendations of the U.S.
Commission on Ocean Policy so as to provide improved services to the
Nation.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H6B2045FCE7C04E2D8F47A232461C2CDE"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Content</header><text>The
plan shall—</text>
<paragraph id="HA7AE79688E0D4EBA89E32C9836F94BCD"><enum>(1)</enum><text>describe
leadership positions and roles, and program offices and duties;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H12938F9A0F904D4BA64B3F2BAD00C95B"><enum>(2)</enum><text>consider—</text>
<subparagraph id="HE0377DAAE84A4256BCF291ABDAC6D87B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>regional
approaches to management and ecosystem-based management;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCBBE2A95974549FC87B406B49748BB46"><enum>(B)</enum><text>coordination with
outside entities, both nationally and internationally; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA5C795691E064EB4804F01B9CAB5F4B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>needs to expand or
downsize employees or facilities (or both);</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H2D48A0C92D504C20A3AE636F9728DE83"><enum>(3)</enum><text>be consistent with
section 202 and the other provisions of this Act, and maximize the efficiency
with which the Administration carries out and assures the effectiveness of the
functions of the Administrator described in section 202(a);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H25C9B2CA03944A81840046DD2B7ECE50"><enum>(4)</enum><text>improve the
sharing of research and other information and the compilation of available
data, that is of use across programmatic themes; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HBADDA0F6A6994FFEB1967D3746E77711"><enum>(5)</enum><text>to the maximum
extent practicable, eliminate duplication of effort or overlapping efforts
among offices.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9BA355274BF841E58853540636633825"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text>The
Administrator shall develop the plan in consultation with interested persons,
including representatives of the States, academia, industry, conservation
organizations, and labor organizations certified as the exclusive
representatives of Administration employees pursuant to chapter 71 of title 5,
United States Code.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H2E197F1732CF4FFA92ADAC7091650521"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Schedule</header>
<paragraph id="H9A029A34B52B444FB3B7F1B31BB465EC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall develop the plan and shall publish the plan
in the Federal Register.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB78DCFD22F1043308F1305353104E25D"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Public
comment</header><text>The Federal Register notice shall solicit comments for a
period of 60 days.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB4B8C5E7D5774F18AFDFCAEB009D6168"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Final
plan</header><text>Not later than 120 days after the expiration date of the
comment period described in paragraph (2), the Administrator shall complete a
final plan that takes into account the comments received.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H07848A98434043269313BB00E7CD3BED"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Transmittal</header><text>Upon
completing the final plan, the Administrator shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="H4FBF64C91F8D481C8C0354A2C7C4CE6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>transmit the final
plan, and an explanation of how the Administrator addressed each issue raised
by the public comments received, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committees on Science and on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives for review; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9CA26C185FB4459694D14B91EB2E18D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>publish the final
plan and explanation in the Federal Register.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HAD841B17139C4614A7E04816E05916D7"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Reporting</header>
<paragraph id="H0CC9BC99F71640A6A5AB5CB7057C3509"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Administration
internal review</header><text>Once every 3 years after implementation of the
reorganization plan, the Administrator shall transmit a report to Congress
assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Administration in carrying
out its functions and fulfilling its mission, as set forth in sections
201(b).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD43587AC792649D492492FDA2BCA3782"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Government
Accountability Office review</header><text>Not later than 3 years after the
Administration implements the reorganization plan, and every 6 years
thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an
independent review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Administration in
fulfilling its mission, as set forth in section 201(b), and carrying out the
functions set forth in section 202. Upon completing the review, the Comptroller
General shall transmit a report to Congress with his or her findings.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HF96900A137204503BEFB3756B9BC1E20"><enum>207.</enum><header>Reprogramming
requests</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Whenever the
Administrator transmits a budget reprogramming request to the Appropriations
Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Administrator
shall simultaneously submit a copy of the request to the Committee on Science
and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.</text>
</section><section id="H2C9BF61EE3C44289A513CD04898793E"><enum>208.</enum><header>Savings
provisions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Except as
otherwise provided in this Act, all rules and regulations, determinations,
standards, contracts, certifications, authorizations, appointments,
delegations, results and findings of investigations, and other actions duly
issued, made, or taken by or pursuant to or under the authority of any statute
that resulted in the assignment of functions or activities to the Secretary of
Commerce, the Department of Commerce, the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere, or any other official of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, as are in effect immediately before the enactment
of this Act, shall continue in full force and effect after enactment of this
Act until modified or rescinded.</text>
</section><section id="HA00C88D173EC4AD798B553EFCC008322"><enum>209.</enum><header>Report</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report to the Congress
on the implementation of this Act, including such recommendations as the
Administrator considers appropriate regarding changes to existing law
(including granting of additional authority to the Administrator).</text>
</section><section id="H415DFD0381C941ADA20136ECD625E00"><enum>210.</enum><header>Function
defined</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">In this title the
term <term>function</term> includes authorities, powers, rights, privileges,
immunities, programs, projects, activities, duties, and
responsibilities.</text>
</section><enum>III</enum><header>Regional
Coordination and Planning</header>
<section id="HFD24978BAD62426DB91C1C0306032401"><enum>301.</enum><header>Regional ocean
coordination</header>
<subsection id="H2B7271A96C16497C945DED99CEB03B82"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The purpose of this title is to promote coordinated
regional efforts to further the implementation of the National Ocean Policy
through—</text>
<paragraph id="H07DAFF94E1384AE6AC7DFE18B54B6C4F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the designation of
distinct ocean regions; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5B0EAD062BD543BE8BACF48B323B859D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the establishment
of regional ocean partnerships, and the development and implementation of
regional ocean strategic plans.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H479FD3D676AB4E1F9BA431004BBA98E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Objectives of
regional efforts</header><text>Such regional efforts shall achieve the
following:</text>
<paragraph id="H924FBD026EF940F6B0DE8F0B8D35100"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Provide for more
systematic communication, coordination, and alignment of State and Federal
governmental authorities and programs with the size, scale, and characteristics
of regional marine ecosystems while recognizing regional economic and social
patterns.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HFA70FC83DEFB4FEBA1A38900BF3C8966"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Build on and
improve existing regional programs and initiatives and foster the creation of
new regional efforts in areas where effective interstate and Federal
cooperative efforts are currently lacking.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H6B36D7BEEDE14890A04571F33BF61C8E"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Provide for
regional and subregional ocean assessments, based on the best available
science, to determine status and trends and to provide the information needed
to improve management decisions.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4BF9F331B53E46C186D770B216AEE46E"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Identify shared
State and Federal priority issues and address them in a collaborative and
coordinated way based on existing legal authorities.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H341B5A8914CA4B119471B2C9EFA6B9A9"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Improve
integration of government efforts and maximize government efficiency.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H67C0E6800382430688CC128BA38DCAA"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Identify and
provide data and information needed by the Regional Ocean Partnerships
established under section 302.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HAF8252FBE7414FB78D82BD7B00C630B6"><enum>(7)</enum><text>Provide for
opportunities for public input on regional priorities and plans and for
improved citizen and community stewardship of ocean waters, coastal waters, and
ocean resources.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9B188429BD0944A4A5A026C06F565405"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Regions</header>
<paragraph id="HBB0F9DE283E242049CA6FE50D6AA7C20"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Designation</header><text>There
are hereby designated the following ocean regions:</text>
<subparagraph id="H891C53ABB5A940A3A0D0CD889BADF7B5"><enum>(A)</enum><header>North Pacific
Ocean Region</header><text>The North Pacific Ocean Region, which shall consist
of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453) and watershed areas of the State of Alaska that
have a significant impact on coastal waters of the State of Alaska seaward to
the extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone as specified in Presidential
Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD80E9D52FE1147C49F8600045458BB84"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Pacific Ocean
Region</header><text>The Pacific Ocean Region, which shall consist of the
coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the States that have a
significant impact on coastal waters of the States of Washington, Oregon, and
California seaward to the extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone as specified in
Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H52C327F62ECF47CAAA3C0948D0E767B4"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Western Pacific
Ocean Region</header><text>The Western Pacific Ocean Region, which shall
consist of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453) of the States of Hawaii, Guam, American
Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands seaward to the extent of the Exclusive
Economic Zone as specified in Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated
March 10, 1983, including the territorial waters of the Commonwealths,
territories, and possessions of the United States in the Pacific Ocean.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H947AC946295C426F964212E89400787D"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Gulf of Mexico
Ocean Region</header><text>The Gulf of Mexico Ocean Region, which shall consist
of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the States that have a
significant impact on coastal waters of the States of Texas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida seaward to the extent of the Exclusive
Economic Zone as specified in Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated
March 10, 1983.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H348C86738A66479EB4C33F5FBD08F5F9"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Caribbean Ocean
Region</header><text>The Caribbean Ocean Region, which shall consist of the
coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the States that have a
significant impact on coastal waters of the Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico seaward to the extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone as
specified in Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983,
including the territorial waters of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic
Ocean.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6BF1491D69F94F9D9CE46DF68966A5D3"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Southeast
Atlantic Ocean Region</header><text>The Southeast Atlantic Ocean Region, which
shall consist of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the States
that have a significant impact on coastal waters of the States of Florida,
Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina seaward to the extent of the
Exclusive Economic Zone as specified in Presidential Proclamation Number 5030,
dated March 10, 1983.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8F8BA56AF8804E94A666894D1ECD799C"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Northeast
Atlantic Ocean Region</header><text>The Northeast Atlantic Ocean Region, which
shall consist of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the States
that have a significant impact on coastal waters of the States of Maine, New
Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut seaward to the extent
of the Exclusive Economic Zone as specified in Presidential Proclamation Number
5030, dated March 10, 1983.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6F1B91FEF1EA454A8DDCA3AB143EC9F"><enum>(H)</enum><header>Mid-Atlantic
Ocean Region</header><text>The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Region, which shall consist
of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the States that have a
significant impact on coastal waters of the States of New York, New Jersey,
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia seaward to the extent of the
Exclusive Economic Zone as specified in Presidential Proclamation Number 5030,
dated March 10, 1983.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4D203B236B564B049471A9E7D68ED88B"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Great Lakes
Region</header><text>The Great Lakes Region, which shall consist of the coastal
zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16
U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the States that have a significant impact
on coastal waters of the States of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois,
Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania to the extent of the territorial
waters of the United States in the Great Lakes.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HFE639787CA964D08A4C339A2AD455523"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Subregions</header><text>Each
Regional Ocean Partnership established under section 302 may establish such
subregions, or geographically specified management areas, as necessary for
efficient and effective management of region-specific ecosystem issues.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H1EDACEC1A5E04C18A948CB75DDAFB0B"><enum>302.</enum><header>Regional Ocean
Partnerships</header>
<subsection id="HEFC06F575765433686074C5C03215CDB"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header>
<paragraph id="HDC0AF64311D14D61B6C6FD4B22E9B538"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>Within
1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in
consultation with the Committee on Ocean Policy and the appropriate coastal
States, shall establish or designate a Regional Ocean Partnership for each of
the ocean regions established by section 301.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H72C1FDE7F7A84698AE6BA1EFDCA1FAD3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>Each
Partnership shall, for the ocean region for which it is established or
designated—</text>
<subparagraph id="H07D5508F6DCF4AFD9E3174F3EC00553C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>pursue the
objectives set forth in section 301(b);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H65BD27C8F8264F7F8175E6D2F81993C7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>further the
implementation of the National Ocean Policy; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE788A3221BFF49B4B3A7B7005441F6C1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>develop and
implement a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan under section 303.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H4D7F7BCF92DF4E008397BEF4007B044C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Existing
regional efforts</header><text>For any ocean region for which a regional ocean
governance effort already exists, the relevant coastal States shall work with
the Administrator to determine whether the Partnership established or
designated for the ocean region should build upon and expand that effort, or
whether the Administrator should initiate a new effort.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HFE288B016645496E879EC28CAD972775"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Membership</header>
<paragraph id="H1621752629DF43FB892D28D1C5B096C7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Federal
representatives</header><text>Within 270 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Committee on Ocean Policy shall designate the Federal agencies
and departments that shall participate in each Partnership. Among the agencies
and department designated for each Partnership, the Committee shall include all
Federal agencies and departments that have expertise in ocean and coastal
policy, oversee ocean and coastal policy or resource management, or engage in
activities that significantly affect ocean waters, coastal waters, or ocean
resources. The head of each Federal agency or department designated by the
Committee on Ocean Policy shall select and appoint officers or employees of
their agency or department to serve as their representatives to each
Partnership. The Administrator, or his or her designated representative, shall
serve as the chairperson of each Partnership.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H445FAAFEF1DF475DB4728679F80082D7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>State
representatives</header>
<subparagraph id="HE5FB7CF38111497A969C67B15597E456"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Coastal State
representatives</header><text>The Governor of each coastal State within each
ocean region designated under section 301(c) shall—</text>
<clause id="H204C51B9F7B4484C895857F59D1E232"><enum>(i)</enum><text>within 9 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, inform the Administrator whether or
not the State intends to participate in the Partnership for the ocean region;
and</text>
</clause><clause id="H64987C28729042B0B5181B00FDFA164B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>if
the State intends to participate in such Partnership, within 1 year of
enactment of this Act, appoint an officer or employee of the coastal State
agency with primary responsibility for overseeing ocean and coastal policy or
resource management to that Partnership.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H408034343EC845E185E44B9EDD75F053"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Noncoastal State
appointments</header>
<clause id="HD780FD9C9DF74149AE63C7BA83004D00"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Within 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Governor of each noncoastal State within each ocean region designated under
section 301(c) shall notify the Administrator whether or not the State seeks to
participate in the Partnership for the ocean region. The Partnership for that
region shall appoint to the Partnership one or more representatives of
noncoastal States that notify the Administrator, subject to clause (ii).</text>
</clause><clause id="H6441CAC3F7264D430027573650B7C825"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Appointments
for more than one noncoastal State</header><text>If more than one noncoastal
State notifies the Administrator under clause (i) with respect to a
Partnership—</text>
<subclause id="H86387CB0511C4EDCBD5F001FB619A470"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the Partnership
shall establish a process for nominating and appointing representatives under
this subparagraph;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H15F53EA4972441E992F4C5FE207FEA00"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the total number
of representatives appointed under this subparagraph for the Partnership may
not exceed the number of coastal State representatives on the Partnership;
and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H8C0211B464194FCAAB64BBBAFF815FE"><enum>(III)</enum><text>in appointing
representatives to the Partnership, the Partnership shall consider the relative
impact on the ocean region for which the Partnership must prepare a Regional
Ocean Strategic Plan of the waters under each such noncoastal State’s
jurisdiction that feed into the ocean region.</text>
</subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCDF5B26F45CA4FAEB933F6C362740000"><enum>(C)</enum><header>North Pacific
Regional Ocean Partnership</header><text>The Governor of the State of
Washington—</text>
<clause id="HAD9481CAB9D541E09F21637D14FF3DCF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>within 9 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, shall notify the Administrator whether
or not the State intends to participate in the North Pacific Regional Ocean
Partnership; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H723A7CD0A79B4B4D921C96D6DA11D872"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>if
such State intends to participate in such Partnership, within 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act shall appoint to such Partnership an officer or
employee of the Washington State agency with primary responsibility for
overseeing ocean and coastal policy or resource management.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H3524AE68538940C187A66EFBAFDE19E7"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Regional Fishery
Management Council representation</header><text>The executive director of each
Regional Fishery Management Council with jurisdiction in the ocean region of a
Partnership and the executive director of the interstate marine fisheries
commission with jurisdiction in the ocean region of a Partnership shall each
serve as a member of the Partnership, and shall be considered non-Federal
representatives for the purposes of paragraph (5)(A).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0D266E14329F4932B7A8AD4EDBE2FD3"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Local government
representative</header><text>Each Partnership shall receive nominations and
select one representative from a coastal political subdivision to represent the
interests of local and county governments on the Partnership.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H71AD00369CE84F2CB5FDA81D39B9DF1"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Additional
appointments</header>
<subparagraph id="H06BDD17F59EC49B198AE031234B674B8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Balance</header><text>Each
Partnership shall—</text>
<clause id="HF0D4C8A879BE4F50AA948D5F85A8B4A8"><enum>(i)</enum><text>identify the total
number of additional non-Federal representatives within the ocean region of the
Partnership necessary to ensure that the combined number of non-Federal
representatives on the Partnership equals the number of Federal representatives
on the Partnership; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HEF50CF1B4D394FB1B62136214FAD318E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>identify a
process for selecting such non-Federal representatives that, to the maximum
extent practicable, assures balanced and broad non-Federal
representation.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDBE26C547FB64DD681856CA95B190043"><enum>(B)</enum><header>International
representatives</header><text>In cooperation with the Secretary of State, each
Partnership may foster nonbinding relationships with foreign governments,
agencies, States, provinces, and other entities as appropriate, at scales
appropriate to the ocean region under the authority of the Partnership,
including by providing opportunities for participation by foreign
representatives at meetings of the Partnership, its advisory committees, and
other working groups.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H2E055CE3764D47E294F994D1BCA59114"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Steering
Committee</header>
<paragraph id="HD78C82F3502A4283BA7612B2639FFB85"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Each Partnership may establish a Steering Committee to
provide leadership with respect to the development and implementation of the
Regional Ocean Strategic Plan under section 303 and to ensure that the goals
set forth in such Regional Ocean Strategic Plan are being met within the
timelines established by that section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA2FBD24FEB204A518D0000F64DA5FA02"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Membership</header><text>The
Steering Committee shall include—</text>
<subparagraph id="H2BAE4818470448D49B2B942B46728CB1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>one representative
from each coastal State that appoints a representative to the Partnership;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H024EEEA03B6043708D4E9F7E58E71216"><enum>(B)</enum><text>one representative
from each of three Federal agencies designated by the Committee on Ocean
Policy.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HD33DD908AA724ED1A71231E7E99190A1"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Advisory
committees</header>
<paragraph id="H3FC0D568AC5B4C5784348B4385D5FCB9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Authority</header><text>Each
Partnership may establish and appoint members of advisory committees and
working groups as necessary for preparation and implementation of its Regional
Ocean Strategic Plan under this title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H80C6ACC723DE4E20851B08C646ABD643"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Advice and
input</header><text>Each Partnership shall provide opportunities for citizen
and stakeholder input in the development and implementation of its Regional
Ocean Strategic Plan.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H19E4B41EF6C7457BA4B55F925075CF80"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Coordination</header>
<paragraph id="HF91DB499F8994B7ABACD80753773B562"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Existing
programs</header><text>Each Partnership shall build upon and complement current
State, multistate, and regional capacity and governance and institutional
mechanisms to manage and protect ocean waters, coastal waters, and ocean
resources.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA509674C92034E14AB254E30F8D3A7C3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Inland
regions</header><text>Each Partnership shall collaborate and coordinate as
necessary and appropriate with noncoastal States that may significantly impact
marine ecosystem health in the ocean region or the Partnership.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H23F4F4EF5C584AF0A5B9841F71D4EA72"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Procedures</header>
<paragraph id="H47DE663456DA4104B0FDF56DAE0071EF"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Each Partnership shall operate in accordance with
procedures established by the Partnership and approved by the
Administrator.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9B94683F6D6D406F9BFE2C88312887D9"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Required
procedures</header><text>The Administrator shall prescribe requirements for
approval of procedures under paragraph (1) that at minimum provide for—</text>
<subparagraph id="H6873465191FE47FEAC44BA66B2E8C563"><enum>(A)</enum><text>transparency in
decisionmaking;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H25B791FEE1D64EB6A6D96675C669B7E3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>opportunities for
public input and participation; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H23D0AE4C9DE04D6C92F4A8AD134DF372"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the use of
advisory committees that may be established under subsection (e).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H617915417D20496BA787E0993DCF1D5"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Staff</header>
<paragraph id="HE7679527144747A49EEBC84F04CDD8A4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Hiring
authority</header><text>Each Partnership may hire such staff as is necessary to
perform the functions of the Partnership.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0ADBAF14D5244E888DCDF715AB62B5B8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Treatment</header><text>Staff
hired by a Partnership shall be treated as employees of the Administration,
except for any staff that are hired by participating States.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H632D7CC626044F39801F775456CCB3ED"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Federal Advisory
Committee Act</header>
<paragraph id="H8C390E1EA307452FA6876204A35FAB9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall
not apply to Partnerships, steering committees, or any advisory committee
established under this title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3325CB2F584A434BACEA93B780349C61"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compliance</header><text>Notwithstanding
paragraph (1), each Partnership and each advisory committee of a Partnership
shall be appointed and operate in a manner consistent with all provisions of
the Federal Advisory Committee Act with respect to—</text>
<subparagraph id="H7F15F4CF363D4444ACAFE34F2543EEE"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the balance of
their membership;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1091CE6882524D02A1D505D69FEC4D5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provision of public
notice regarding their activities;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H27B799753B5E4EB38E8D369817A6FFF6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>open meetings;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0E5C513A5D5C4B14996C82B7FE6D5C7E"><enum>(D)</enum><text>public access to
documents created by the Partnerships or advisory committees of the
Partnerships.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H289FE21EF3224EE6827E04E3B0C16F04"><enum>303.</enum><header>Regional Ocean
Strategic Plans</header>
<subsection id="H1F09E5F9950E4FE38FA8937E987EBB0"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Initial ocean
region assessment</header>
<paragraph id="H016A1F0339C64032A374EF081FC90D7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Administrator, in consultation with the Regional
Ocean Partnership for an ocean region and other experts, shall, within 1 year
after establishment or designation of such Partnership, prepare an initial
ocean region assessment of the ocean region in order to guide the development
of the Regional Ocean Strategic Plan prepared for such ocean region under
subsection (b).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H37CD4E3F1E1F40A7AD505DA5034E41AA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contents</header><text>Each
initial assessment shall include a summary of—</text>
<subparagraph id="H3215EC3CEEBC4C35A277ECAB13F0DA12"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the ocean region’s
marine ecosystem health, culture, and economy;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB792FB3BAA6E48AFAB7E8634A5076DF2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>existing,
emerging, and cumulative threats to marine ecosystem health of the ocean
region;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB1EF787909C24BD590FB3E18E02B625E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>indicators that
measure marine ecosystem health of the ocean region; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H458BB49E238D4450B44FF98CC3D9259D"><enum>(D)</enum><text>important
ecological areas within the ocean region.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HDF5D3D077D914FB684E0FC63F88E7982"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Public
participation</header><text>The Administrator, in consultation with the
Regional Ocean Partnership, shall provide opportunities for public input in the
development of the assessment and updates of the assessment under subsection
(c). Such opportunities shall include opportunities for sharing of the latest
science and local knowledge regarding the ocean region’s ocean waters, coastal
waters, and ocean resources using annual public ecosystem forums.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HD03832AE5260475EAE447C3951CCB669"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Regional Ocean
Strategic Plan</header>
<paragraph id="H94ACB2CBC8214375892674007523BB6B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>Each
Regional Ocean Partnership shall, within 2 years after the completion of the
initial ocean region assessment, prepare and submit to the Administrator for
review, consultation, and approval a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan for
adaptive, ecosystem-based management of United States ocean waters, coastal
waters, and ocean resources for the ocean region of the Partnership consistent
with the National Ocean Policy.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1EABCD39BBCC441EBB8298CCB0A7DF0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contents</header><text>Each
Plan prepared by a Regional Ocean Partnership shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="HB16B80E7AE354B12AC278704248F53C5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be based on the
ocean region assessment required under subsection (a) and (c);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8F59504473014196BDA1506EBD91D565"><enum>(B)</enum><text>describe
short-term and long-term goals for improving marine ecosystem health in the
ocean region covered by the Plan;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB62DDE4614EC43C7ADA0C3A87FBE56D7"><enum>(C)</enum><text>recommend
long-term monitoring measures for important ecological areas within the ocean
region covered by the Plan;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9E0448457B7E4B70858B1FE15400862D"><enum>(D)</enum><text>identify State and
Federal priority issues within the ocean region covered by the Plan;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H91986862E83A4260897194AEBDDD6F45"><enum>(E)</enum><text>describe
ecosystem-based management solutions and policies to address the priority
issues;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5F4C38005DF44CBB88C095FDA45D058E"><enum>(F)</enum><text>describe
short-term and long-term indicators for measuring improvements in economic
sustainability in the ocean region that result from improved ecological
conditions and improved collaboration and coordination amongst Federal and
State agencies;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3351C6768EC74CE8995916D07735F4AD"><enum>(G)</enum><text>identify research,
information, and data needed to carry out the Plan;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4889B08487CE4CB8A11F8D51C277001B"><enum>(H)</enum><text>identify
performance measures and benchmarks for purposes of subparagraphs (B), (C), and
(E) to be used to evaluate the Plan’s effectiveness; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA059E41C28E440F49D5ED2851200CF27"><enum>(I)</enum><text>define
responsibilities and include an analysis of the gaps in authority,
coordination, and resources, including funding, that must be filled in order to
fully achieve those performance measures and benchmarks.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HED71DA065B5644529312008FB03B585B"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Public
participation</header><text>Each Regional Ocean Partnership shall provide
adequate opportunities for public input during the development of the Plan and
any Plan revisions.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8D9F5DC1F86941DC885F0387CDE08C8"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Updated ocean
region assessments</header><text>The Administrator, in consultation with the
appropriate Regional Ocean Partnership and other experts, shall, within 4 years
after approval of the Plan and at least once every 6 years thereafter, update
the initial ocean region assessment prepared under subsection (a) to provide
more detailed information regarding the required elements of the assessment and
to include any new information that has become available.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H5AA0D1FD0A6E47C7B9475FB55103EAB0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Plan
revision</header><text>Each approved Regional Ocean Strategic Plan shall be
reviewed and revised by the relevant Regional Ocean Partnership at least once
every 6 years. Such review and revision shall be based on a recently updated
ocean region assessment. Any proposed revisions to the Plan shall be
transmitted to the Administrator for review and approval pursuant to this
section.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H9CEC7928A4B2436793C623A16122ABC5"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Action by the
Administrator</header>
<paragraph id="H50119269BDBC4173B500FA31D0F65218"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Review of
plans</header>
<subparagraph id="H76AB7971E0D647B993D1AE6186E5F26F"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Commencement of
review</header><text>Within 10 days after transmittal of a Regional Ocean
Strategic Plan, or any revision to such a Plan, by a Regional Ocean
Partnership, the Administrator shall commence a review of the Plan or the
revised Plan, respectively.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H21FE3F624F984E2DAB340480ABF01083"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Public notice
and comment</header><text>Immediately after receipt of such a Plan or revision,
the Administrator shall publish the plan or revision in the Federal Register
and provide an opportunity for the submission of public comment for a 60-day
period beginning on the date of such publication.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H50E032A1C5764E368EBB5B44F9147F4"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Requirements for
approval</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Before approving a
plan, or any revision to a plan, the administrator must find that the plan or
revision—</text>
<clause id="H4020455BE4064816A2984DBD97B6F5B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>is
consistent with the National Ocean Policy; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H5BCB433B4F064F0CB0B1102D97E4C076"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>adequately
addresses the required elements under subsection (b) of this section.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCD803B6B716047F6AF818CCA5479D200"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Deadline for
review</header><text>Within 120 days after transmittal of a Plan, or a revision
to a Plan, the Administrator shall approve or disapprove the Plan or revision
by written notice.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H8E0BE4B015C746A89DF7793900B227C0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Regional
information systems</header><text>The Administrator shall, within 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act and in collaboration with marine
laboratories and academic and other relevant institutions, establish a network
of regional ocean ecosystem resource information systems for each ocean
region—</text>
<subparagraph id="H186EA01D6B594020BA6D90000961A03C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to provide access
to geophysical, atmospheric, oceanographic, and marine biological data,
including genetic research, studies, data, maps, and analyses necessary to the
understanding of the ocean ecosystem;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H12722D3D343441038F00FB5B7E4900C0"><enum>(B)</enum><text>from which to draw
information for the establishment of policies and priorities related to the
conservation, use, and management of ocean waters, coastal waters, and ocean
resources; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6A9C8AC20AA74D59B649FE6E0006883E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to provide
information of the development and implementation of Plans.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H2452E67ABF1D43199D3191B5998BEE91"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Implementation</header><text>Members
of a Regional Ocean Partnership shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
implement a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan that is prepared by the Partnership
and approved by the Administrator under this section, consistent with existing
legal authorities.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H474A7A75CD6E4EB0931DDC6CF2FD0540"><enum>304.</enum><header>Regulations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Administrator shall issue such
regulations as the Administrator considers necessary to ensure proper
administration of this title.</text>
</section><section id="H0DA1424791BD4CB1A57951004F7F86A9"><enum>305.</enum><header>Other
authority</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">This title shall
not be construed as superseding or diminishing the authorities and
responsibilities, under any other provision of law, of the Administrator or any
other Federal, State, or tribal officer, employee, department, or
agency.</text>
</section><enum>IV</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations and establishment of trust fund</header>
<section id="H2354E9B4526A4A10826BB03D71B20176"><enum>401.</enum><header>Establishment
of fund</header>
<subsection id="HE1D5A063967A4BC299B2FE8871246300"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of
fund</header><text>There is established in the Treasury of the United States a
fund which shall be known as the <quote>Ocean and Great Lakes Conservation
Trust Fund</quote>. For each fiscal year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit into the Fund the following
amounts:</text>
<paragraph id="H504160FD12D84865B01D10B346846498"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Healthy Ocean
Stamp</header><text>Amounts received by the United States from the sale of a
Healthy Ocean Stamp under section 407.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H76B5935E315E4457BD1159071BC4EE2E"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Amounts not
disbursed</header><text>All appropriated but un-disbursed amounts deposited
under section 402(c) each fiscal year.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF8F2E0346B5949D084F8E06FDCC86D54"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Interest</header><text>All
interest earned under subsection (b).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H1138532CB73248798C0023250006576B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Interest</header><text>The
Secretary of the Treasury shall invest monies in the Fund (including interest)
in public debt securities with maturities suitable to the needs of the Fund, as
determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, and bearing interest at rates
determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration current
market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of
comparable maturity. Such invested monies shall remain invested until needed to
meet requirements for disbursement for the programs financed under this
Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H3BFFCF31911D4BFF824DD2707762BCDC"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Use of
fund</header><text>The Administrator may, subject to appropriation, use funds
available in the Ocean and Great Lakes Conservation Fund to supplement
appropriations made under section 406(a).</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H606F98212F064CE8AFA970641B605C98"><enum>402.</enum><header>Payments to
States</header>
<subsection id="HA31DCC8B0F3D4DC4AB4DEF9CD68CA67"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Administrator shall make payments to those coastal
States that are eligible for funding under section 403, subject to the
availability of appropriations under section 406. The total of the amount paid
each fiscal year to coastal States in any ocean region shall not exceed the
amount allocated for the ocean region for that fiscal year under section
405.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H0E0C8BB80A7B46478B796091F763E841"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report
requirement</header><text>No payment shall be made to any State under this
section until the State has—</text>
<paragraph id="HCC7DE636555341D886B454506CF1341C"><enum>(1)</enum><text>agreed to provide
such reports to the Administrator, in such form and containing such
information, as may be reasonably necessary to enable the Administrator to
perform the duties of the Administrator under this title; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HC5B719442B8B4A1583CBB87D728CD79"><enum>(2)</enum><text>adopted such fiscal
control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to assure proper
disbursement and accounting for Federal revenues paid to the State under this
title.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H478EF57CE4854B43B0B09EAE1E781476"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Unexpended
funds</header><text>At the end of each fiscal year, the Administrator shall
deposit in the Fund established in section 401 any amount appropriated under
section 406 but not disbursed to a State under this section.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="HF2B8FD2E34DD47EDAD17324290BEFF7D"><enum>403.</enum><header>Eligibility for
funding</header>
<subsection id="HE67D4BFDE563435090958F3B2BF023D8"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Eligibility of
State</header><text>A State shall not be eligible for funding for purposes of
section 402 unless the Administrator, in consultation with the Partnership,
determines that the State is participating actively and sufficiently in the
development and implementation of the relevant Regional Ocean Strategic Plan
under section 303.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H0013F8E48C224018A9C95D50D070E5D5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Eligible
purposes</header><text>States that receive funds under this title may only use
such funds for purposes of fulfilling the State’s obligations and
responsibilities for</text>
<paragraph id="H55515331420440789029A39E61CEB1EB"><enum>(1)</enum><text>implementation of
a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan approved under section 303 in accordance with a
spending plan approved under section 404(c)(1);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5B3A8ACA08634CEC91F54C80167800F4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>development of the
Regional Ocean Strategic Plan under section 303(b) until such Plan is complete,
in accordance with a budget approved under section 404(c)(2);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HEB29FD63F98D44A1BCC343C7B3EB4FE2"><enum>(3)</enum><text>providing
assistance to the Administrator in conducting the initial ocean region
assessment under section 303(a) until such assessment is complete in accordance
with a budget approved under section 404(c)(2); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H377B6D8AA1E14361B12347526F3FB511"><enum>(4)</enum><text>implementation of
other regional efforts that also implement the National Ocean Policy during the
3-year period beginning on the date of the designation or establishment of the
relevant Regional Ocean Partnership under section 302 in accordance with the
applications approved under section 404(c)(3).</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HAB53DA00950C4F08BD5C90B351AD8640"><enum>404.</enum><header>Funding
procedures</header>
<subsection id="H607119A09B6446EE867600B3A5DF2641"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>Each
State seeking funding under this title shall submit to the Administrator an
application for such funds.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H0E24A0F0E36544DC8603A83BDBC77F3C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Approval</header><text>The
Administrator shall approve an application submitted by a State under
subsection (a) if, in consultation with the Regional Ocean Partnership, the
Administrator—</text>
<paragraph id="H4F3870C5FECA47B29D1F43072B56DF32"><enum>(1)</enum><text>certifies that the
State is eligible for funding under section 403(a);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE2A653E64BF24E1397E332556D3834D9"><enum>(2)</enum><text>finds that the
activities proposed in the application are part of an approved spending plan
submitted by the relevant Regional Ocean Partnership under subsection (c);
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB69C741BEA7E4801A5E871EFC4943969"><enum>(3)</enum><text>ensures that
previous payments under this title made to the State and coastal political
subdivisions in the State were used in accordance with section 403(b).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H89E8C5746BFB4339AAE921BAA3181F79"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Spending plans,
budgets, and other regional efforts</header>
<paragraph id="HBAC8240C75AF4F4EAD97BB2E9900A698"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Spending plan
for implementing Regional Ocean Strategic Plans</header><text>Each Regional
Ocean Partnership that has participating States that are seeking funding under
section 403(b)(1) shall submit to the Administrator a spending plan for such
States for each fiscal year. The total funds requested in the spending plan
shall not exceed the amount allocated to the Region by the Administrator under
section 405 for that fiscal year. In addition to such other requirements as the
Administrator by regulation shall prescribe, each spending plan shall
include—</text>
<subparagraph id="H83E6BEA223F6432B8E43C5013226131"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a list of the
States participating in the Regional Ocean Partnership;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBC95BA60D7C84F6C83C832D2F757D6AE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the name of the
State agency for each State listed in subparagraph (A) that will have the
authority to represent and act for the State in dealing with the Administrator
for purposes of this title;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H83B6F93EA20B42A583980397D661D23D"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a description of
how funds provided under this title will be used by each participating State to
implement the Regional Ocean Strategic Plan; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H90BD6F7107F34B1D85D200FB4602BB5"><enum>(D)</enum><text>certification by
the governor of each participating State that all the funds provided under this
title to the State and coastal political subdivisions of that State will be
used in a manner consistent with section 403(b)(1) and the National Ocean
Policy.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HD09E644CF71A456CBE7635A63800FF87"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Budgets for
developing Regional Ocean Strategic Plans and assisting with initial regional
ocean assessments</header><text>Each Regional Ocean Partnership with
participating States that are seeking funding under section 403(b)(2) or
section 403(b)(3) shall submit an annual budget for approval by the
Administrator identifying—</text>
<subparagraph id="H7A5041BEC2164E58B510009B20BA5F37"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a list of the
States participating in the Regional Ocean Partnership;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCB031B50EE5645539BC3551C4F18CA21"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the name of the
State agency for each State listed in subparagraph (A) that will have the
authority to represent and act for the State in dealing with the Administrator
for purposes of this title; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5C381C256FF54184862FE5C5DEEFC792"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the costs under
section 303(a) or section 303(b) that require financial support from the
Administrator.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HDCFDD2D4004141E4B0E3005308953779"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Other regional
efforts</header><text>Each coastal State seeking funding for other regional
efforts under section 403(b)(4) shall submit an application for approval by the
Administrator that includes the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="H8C89248930824B05B0686CDDB11FC5D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The name of the
State agency that will have the authority to represent and act for the State in
dealing with the Administrator for purposes of this subsection.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA67EF3867CA0447AAE5CFFB8DA3BC85B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A description of
how funds provided pursuant to this subsection will be used for activities that
further the implementation of the National Ocean Policy.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7873F7682A684A368E1FA216153B9C56"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Certification by
the Governor of the State that all the funds provided pursuant to this
subsection to the State will be used in a manner consistent with the National
Ocean policy.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HA51CBB5A1C7A436A8EBD5F55CAF2168"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Limitation on
other uses</header><text>Not more than 50 percent of amounts paid to a State
from amounts appropriated under section 406(a)(1)(A) may be used by the State
to implement other regional ocean governance efforts that further the
implementation of the National Ocean Policy as described in the application
under paragraph (3).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE22E13371C9549BA94B9F68C65DB355F"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Procedure and
timing; revisions</header><text>The Administrator shall approve or disapprove
in accordance with this subsection each spending plan submitted under
subsection (c)(1). If a Regional Ocean Partnership first submits a plan by not
later than 90 days before the beginning of the first fiscal year to which the
plan applies, the Administrator shall approve or disapprove the plan by not
later than 30 days before the beginning of that fiscal year.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H0310E334356144BBB04B86A97BD78941"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Spending plan
amendment or revision</header><text>Any amendment to or revision of the
spending plan shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of this
section and shall be submitted to the Administrator for approval or
disapproval. Any such amendment or revision shall take effect only for fiscal
years after the fiscal year in which the amendment or revision is approved by
the Administrator.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H22AC1D1A86CE4981AB5B2D003BE6692B"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Public
comment</header><text>Before approving or disapproving a spending plan, or an
amendment or revision to such a plan, the Administrator shall provide for
public comment on the proposed expenditures in the spending plan for the
forthcoming year.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H5ACB6B1176D24FB3A145D6CA12FA41D"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Time of
payment</header><text>Payments to States under this title shall be made not
later than December 31 of each year from appropriations made during the
immediately preceding fiscal year.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H3CDC54E541C74EDE93A742AECC334953"><enum>405.</enum><header>Equitable
allocation</header>
<subsection id="HE705FBD62B4E452FB8279C8776A045D5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Maximum amount
available to each ocean region</header><text>Of the amounts appropriated under
section 406, the Administrator shall determine and allocate to each ocean
region the maximum amount of funds that the Administrator may grant under this
title for use in that region, based on the following weighted formula:</text>
<paragraph id="H65BEAFD087D44C41A6CEDF18E09400D2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>35 percent of such
amount shall be determined based on the ratio of the shoreline miles (as that
term is used in the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et
seq.)) of the ocean region to the shoreline miles of all ocean regions.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H19C478E8DF28447BAA463FC888DD6752"><enum>(2)</enum><text>65 percent of such
amount shall be determined based on the ratio of the coastal population density
of the ocean region to the coastal population density of all ocean
regions.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H1BC91FB5178A41E5A9F497CA329E0C6"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Payments to
political subdivisions</header><text>The governor of a State that receives
funds under this title shall use such funds only—</text>
<paragraph id="H2B0936BEF86346ECA9F54884BEBBD00"><enum>(1)</enum><text>for the purposes
under section 403(b) that the State applied for and received the funds;
or</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE346D39ABFA14E919F3B578308A28CF3"><enum>(2)</enum><text>for awards to
coastal political subdivisions of the State, on a competitive basis, for such
purposes.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H1D52E42CF2BE4F4086BB459B3C9B4FE5"><enum>406.</enum><header>Authorization
of appropriations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There are
authorized to be appropriated the following amounts:</text>
<paragraph id="H0FB61557B59A4C2B86A7AE5D30AC2801"><enum>(1)</enum><text>To the
Administrator for making payments to coastal States under this title—</text>
<subparagraph id="HAC0B9D764B564D01A6FE00302F8CC186"><enum>(A)</enum><text>$40,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2011, 2012, and 2013 for developing a Regional Ocean
Strategic Plan under section 403(b)(2), for assisting the Administrator in
conducting an initial ocean region assessment under section 403(b)(3), and for
implementing other regional efforts under section 403(b)(4); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0C1C36C201294140B9319869435B7FB4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>$60,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2021 and for implementing and updating
Regional Ocean Strategic Plans under section 403(b)(1).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H517CF58773ED49248873376EA5EDF837"><enum>(2)</enum><text>To the
Administrator $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2021 thereafter
for purposes of—</text>
<subparagraph id="H5878800A7A4C4919B931EF6000E33730"><enum>(A)</enum><text>conducting and
updating ocean region assessments under section 303; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H03A2D28B3EC74886BE3258D08D66E646"><enum>(B)</enum><text>supporting efforts
by the Regional Ocean Partnerships to develop Regional Ocean Strategic Plans
under section 303.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H6A5A74B4A79C424AB7A8837D7314DC59"><enum>(3)</enum><text>To the
Administrator for allocation, with concurrence of the Committee on Ocean
Policy, for carrying out responsibilities of the Federal Government for
development and implementation of Regional Ocean Strategic Plans—</text>
<subparagraph id="HBF5B72CC0E21464BBC03D4430931FF26"><enum>(A)</enum><text>$30,000,000 for
fiscal year 2014;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H88A3EE8781C843E0A09D5E92F0C5E623"><enum>(B)</enum><text>$40,000,000 for
fiscal year 2015; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6CFD970B28DB4D42B2548E7BDA2B7537"><enum>(C)</enum><text>$50,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2016 through 2021.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></section><section id="H181B84B6493C4B32A770A1B6D0BD1410"><enum>407.</enum><header>Healthy Ocean
Stamp</header>
<subsection id="H454540706CC345D8B9379BB584017801"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>In order to afford a convenient way for members of the
public to support efforts to protect, maintain, and restore marine ecosystems,
the United States Postal Service shall provide for a special postage stamp in
accordance with this section.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H762AA56339284C93A5C1008311B44F21"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Terms and
conditions</header><text>The issuance and sale of the stamp referred to in
subsection (a) shall be governed by section 416 of title 39, United States
Code, and regulations under such section, subject to the following:</text>
<paragraph id="HAFB97FDE47E5486DB7FE4764619581F8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Transfers</header><text>All
amounts becoming available from the sale of such stamp shall be transferred to
the Ocean and Great Lakes Conservation Trust Fund (as established by section
401) through payments which shall be made, at least twice a year, in the manner
required by subsection (d)(1) of section 416 of such title 39.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HEDEB7D26F0B74004A0DCE9C500B0A1B7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Numerical
limitation</header><text>For purposes of applying any numerical limitation
referred to in subsection (e)(1)(C) of section 416 of such title 39, such stamp
shall not be taken into account.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H227F3BD9E85C43B6A2A0CBC538EF27FF"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Duration</header><text>Such
stamp shall be made available to the public over such period of time as the
Postal Service may determine, except that such period—</text>
<subparagraph id="H47122B724FEB493FBCF043ECCEF063"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall commence not
later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H018AA519D61E478EA2572700B155BD78"><enum>(B)</enum><text>shall terminate
not later than the close of the period referred to in section 416(g) of title
39, United States Code.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H57E924105D574DEDBC6CAF79EFD2E62D"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Rule of
construction</header><text>Nothing in this section shall be considered to
permit or require that any determination of the amounts becoming available from
the sale of the stamp referred to in subsection (a) be made in a manner
inconsistent with the requirements of section 416(d) of title 39, United States
Code.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H77F3943EA9C3461287521B04A63507F4"><enum>408.</enum><header>Limitation on
use of available amounts for administration</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Of the amounts made available under this
title (including the amendments made by this title) for a particular activity,
not more than 2 percent may be used for administrative expenses of that
activity.</text>
</section><section id="HEFD6B5FDFBA247D1A9DCDD3C967EF72F"><enum>409.</enum><header>Recordkeeping
requirements</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The
Administrator, in consultation with the Committee on Ocean Policy, shall
establish such rules regarding recordkeeping by State and local governments and
the auditing of expenditures made by State and local governments from funds
made available under this Act as may be necessary. Such rules shall be in
addition to other requirements established regarding recordkeeping and the
auditing of such expenditures under other authority of law.</text>
</section><section id="HC4F40CE36EEC4CC29F4E216F598103B8"><enum>410.</enum><header>Maintenance of
effort and matching funding</header>
<subsection id="H35601364BB534D829E95D5F6E5A04376"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>It is the intent of the Congress in this Act that States
not use this Act as an opportunity to reduce State or local resources for the
programs funded by this Act. Except as provided in subsection (b), no State or
local government shall receive any funds under this Act during any fiscal year
in which its expenditures of non-Federal funds for recurrent expenditures for
programs for which funding is provided under this Act will be less than its
expenditures were for such programs during the preceding fiscal year. No State
or local government shall receive funding under this Act with respect to a
program unless the Administrator is satisfied that such a grant will be so used
to supplement and, to the extent practicable, increase the level of State,
local, or other non-Federal funds available for such program.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HC0BCE3CC219042B3BA15EF7C118BD744"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Exception</header><text>The
Administrator may provide funding under this Act to a State or local government
not meeting the requirements of subsection (a) if the Administrator determines
that a reduction in expenditures—</text>
<paragraph id="HAC23F9E2ED244583A000828DC68FF407"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is attributable to
a nonselective reduction in expenditures for the programs of all executive
branch agencies of the State or local government; or</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE6C47C0DF87B4C1EBABDDF06E2B6124"><enum>(2)</enum><text>is
a result of reductions in State or local revenue as a result of a downturn in
the economy.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7C9F31446216468E9D141C821FCEE461"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Use of funds To
meet matching requirements</header><text>All funds received by a State or local
government under this Act shall be treated as Federal funds for purposes of
compliance with any provision in effect under any other law requiring that
non-Federal funds be used to provide a portion of the funding for any program
or project.</text>
</subsection></section>