[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3969 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 3969

  To improve efforts to combat marine debris, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 25, 2019

 Ms. Bonamici (for herself, Mr. Beyer, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Rooney of 
Florida, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Case, Mr. Young, Mr. 
    Pappas, Ms. Pingree, and Mr. Casten of Illinois) introduced the 
 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation 
   and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Natural 
   Resources, Ways and Means, Foreign Affairs, Energy and Commerce, 
  Science, Space, and Technology, and Agriculture, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
  of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
                               concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To improve efforts to combat marine debris, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Save Our Seas 2.0 
Act'' or the ``SOS 2.0 Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Sense of Congress.
         TITLE I--ENHANCING THE DOMESTIC MARINE DEBRIS RESPONSE

             Subtitle A--Marine Debris Response Trust Fund

Sec. 101. Marine Debris Response Trust Fund.
                  Subtitle B--Marine Debris Foundation

Sec. 111. Establishment and purposes of Foundation.
Sec. 112. Board of Directors of the Foundation.
Sec. 113. Rights and obligations of the Foundation.
Sec. 114. Administrative services and support.
Sec. 115. Volunteer status.
Sec. 116. Report requirements; petition of attorney general for 
                            equitable relief.
Sec. 117. United States release from liability.
Sec. 118. Authorization of appropriations.
         Subtitle C--Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations

Sec. 121. Definitions.
Sec. 122. Genius prize for Save Our Seas Innovations.
Sec. 123. Save Our Seas Innovation Steering Committee.
Sec. 124. Agreement with the marine debris foundation.
Sec. 125. Judges.
Sec. 126. Report to Congress.
Sec. 127. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 128. Termination of authority.
     Subtitle D--Other Measures Relating to Combating Marine Debris

Sec. 131. Prioritization of marine debris in existing innovation and 
                            entrepreneurship programs.
Sec. 132. Expansion of derelict vessel recycling.
Sec. 133. Incentive for fishermen to collect and dispose of plastic 
                            found at sea.
Sec. 134. Amendments to Marine Debris Program.
Sec. 135. Marine debris on National Forest System land.
                    Subtitle E--Studies and Reports

Sec. 141. Report on opportunities for innovative uses of plastic waste.
Sec. 142. Report on microfiber pollution.
Sec. 143. Study on United States plastic pollution data.
Sec. 144. Report on minimizing the creation of new plastic waste.
Sec. 145. Study on mass balance methodologies to certify circular 
                            polymers.
      TITLE II--ENHANCED GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT TO COMBAT MARINE DEBRIS

Sec. 201. Statement of policy on international cooperation to combat 
                            marine debris.
Sec. 202. Prioritization of efforts and assistance to combat marine 
                            debris and improve plastic waste 
                            management.
Sec. 203. United States leadership in international fora.
Sec. 204. Enhancing international outreach and partnership of United 
                            States agencies involved in marine debris 
                            activities.
Sec. 205. Negotiation of new international agreements.
Sec. 206. Consideration of marine debris in negotiating international 
                            agreements.
 TITLE III--IMPROVING DOMESTIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO PREVENT MARINE DEBRIS

Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Strategy for improving waste management, recycling, and water 
                            management.
Sec. 303. Waste management State revolving funds.
Sec. 304. Grant programs.
Sec. 305. Study on repurposing plastic waste in infrastructure.
Sec. 306. Study on options to advance technologies for converting 
                            plastic waste to chemicals, feedstocks, and 
                            other products.
Sec. 307. Study on effects of microplastics in food supplies and 
                            sources of drinking water.
Sec. 308. Report on eliminating barriers to increase the collection of 
                            recyclable materials.
Sec. 309. Report on economic incentives to spur development of new end-
                            use markets for recycled plastics.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Circular economy.--The term ``circular economy'' means 
        an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves 
        industrial processes and economic activities that--
                    (A) are restorative or regenerative by design;
                    (B) enable resources used in such processes and 
                activities to maintain their highest values for as long 
                as possible; and
                    (C) aim for the elimination of waste through the 
                superior design of materials, products, and systems 
                (including business models).
            (2) EPA administrator.--The term ``EPA Administrator'' 
        means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
            (3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the 
        meaning given the term ``Indian tribe'' in section 4 of the 
        Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
        U.S.C. 5304).
            (4) Marine debris.--The term ``marine debris'' has the 
        meaning given that term in section 7 of the Marine Debris Act 
        (33 U.S.C. 1956).
            (5) Marine debris event.--The term ``marine debris event'' 
        means an event or related events that affects or may imminently 
        affect the United States involving--
                    (A) marine debris caused by a natural event, 
                including a tsunami, flood, landslide, hurricane, or 
                other natural source;
                    (B) distinct, nonrecurring marine debris, including 
                derelict vessel groundings and container spills, that 
                have immediate or long-term impacts on habitats with 
                high ecological, economic, or human-use values; or
                    (C) marine debris caused by an intentional or 
                grossly negligent act or acts that causes substantial 
                economic or environmental harm.
            (6) Non-federal funds.--The term ``non-Federal funds'' 
        means funds provided by--
                    (A) a State;
                    (B) an Indian Tribe;
                    (C) a territory of the United States;
                    (D) one or more units of local governments or 
                Tribal organizations (as defined in section 4 of the 
                Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
                (25 U.S.C. 5304));
                    (E) a private for-profit entity;
                    (F) a nonprofit organization; or
                    (G) a private individual.
            (7) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit 
        organization'' means an organization that is described in 
        section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt 
        from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
            (8) State.--The term ``State'' means--
                    (A) a State;
                    (B) an Indian Tribe;
                    (C) the District of Columbia; and
                    (D) a territory or possession of the United States.
            (9) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means 
        the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration.
            (10) Waste management.--The term ``waste management'' means 
        the systems, operation, supervision, and aftercare of processes 
        and equipment used for waste--
                    (A) collection;
                    (B) transport;
                    (C) recovery;
                    (D) reuse;
                    (E) recycling; and
                    (F) safe disposal of waste when recovery, reuse, or 
                recycling are not otherwise available.

SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) eliminating plastic waste from the oceans requires a 
        multi-faceted approach, including waste reduction and 
        prevention, reuse and recycling, and innovation;
            (2) both domestic and international efforts are required to 
        make progress in combating marine debris;
            (3) efforts by States, communities, and corporations to 
        minimize the use of single-use plastic products have been 
        successful in raising awareness of the marine debris issue; and
            (4) while we make progress toward a more sustainable 
        future, we must recognize that there is significant amount of 
        plastic waste that has already been created that must be 
        prevented from entering the oceans through recycling, reuse, 
        repurposing, and other innovative means.

         TITLE I--ENHANCING THE DOMESTIC MARINE DEBRIS RESPONSE

             Subtitle A--Marine Debris Response Trust Fund

SEC. 101. MARINE DEBRIS RESPONSE TRUST FUND.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 9512. MARINE DEBRIS RESPONSE TRUST FUND.

    ``(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury 
of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Marine Debris 
Response Trust Fund', consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated 
or credited to the Trust Fund as provided in this section.
    ``(b) Purposes of Trust Fund.--
            ``(1) In general.--Amounts in the Marine Debris Response 
        Trust Fund shall be available for the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration to respond to a marine debris event 
        described in paragraph (2), which may include--
                    ``(A) monitoring, response, and prevention;
                    ``(B) providing funding to States, territories, 
                Tribes, and other United States Government and 
                nongovernmental organizations supporting prevention, 
                cleanup, and response efforts; or
                    ``(C) administrative costs relating to distributing 
                amounts from the Trust Fund.
            ``(2) Marine debris event described.--A marine debris event 
        described in this paragraph is an event that affects or may 
        affect the United States involving--
                    ``(A) marine debris caused by a natural event, 
                including a tsunami, flood, landslide, hurricane, or 
                other natural source;
                    ``(B) distinct, nonrecurring marine debris, 
                including derelict vessel groundings and container 
                spills, that have immediate or long-term impacts on 
                habitats with high ecological, economic, or human-use 
                values; or
                    ``(C) marine debris caused by an intentional or 
                grossly negligent act or acts that causes substantial 
                economic or environmental harm.
    ``(c) Limitations on Expenditures.--
            ``(1) Maximum per event.--The maximum amount that may be 
        paid from the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund with respect to 
        any single event may not exceed $100,000,000.
            ``(2) Minimum balance.--A payment may be made from the 
        Marine Debris Response Trust Fund only if the amount in the 
        Trust Fund after the payment will not be less than $1,000,000.
            ``(3) Maximum balance.--Amounts in the Marine Debris 
        Response Trust Fund may not exceed $500,000,000.
    ``(d) Initial Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 
to establish the Trust Fund.
    ``(e) Authority To Borrow.--
            ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
        to the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund, as repayable 
        advances, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the 
        purposes of the Trust Fund.
            ``(2) Limitation on amount outstanding.--The maximum 
        aggregate amount of repayable advances to the Marine Debris 
        Response Trust Fund outstanding at any one time may not exceed 
        $1,000,000.
            ``(3) Repayment of advances.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Advances made to the Marine 
                Debris Response Trust Fund shall be repaid, and 
                interest on such advances shall be paid, to the general 
                fund of the Treasury when the Secretary of Commerce, in 
                consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, 
                determines that amounts are available for such purposes 
                in the Trust Fund.
                    ``(B) Final repayment.--No advance may be made to 
                the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund after September 
                30, 2035, and all advances to such Fund shall be repaid 
                on or before that date.
                    ``(C) Rate of interest.--Interest on advances made 
                pursuant to this subsection shall be--
                            ``(i) at a rate determined by the Secretary 
                        of the Treasury (as of the close of the 
                        calendar month preceding the month in which the 
                        advance is made) to be equal to the current 
                        average market yield on outstanding marketable 
                        obligations of the United States with remaining 
                        periods to maturity comparable to the 
                        anticipated period during which the advance 
                        will be outstanding, and
                            ``(ii) compounded annually.
    ``(f) Availability of Funds.--Amounts in the Marine Debris Response 
Trust Fund shall--
            ``(1) be available without fiscal year limitation and 
        without apportionment; and
            ``(2) shall supplement and not supplant other amounts 
        available for responding to marine debris events.
    ``(g) Investment.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
amounts in the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund in interest bearing 
obligations of the United States to the extent such amounts are not 
required to meet current withdrawals. Interest earned by such 
investments shall be credited to, and become a part of, the Trust Fund.
    ``(h) Administration.--The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans 
and Atmosphere shall prescribe regulations--
            ``(1) providing for a process for submitting a claim to the 
        Marine Debris Response Trust Fund and for distributing amounts 
        from the Trust Fund pursuant to those claims; and
            ``(2) providing guidance with respect to what constitutes 
        an event for which amounts will be distributed from the Trust 
        Fund.
    ``(i) Liability of the United States Limited to Amount in Trust 
Fund.--
            ``(1) In general.--Any claim filed against the Marine 
        Debris Response Trust Fund may be paid only out of the Trust 
        Fund.
            ``(2) Order in which unpaid claims are to be paid.--If at 
        any time the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund has insufficient 
        funds to pay all of the claims out of the Trust Fund at such 
        time, such claims shall, to the extent permitted under 
        paragraph (1), be paid in full in the order in which they were 
        finally determined.
    ``(j) Non-Federal Contributions to the Trust Fund.--
            ``(1) In general.--A gift, award, devise, or bequest, and 
        non-Federal amounts from legal judgments or settlements may be 
        accepted by the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund without 
        regard to whether the gift, devise, or bequest is encumbered, 
        restricted, or subject to beneficial interests of private 
        persons if any current or future interest in the gift, devise, 
        or bequest is for the benefit of the Trust Fund.
            ``(2) Foreign gifts.--Any gifts, awards, devises, or 
        bequests given to or received from a person in a foreign 
        country by or to the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund shall be 
        made only with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, in 
        consultation, as appropriate, with the Administrator of the 
        United States Agency for International Development.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter A of 
chapter 98 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 9512. Marine Debris Response Trust Fund.''.

                  Subtitle B--Marine Debris Foundation

SEC. 111. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES OF FOUNDATION.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established the Marine Debris 
Foundation (in this subtitle referred to as the ``Foundation''). The 
Foundation is a charitable and nonprofit organization and is not an 
agency or establishment of the United States.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Foundation are--
            (1) to encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of 
        property for the benefit of, or in connection with, the 
        activities and services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration under the Marine Debris Program established 
        under section 3 of the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1952), and 
        other relevant programs and agencies;
            (2) to undertake and conduct such other activities as will 
        further the efforts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration to assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine 
        debris and address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the 
        economy of the United States, the marine environment, and 
        navigation safety;
            (3) to participate with, and otherwise assist, State, 
        local, and Tribal governments, foreign governments, entities, 
        and individuals in undertaking and conducting activities to 
        assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine debris and address 
        the adverse impacts of marine debris and its root causes on the 
        economy of the United States, the marine environment (including 
        waters in the jurisdiction of the United States, the high seas, 
        and waters in the jurisdiction of other countries), and 
        navigation safety; and
            (4) to support other Federal actions to reduce marine 
        debris.

SEC. 112. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FOUNDATION.

    (a) Establishment and Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Foundation shall have a governing 
        Board of Directors (in this subtitle referred to as the 
        ``Board''), which shall consist of the Under Secretary and 12 
        additional Directors appointed in accordance with subsection 
        (b) from among individuals who are United States citizens.
            (2) Representation of diverse points of view.--To the 
        maximum extent practicable, the membership of the Board shall 
        represent diverse points of view relating to the assessment, 
        prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris.
            (3) Not federal employees.--Appointment as a Director of 
        the Foundation shall not constitute employment by, or the 
        holding of an office of, the United States for the purpose of 
        any Federal law.
    (b) Appointment and Terms.--
            (1) Appointment.--Subject to paragraph (2), after 
        consulting with the EPA Administrator, the Director of the 
        United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Assistant 
        Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International 
        Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and the Administrator of 
        the United States Agency for International Development, and 
        considering the recommendations submitted by the Board, the 
        Under Secretary shall appoint 12 Directors who meet the 
        criteria established by subsection (a), of whom--
                    (A) at least 4 shall be educated or experienced in 
                the assessment, prevention, reduction, or removal of 
                marine debris, which may include an individual with 
                expertise in waste management, recycling, reuse, or a 
                circular economy;
                    (B) at least 2 shall be educated or experienced in 
                the assessment, prevention, reduction, or removal of 
                marine debris outside the United States;
                    (C) at least 2 shall be educated or experienced in 
                ocean and coastal resource conservation science or 
                policy; and
                    (D) at least 2 shall be educated or experienced in 
                international trade or foreign policy.
            (2) Terms.--
                    (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), each 
                Director (other than the Under Secretary) shall be 
                appointed for a term of 6 years.
                    (B) Initial appointments to new member positions.--
                Of the Directors appointed by the Under Secretary under 
                paragraph (1), the Secretary shall appoint, not later 
                than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
                Act--
                            (i) four Directors for a term of 6 years;
                            (ii) four Directors for a term of 4 years; 
                        and
                            (iii) four Directors for a term of 2 years.
            (3) Vacancies.--
                    (A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall fill a 
                vacancy on the Board.
                    (B) Term of appointments to fill unexpired terms.--
                An individual appointed to fill a vacancy that occurs 
                before the expiration of the term of a Director shall 
                be appointed for the remainder of the term.
            (4) Reappointment.--An individual (other than an individual 
        described in paragraph (1)) shall not serve more than 2 
        consecutive terms as a Director, excluding any term of less 
        than 6 years.
            (5) Request for removal.--The executive committee of the 
        Board may submit to the Under Secretary a letter describing the 
        nonperformance of a Director and requesting the removal of the 
        Director from the Board.
            (6) Consultation before removal.--Before removing any 
        Director from the Board, the Under Secretary shall consult with 
        the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and 
        International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, the 
        Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and 
        the EPA Administrator.
    (c) Chairman.--The Chairman shall be elected by the Board from its 
members for a 2-year term.
    (d) Quorum.--A majority of the current membership of the Board 
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
    (e) Meetings.--The Board shall meet at the call of the Chairman at 
least once a year. If a Director misses 3 consecutive regularly 
scheduled meetings, that individual may be removed from the Board and 
that vacancy filled in accordance with subsection (b).
    (f) Reimbursement of Expenses.--Members of the Board shall serve 
without pay, but may be reimbursed for the actual and necessary 
traveling and subsistence expenses incurred by them in the performance 
of the duties of the Foundation.
    (g) General Powers.--
            (1) In general.--The Board may complete the organization of 
        the Foundation by--
                    (A) appointing officers and employees;
                    (B) adopting a constitution and bylaws consistent 
                with the purposes of the Foundation and the provisions 
                of this subtitle; and
                    (C) undertaking of other such acts as may be 
                necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
            (2) Limitations on appointment.--The following limitations 
        apply with respect to the appointment of officers and employees 
        of the Foundation:
                    (A) Officers and employees may not be appointed 
                until the Foundation has sufficient funds to pay them 
                for their service. Officers and employees of the 
                Foundation shall be appointed without regard to the 
                provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing 
                appointments in the competitive service, and may be 
                paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and 
                subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to 
                classification and General Schedule pay rates.
                    (B) The first officer or employee appointed by the 
                Board shall be the Secretary of the Board who--
                            (i) shall serve, at the direction of the 
                        Board, as its chief operating officer; and
                            (ii) shall be knowledgeable and experienced 
                        in matters relating to the assessment, 
                        prevention, reduction, and removal of marine 
                        debris.

SEC. 113. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE FOUNDATION.

    (a) In General.--The Foundation--
            (1) shall have perpetual succession;
            (2) may conduct business throughout the several States, 
        territories, and possessions of the United States and abroad;
            (3) shall have its principal offices in the District of 
        Columbia or in a county in the State of Maryland or Virginia 
        that borders on the District of Columbia; and
            (4) shall at all times maintain a designated agent 
        authorized to accept service of process for the Foundation.
    (b) Service of Process.--The serving of notice to, or service of 
process upon, the agent required under subsection (a)(4), or mailed to 
the business address of such agent, shall be deemed as service upon or 
notice to the Foundation.
    (c) Seal.--The Foundation shall have an official seal selected by 
the Board which shall be judicially noticed.
    (d) Powers.--
            (1) In general.--To carry out its purposes under section 
        111, the Foundation shall have, in addition to the powers 
        otherwise given it under this subtitle, the usual powers of a 
        corporation acting as a trustee in the District of Columbia, 
        including the power--
                    (A) to accept, receive, solicit, hold, administer, 
                and use any gift, devise, or bequest, either absolutely 
                or in trust, of real or personal property or any income 
                therefrom or other interest therein;
                    (B) to acquire by purchase or exchange any real or 
                personal property or interest therein;
                    (C) to invest any funds provided to the Foundation 
                by the Federal Government in obligations of the United 
                States or in obligations or securities that are 
                guaranteed or insured by the United States;
                    (D) to deposit any funds provided to the Foundation 
                by the Federal Government into accounts that are 
                insured by an agency or instrumentality of the United 
                States;
                    (E) to make use of any interest or investment 
                income that accrues as a consequence of actions taken 
                under subparagraph (C) or (D) to carry out the purposes 
                of the Foundation;
                    (F) to use Federal funds to make payments under 
                cooperative agreements to provide substantial long-term 
                benefits for the assessment, prevention, reduction, and 
                removal of marine debris;
                    (G) unless otherwise required by the instrument of 
                transfer, to sell, donate, lease, invest, reinvest, 
                retain or otherwise dispose of any property or income 
                therefrom;
                    (H) to borrow money and issue bonds, debentures, or 
                other debt instruments;
                    (I) to sue and be sued, and complain and defend 
                itself in any court of competent jurisdiction, except 
                that the Directors of the Foundation shall not be 
                personally liable, except for gross negligence;
                    (J) to enter into contracts or other arrangements 
                with, or provide financial assistance to, public 
                agencies and private organizations and persons and to 
                make such payments as may be necessary to carry out its 
                functions; and
                    (K) to do any and all acts necessary and proper to 
                carry out the purposes of the Foundation.
            (2) Non-federal contributions to the fund.--A gift, devise, 
        or bequest may be accepted by the Foundation without regard to 
        whether the gift, devise, or bequest is encumbered, restricted, 
        or subject to beneficial interests of private persons if any 
        current or future interest in the gift, devise, or bequest is 
        for the benefit of the Foundation.
    (e) Notice to Members of Congress.--The Foundation may not make a 
grant of Federal funds in an amount greater than $100,000 unless, by 
not later than 15 days before the grant is made, the Foundation 
provides notice of the grant to the Member of Congress for the 
congressional district in which the project to be funded with the grant 
will be carried out.
    (f) Coordination of International Efforts.--Any efforts of the 
Foundation carried out in a foreign country, and any grants provided to 
an individual or entity in a foreign country, shall be made only with 
the concurrence of the Secretary of State, in consultation, as 
appropriate, with the Administrator of the United States Agency for 
International Development.
    (g) Consultation With NOAA.--The Foundation shall consult with the 
Under Secretary during the planning of any restoration or remediation 
action using funds resulting from judgments or settlements relating to 
the damage to trust resources of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.

SEC. 114. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND SUPPORT.

    (a) Provision of Services.--The Under Secretary may provide 
personnel, facilities, and other administrative services to the 
Foundation, including reimbursement of expenses, not to exceed the 
current Federal Government per diem rates, for a period of up to 5 
years beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (b) Reimbursement.--The Foundation may reimburse the Under 
Secretary for any administrative service provided under subsection (a). 
The Under Secretary shall deposit any reimbursement received under this 
subsection into the Treasury to the credit of the appropriations then 
current and chargeable for the cost of providing such services.

SEC. 115. VOLUNTEER STATUS.

    The Secretary of Commerce may accept, without regard to the civil 
service classification laws, rules, or regulations, the services of the 
Foundation, the Board, and the officers and employees of the Board, 
without compensation from the Department of Commerce, as volunteers in 
the performance of the functions authorized in this subtitle.

SEC. 116. REPORT REQUIREMENTS; PETITION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR 
              EQUITABLE RELIEF.

    (a) Report.--The Foundation shall, as soon as practicable after the 
end of each fiscal year, transmit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural 
Resources and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
Representatives a report--
            (1) describing the proceedings and activities of the 
        Foundation during that fiscal year, including a full and 
        complete statement of its receipts, expenditures, and 
        investments; and
            (2) including a detailed statement of the recipient, 
        amount, and purpose of each grant made by the Foundation in the 
        fiscal year.
    (b) Relief With Respect to Certain Foundation Acts or Failure To 
Act.--If the Foundation--
            (1) engages in, or threatens to engage in, any act, 
        practice, or policy that is inconsistent with its purposes set 
        forth in section 111(b); or
            (2) refuses, fails, or neglects to discharge its 
        obligations under this subtitle, or threatens to do so,
the Attorney General may petition in the United States District Court 
for the District of Columbia for such equitable relief as may be 
necessary or appropriate.

SEC. 117. UNITED STATES RELEASE FROM LIABILITY.

    The United States shall not be liable for any debts, defaults, 
acts, or omissions of the Foundation nor shall the full faith and 
credit of the United States extend to any obligation of the Foundation.

SEC. 118. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary of Commerce such sums as may be necessary to 
        carry out this subtitle for each of fiscal years 2020 through 
        2025.
            (2) Use of appropriated funds.--Subject to paragraph (3), 
        amounts made available under paragraph (1) shall be provided to 
        the Foundation to match contributions (whether in currency, 
        services, or property) made to the Foundation, or to a 
        recipient of a grant provided by the Foundation, by private 
        persons and State and local government agencies.
            (3) Prohibition on use for administrative expenses.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B), no Federal funds made available under paragraph 
                (1) may be used by the Foundation for administrative 
                expenses of the Foundation, including for salaries, 
                travel and transportation expenses, and other overhead 
                expenses.
                    (B) Exception.--The Secretary may allow the use of 
                Federal funds made available under paragraph (1) to pay 
                for salaries during the 18-month period beginning on 
                the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (b) Additional Authorization.--
            (1) In general.--In addition to the amounts authorized to 
        be appropriated under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept 
        Federal funds from a Federal agency under any other Federal law 
        for use by the Foundation to further the assessment, 
        prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris in 
        accordance with the requirements of this subtitle.
            (2) Use of funds accepted from federal agencies.--Federal 
        funds provided to the Foundation under paragraph (1) shall be 
        used by the Foundation for matching, in whole or in part, 
        contributions (whether in currency, services, or property) made 
        to the Foundation by private persons and State and local 
        government agencies.
    (c) Prohibition on Use of Grant Amounts for Litigation and Lobbying 
Expenses.--Amounts provided as a grant by the Foundation shall not be 
used for--
            (1) any expense related to litigation consistent with 
        Federal-wide cost principles; or
            (2) any activity the purpose of which is to influence 
        legislation pending before Congress consistent with Federal-
        wide cost principles.

         Subtitle C--Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations

SEC. 121. DEFINITIONS.

    In this subtitle:
            (1) Prize competition.--The term ``prize competition'' 
        means the competition for the award of the Genius Prize for 
        Save Our Seas Innovations established under section 122.
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Commerce.

SEC. 122. GENIUS PRIZE FOR SAVE OUR SEAS INNOVATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 
of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 
3719) a prize competition--
            (1) to encourage technological innovation with the 
        potential to reduce plastic waste and thereby prevent marine 
        debris; and
            (2) to award 1 or more prizes biennially for projects that 
        advance human understanding and innovation in removing and 
        preventing plastic waste, including--
                    (A) advancements in materials used in packaging and 
                other products that, if such products enter the coastal 
                or ocean environment, will fully degrade without 
                harming the environment, wildlife, or human health;
                    (B) innovations in production and packaging design 
                that reduce the use of raw materials, increase recycled 
                content, encourage reusability and recyclability, and 
                promote a circular economy;
                    (C) improvements in marine debris detection, 
                monitoring, and cleanup technologies and processes;
                    (D) technological improvements or improved 
                strategies to increase solid waste collection, 
                processing, sorting, recycling, reuse, or repurposing; 
                and
                    (E) new designs or strategies to reduce overall 
                packaging needs.
    (b) Designation.--The prize competition established under 
subsection (a) shall be known as the ``Genius Prize for Save Our Seas 
Innovations''.
    (c) Prioritization.--In selecting awards for the prize competition, 
priority shall be given to projects that--
            (1) have a strategy, submitted with the application or 
        proposal, to move the new technology, process, design, 
        material, or other product supported by the prize to market-
        scale deployment;
            (2) support the concept of a circular economy; and
            (3) promote development of materials that--
                    (A) can fully degrade in the ocean without harming 
                the environment, wildlife, or human health; and
                    (B) are to be used in fishing gear or other 
                maritime products that have an increased likelihood of 
                entering the coastal or ocean environment as 
                unintentional waste.

SEC. 123. SAVE OUR SEAS INNOVATION STEERING COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a steering 
committee, to be known as the ``Save Our Seas Innovation Steering 
Committee'' (in this subtitle referred as the ``Committee'') to provide 
expert advice and recommendations in the establishment of the prize 
competition, selection of awardees, and analysis of the successes of 
the prize competition.
    (b) Duties.--Subject to subsection (d), with respect to the prize 
competition, the Committee shall--
            (1) select a topic;
            (2) issue a problem statement; and
            (3) advise the Secretary on any opportunity for market-
        scale development of technological innovation to prevent marine 
        plastic debris and promote the development of materials that 
        fully degrade in ocean and coastal environments without harming 
        the environment, wildlife, or human health.
    (c) Competition Judges.--A member of the Committee may serve as a 
judge for the prize competition under section 125.
    (d) Administrative Cost Reduction.--The Committee shall, to the 
maximum extent practicable, minimize the administrative costs of the 
Committee, including by encouraging remote participation to reduce 
travel costs.
    (e) Consultation.--In selecting a topic and issuing a problem 
statement for the prize competition under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
subsection (b)(1), respectively, the Committee shall consult widely 
with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders, including--
            (1) 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the 
        prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative 
        materials;
            (2) 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the 
        prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative 
        materials;
            (3) 1 or more State, regional, or local conservation or 
        waste management organizations, the mission of which relates to 
        the prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative 
        materials;
            (4) 1 or more conservation groups, technology companies, 
        research institutions, institutions of higher education, 
        industry associations, or individual stakeholders with an 
        interest in the prevention of marine debris or the promotion of 
        innovative materials;
            (5) 1 or more experts in the area of standards development 
        regarding the degradation, breakdown, or recycling of polymers; 
        and
            (6) experts in the following areas:
                    (A) Polymer chemistry.
                    (B) Wildlife conservation and management.
                    (C) Marine biology or animal science.
                    (D) Waste management.
                    (E) Technology development.
                    (F) Engineering.
                    (G) Lifecycle assessment.
                    (H) Economics.
                    (I) Recycling.
                    (J) Business development and management.
                    (K) Marine environmental chemistry.
                    (L) Any other discipline that the Secretary 
                determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of 
                this subtitle.
    (f) Nonapplicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
            (1) In general.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
        U.S.C. App.) shall not apply with respect to the Committee.
            (2) Applicability of financial disclosure requirements.--
        Notwithstanding paragraph (1), section 208(b)(3) of title 18, 
        United States Code, shall apply with respect to Government 
        employees serving on the Committee.

SEC. 124. AGREEMENT WITH THE MARINE DEBRIS FOUNDATION.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into an 
agreement, which may include a grant or cooperative agreement, under 
which the Marine Debris Foundation established under subtitle B shall 
administer the prize competition.
    (b) Requirements.--An agreement entered into under subsection (a) 
shall comply with the following requirements:
            (1) Duties.--The Marine Debris Foundation shall--
                    (A) advertise the prize competition;
                    (B) solicit prize competition participants;
                    (C) administer funds relating to the prize 
                competition;
                    (D) receive Federal and non-Federal funds--
                            (i) to administer the prize competition; 
                        and
                            (ii) to award a cash prize;
                    (E) carry out activities to generate contributions 
                of non-Federal funds to offset, in whole or in part--
                            (i) the administrative costs of the prize 
                        competition; and
                            (ii) the costs of a cash prize;
                    (F) in consultation with, and subject to final 
                approval by, the Secretary, develop criteria for the 
                selection of prize competition winners;
                    (G) provide advice and consultation to the 
                Secretary on the selection of judges under section 125 
                based on criteria developed in consultation with, and 
                subject to the final approval of, the Secretary;
                    (H) announce 1 or more annual winners of the prize 
                competition;
                    (I) subject to paragraph (2), award 1 or more cash 
                prizes biennially of not less than $100,000; and
                    (J) protect against unauthorized use or disclosure 
                by the Marine Debris Foundation of any trade secret or 
                confidential business information of a prize 
                competition participant.
            (2) Additional cash prizes.--The Marine Debris Foundation 
        may award more than 1 cash prize in a year--
                    (A) if the initial cash prize referred to in 
                paragraph (1)(I) and any additional cash prizes are 
                awarded using only non-Federal funds; and
                    (B) consisting of an amount determined by the Under 
                Secretary after the Secretary is notified by the Marine 
                Debris Foundation that non-Federal funds are available 
                for an additional cash prize.
            (3) Solicitation of funds.--The Marine Debris Foundation--
                    (A) may request and accept Federal funds and non-
                Federal funds for a cash prize or administration of the 
                prize competition;
                    (B) may accept a contribution for a cash prize in 
                exchange for the right to name the prize; and
                    (C) shall not give special consideration to any 
                Federal agency or non-Federal entity in exchange for a 
                donation for a cash prize awarded under this section.

SEC. 125. JUDGES.

    (a) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint not fewer than 3 
judges who shall, except as provided in subsection (b), select the 1 or 
more annual winners of the prize competition.
    (b) Determination by the Secretary.--The judges appointed under 
subsection (a) shall not select any annual winner of the prize 
competition if the Secretary makes a determination that, in any fiscal 
year, none of the technological advancements entered into the prize 
competition merits an award.

SEC. 126. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

    Not later than 60 days after the date on which a cash prize is 
awarded under this subtitle, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a 
report on the prize competition that includes--
            (1) a statement by the Committee that describes the 
        activities carried out by the Committee relating to the duties 
        described in section 123;
            (2) if the Secretary has entered into an agreement under 
        section 124, a statement by the Marine Debris Foundation that 
        describes the activities carried out by the Marine Debris 
        Foundation relating to the duties described in section 123; and
            (3) a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under 
        section 125 that explains the basis on which the winner of the 
        cash prize was selected.

SEC. 127. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated such 
sums as may be necessary for expenses, including administrative 
expenses, relating to the prize competition.
    (b) Reimbursement of Expenses.--Members of the Committee and judges 
appointed under section 125 shall serve without pay, but may be 
reimbursed for the actual and necessary traveling and subsistence 
expenses.

SEC. 128. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

    The prize program will terminate after 5 prize competition cycles 
have been completed.

     Subtitle D--Other Measures Relating to Combating Marine Debris

SEC. 131. PRIORITIZATION OF MARINE DEBRIS IN EXISTING INNOVATION AND 
              ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS.

    The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the EPA 
Administrator, and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall 
prioritize efforts to combat marine debris in innovation and 
entrepreneurship programs established before the date of the enactment 
of this Act, including by using such programs to increase innovation in 
and the effectiveness of waste management, monitoring, detection, data-
sharing related to the prevalence and location of marine debris, demand 
for recycled content, alternative uses for plastic waste, product 
design, reduction of disposable plastic consumer products and 
packaging, ocean biodegradable materials development, waste prevention, 
and cleanup.

SEC. 132. EXPANSION OF DERELICT VESSEL RECYCLING.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Under Secretary and the EPA Administrator shall jointly conduct a 
study to determine the feasibility of developing a nationwide derelict 
vessel recycling program--
            (1) using as a model the fiberglass boat recycling program 
        from the pilot project in Rhode Island led by Rhode Island Sea 
        Grant and its partners; and
            (2) including, if possible, recycling of vessels made from 
        materials other than fiberglass.

SEC. 133. INCENTIVE FOR FISHERMEN TO COLLECT AND DISPOSE OF PLASTIC 
              FOUND AT SEA.

    (a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall establish a pilot 
program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing 
incentives, such as grants, to fishermen based in the United States who 
incidentally capture marine debris while at sea--
            (1) to track or keep the debris on board; and
            (2) to dispose of the debris properly on land.
    (b) Support for Collection and Removal of Derelict Gear.--The Under 
Secretary shall encourage United States efforts, such as the Fishing 
for Energy net disposal program, that support--
            (1) collection and removal of derelict fishing gear and 
        other fishing waste;
            (2) disposal or recycling of such gear and waste; and
            (3) prevention of the loss of such gear.

SEC. 134. AMENDMENTS TO MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 9(a) of the Marine 
Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1958(a)) is amended by--
            (1) striking ``$10,000,000'' and inserting ``$15,000,000''; 
        and
            (2) striking ``5 percent'' and inserting ``7 percent''.
    (b) Enhancement of Purpose.--Section 2 of the Marine Debris Act (33 
U.S.C. 1951) is amended by striking ``marine environment,'' and 
inserting ``marine environment (including waters in the jurisdiction of 
the United States, the high seas, and waters in the jurisdiction of 
other countries),''.

SEC. 135. MARINE DEBRIS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND.

    (a) Special-Use Authorization.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall not require a 
volunteer organization to obtain a special-use authorization for the 
removal of any marine debris being stored on National Forest System 
land.
    (b) Temporary Storage.--Marine debris may be stored on National 
Forest System land in a location determined by the Secretary for not 
more than 60 days.
    (c) Requirements.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, 
any activities related to the removal of marine debris from National 
Forest System land shall be conducted in a manner consistent with 
applicable law and regulations and subject to such reasonable terms and 
conditions as the Secretary may require.

                    Subtitle E--Studies and Reports

SEC. 141. REPORT ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATIVE USES OF PLASTIC WASTE.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Marine Debris Coordinating Committee established under section 5 of 
the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1954) (in this subtitle referred to as 
the ``Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee'') shall submit 
to Congress a report on innovative uses for plastic waste other than in 
infrastructure.

SEC. 142. REPORT ON MICROFIBER POLLUTION.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee shall submit to 
Congress a report on microfiber pollution that includes--
            (1) a definition for ``microfiber'';
            (2) an assessment of the sources, prevalence, and causes of 
        microfiber pollution;
            (3) a recommendation for a standardized methodology to 
        measure and estimate the prevalence of microfiber pollution;
            (4) recommendations for reducing microfiber pollution; and
            (5) a plan for how Federal agencies, in partnership with 
        other stakeholders, can lead on opportunities to reduce 
        microfiber pollution during the 5-year period beginning on such 
        date of enactment.

SEC. 143. STUDY ON UNITED STATES PLASTIC POLLUTION DATA.

    (a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in consultation with the EPA 
Administrator, shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the 
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which 
the National Academies will undertake a multifaceted study that 
includes the following:
            (1) An evaluation of United States contributions to global 
        ocean plastic waste, including types, sources, and geographic 
        variations.
            (2) An assessment of the prevalence of marine debris and 
        mismanaged plastic waste in saltwater and freshwater United 
        States waterways.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
report on the study conducted under subsection (a) that includes--
            (1) the findings of the National Academies;
            (2) recommendations on knowledge gaps that warrant further 
        scientific inquiry; and
            (3) recommendations on the potential value of a national 
        marine debris tracking and monitoring system and how such a 
        system might be designed and implemented.

SEC. 144. REPORT ON MINIMIZING THE CREATION OF NEW PLASTIC WASTE.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee shall submit to 
Congress a report on minimizing the creation of new plastic waste.

SEC. 145. STUDY ON MASS BALANCE METHODOLOGIES TO CERTIFY CIRCULAR 
              POLYMERS.

    (a) In General.--The National Institute of Standards and Technology 
shall conduct a study of available mass balance methodologies that are 
or could be readily standardized to certify circular polymers.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Institute shall submit to Congress a report on the study 
conducted under subsection (a) that includes--
            (1) an identification and assessment of existing mass 
        balance methodologies, standards, and certification systems 
        that are or may be applicable to supply chain sustainability of 
        polymers, considering the full life cycle of the polymer, and 
        including an examination of--
                    (A) the International Sustainability and Carbon 
                Certification; and
                    (B) the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials; and
            (2) an assessment of any legal or regulatory barriers to 
        developing a standard and certification system for circular 
        polymers.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Circular polymers.--The term ``circular polymers'' 
        means polymers that can be reused multiple times or converted 
        into a new, higher-quality product.
            (2) Mass balance methodology.--The term ``mass balance 
        methodology'' means the method of chain of custody accounting 
        designed to track the exact total amount of certain content in 
        products or materials through the production system and to 
        ensure an appropriate allocation of this content in the 
        finished goods based on auditable bookkeeping.

      TITLE II--ENHANCED GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT TO COMBAT MARINE DEBRIS

SEC. 201. STATEMENT OF POLICY ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO COMBAT 
              MARINE DEBRIS.

    It is the policy of the United States to partner, consult, and 
coordinate with foreign governments (at the national and subnational 
levels), civil society, international organizations, international 
financial institutions, subnational coastal communities, commercial and 
recreational fishing industry leaders, and the private sector, in a 
concerted effort--
            (1) to increase knowledge and raise awareness about--
                    (A) the linkages between the sources of plastic 
                waste, mismanaged waste, and marine debris; and
                    (B) the upstream and downstream causes and effects 
                of plastic waste, mismanaged waste, and marine debris 
                on marine environments, marine wildlife, human health, 
                and economic development;
            (2) to support--
                    (A) strengthening systems for recovering, managing, 
                reusing (to the extent practicable), and recycling 
                plastic waste, marine debris, and microfiber pollution 
                in the world's oceans, emphasizing upstream waste 
                management solutions--
                            (i) to mitigate plastic waste at its 
                        source; and
                            (ii) to prevent leakage of plastic waste 
                        into the environment;
                    (B) advancing the utilization and availability of 
                safe and affordable reusable alternatives to disposable 
                plastic products in commerce, to the extent 
                practicable, and with consideration for the potential 
                impacts of such alternatives, and other efforts to 
                prevent marine debris;
                    (C) deployment of and access to advanced 
                technologies to capture value from municipal solid 
                waste streams through mechanical and other recycling 
                systems;
                    (D) access to information on best practices in 
                waste management, options for waste system financing, 
                and options for participating in public-private 
                partnerships; and
                    (E) implementation of management measures to reduce 
                derelict fishing gear, the loss of fishing gear, and 
                other sources of pollution generated from marine 
                activities and to increase proper disposal and 
                recycling of fishing gear; and
            (3) to work cooperatively with international partners--
                    (A) on establishing--
                            (i) measurable targets for reducing marine 
                        debris, lost fishing gear, and plastic waste 
                        from all sources; and
                            (ii) action plans to achieve those targets 
                        with a mechanism to provide regular reporting;
                    (B) to promote consumer education, awareness, and 
                outreach to prevent marine debris;
                    (C) to reduce marine debris by improving advance 
                planning for marine debris events and responses to such 
                events; and
                    (D) to share best practices in waste management 
                systems to prevent the entry of plastic waste into the 
                environment.

SEC. 202. PRIORITIZATION OF EFFORTS AND ASSISTANCE TO COMBAT MARINE 
              DEBRIS AND IMPROVE PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall, in coordination with 
the Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
Development, as appropriate, and the officials specified in subsection 
(b)--
            (1) lead and coordinate efforts to implement the policy 
        described in section 201; and
            (2) develop strategies and implement programs that 
        prioritize engagement and cooperation with foreign governments, 
        subnational and local stakeholders, and the private sector to 
        expedite efforts and assistance in foreign countries--
                    (A) to partner with, encourage, advise and 
                facilitate national and subnational governments on the 
                development and execution, where practicable, of 
                national projects, programs and initiatives to--
                            (i) improve the capacity, security, and 
                        standards of operations of waste management 
                        systems;
                            (ii) monitor and track how well waste 
                        management systems are functioning nationwide, 
                        based on uniform and transparent standards 
                        developed in cooperation with municipal, 
                        industrial, and civil society stakeholders;
                            (iii) identify waste management systems' 
                        operational challenges and develop policy and 
                        programmatic solutions;
                            (iv) end intentional or unintentional 
                        incentives for municipalities, industries, and 
                        individuals to improperly dispose of plastic 
                        waste; and
                            (v) conduct outreach campaigns to raise 
                        public awareness of the importance of proper 
                        waste disposal;
                    (B) to facilitate the involvement of municipalities 
                and industries in improving solid waste reduction, 
                collection, disposal, and reuse and recycling projects, 
                programs, and initiatives;
                    (C) to partner with and provide technical 
                assistance to investors, and national and local 
                institutions, including private sector actors, to 
                develop new business opportunities and solutions to 
                specifically reduce plastic waste and expand solid 
                waste management best practices and waste collection 
                services in foreign countries by--
                            (i) maximizing the number of people and 
                        businesses, in both rural and urban 
                        communities, receiving reliable solid waste 
                        management services and using safe and 
                        responsible practices for properly disposing, 
                        including recycling or reusing waste materials;
                            (ii) improving and expanding the capacity 
                        of foreign industries to responsibly manage 
                        waste;
                            (iii) improving and expanding the capacity 
                        and transparency of tracking mechanisms for 
                        marine debris to reduce the impacts on the 
                        marine environment;
                            (iv) eliminating incentives that undermine 
                        responsible waste management practices and lead 
                        to improper waste disposal practices and 
                        leakage;
                            (v) building the capacity of countries--
                                    (I) to monitor, regulate, and 
                                manage waste, plastic waste, and 
                                pollution appropriately and 
                                transparently;
                                    (II) to encourage private 
                                investment in waste management, 
                                including collection services and 
                                responsible and beneficial reuse of 
                                plastic waste products; and
                                    (III) to encourage private 
                                investment, grow opportunities, and 
                                develop markets for recyclable, 
                                reusable, and repurposed plastic waste 
                                materials, and products with high 
                                levels of recycled plastic content, at 
                                both national and local levels; and
                            (vi) promoting safe and affordable reusable 
                        alternatives to disposable plastic products, to 
                        the extent practicable; and
                    (D) to research, identify, and facilitate 
                opportunities to promote collection and proper disposal 
                of damaged or derelict fishing gear.
    (b) Officials Specified.--The officials specified in this 
subsection are the following:
            (1) The United States Trade Representative.
            (2) The Under Secretary.
            (3) The EPA Administrator.
            (4) The Director of the Trade and Development Agency.
            (5) The President and the Board of Directors of the 
        Overseas Private Investment Corporation or the Chief Executive 
        Officer and the Board of Directors of the United States 
        International Development Finance Corporation, as appropriate.
            (6) The Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors 
        of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
            (7) The heads of such other agencies as the Secretary of 
        State considers appropriate.
    (c) Prioritization.--In carrying out subsection (a), the officials 
specified in subsection (b) shall prioritize assistance to countries 
with--
            (1) rapidly developing economies; and
            (2) rivers and coastal areas that are the most severe 
        sources of marine debris.
    (d) Effectiveness Measurement.--In prioritizing and expediting 
efforts and assistance under this section, the officials specified in 
subsection (b) shall use clear, accountable, and metric-based targets 
to measure the effectiveness of guarantees and assistance in achieving 
the policy described in section 201.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
to authorize the modification of or the imposition of limits on the 
portfolios of any agency or institution led by an official specified in 
subsection (b).

SEC. 203. UNITED STATES LEADERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL FORA.

    In implementing the policy described in section 201, the President 
shall direct the United States representatives to appropriate 
international bodies and conferences (such as the United Nations 
Environment Programme, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the 
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Group of 7, the Group of 20, and 
the Our Ocean Conference) to use the voice, vote, and influence of the 
United States, consistent with the broad foreign policy goals of the 
United States, to advocate that each such body--
            (1) commit to significantly increasing efforts to promote 
        investment in well-designed waste management and plastic waste 
        elimination and mitigation projects and services that increase 
        access to safe waste management and mitigation services, in 
        partnership with the private sector and consistent with the 
        constraints of other countries;
            (2) address the waste management needs of individuals and 
        communities where access to municipal waste management services 
        is historically impractical or cost-prohibitive;
            (3) enhance coordination with the private sector--
                    (A) to increase access to solid waste management 
                services;
                    (B) to utilize safe and affordable reusable 
                alternatives to disposable plastic products, to the 
                extent practicable;
                    (C) to encourage and incentivize the use of 
                recycled content; and
                    (D) to grow economic opportunities and develop 
                markets for recyclable, reusable, and repurposed 
                plastic waste materials and other efforts that support 
                the circular economy;
            (4) provide technical assistance to foreign regulatory 
        authorities and governments to remove unnecessary barriers to 
        investment in otherwise commercially-viable projects related 
        to--
                    (A) waste management including recycling;
                    (B) the use of safe and affordable reusable 
                alternatives to disposable plastic products, to the 
                extent practicable; or
                    (C) beneficial reuse of solid waste, plastic waste, 
                plastic products, and refuse;
            (5) use clear, accountable, and metric-based targets to 
        measure the effectiveness of such projects; and
            (6) engage international partners in an existing 
        multilateral forum (or, if necessary, establish through an 
        international agreement a new multilateral forum) to improve 
        global cooperation on--
                    (A) creating tangible metrics for evaluating 
                efforts to reduce plastic waste and marine debris;
                    (B) developing and implementing best practices for 
                collecting, disposing, recycling, and reusing plastic 
                waste, including building capacity for improving waste 
                management at the national and subnational levels of 
                foreign countries, particularly countries with little 
                to no solid waste management systems, facilities, or 
                policies in place;
                    (C) encouraging the development of standards and 
                practices, and increasing recycled content percentage 
                requirements for disposable plastic products;
                    (D) integrating tracking and monitoring systems 
                into waste management systems;
                    (E) fostering research to improve scientific 
                understanding of--
                            (i) how microfibers and microplastics may 
                        affect marine ecosystems, human health and 
                        safety, and maritime activities;
                            (ii) changes in the amount and regional 
                        concentrations of plastic waste in the ocean, 
                        based on scientific modeling and forecasting;
                            (iii) the role rivers, streams, and other 
                        inland waterways play in serving as conduits 
                        for mismanaged waste traveling from land to the 
                        ocean;
                            (iv) effective means to eliminate present 
                        and future leakages of plastic waste into the 
                        environment; and
                            (v) other related areas of research the 
                        United States representatives deem necessary;
                    (F) encouraging the World Bank and other 
                international finance organizations to prioritize 
                efforts to combat marine debris;
                    (G) collaborating on technological advances in 
                waste management and recycled plastics;
                    (H) growing economic opportunities and developing 
                markets for recyclable, reusable, and repurposed 
                plastic waste materials and other efforts that support 
                the circular economy; and
                    (I) advising foreign countries, at both the 
                national and subnational levels, on the development and 
                execution of regulatory policies, services, including 
                recycling and reuse of plastic, and laws pertaining to 
                reducing the creation and the collection and safe 
                management of--
                            (i) solid waste;
                            (ii) plastic waste; and
                            (iii) marine debris.

SEC. 204. ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIP OF UNITED 
              STATES AGENCIES INVOLVED IN MARINE DEBRIS ACTIVITIES.

    (a) Findings.--Congress recognizes the success of the marine debris 
program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 
Trash-Free Waters program of the Environmental Protection Agency.
    (b) Authorization of Efforts To Build Foreign Partnerships.--The 
Under Secretary and the EPA Administrator shall work with the Secretary 
of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for 
International Development to build partnerships, as appropriate, with 
the governments of foreign countries and to support international 
efforts to combat marine debris.

SEC. 205. NEGOTIATION OF NEW INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report--
            (1) assessing the potential for negotiating new 
        international agreements or creating a new international forum 
        to reduce land-based sources of marine debris and derelict 
        fishing gear, consistent with section 203;
            (2) describing the provisions that could be included in 
        such agreements; and
            (3) assessing potential parties to such agreements.

SEC. 206. CONSIDERATION OF MARINE DEBRIS IN NEGOTIATING INTERNATIONAL 
              AGREEMENTS.

    In negotiating any relevant international agreement with any 
country or countries after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
President shall, as appropriate--
            (1) consider the impact of land-based sources of plastic 
        waste and other solid waste from that country on the marine and 
        aquatic environment; and
            (2) ensure that the agreement strengthens efforts to 
        eliminate land-based sources of plastic waste and other solid 
        waste from that country that impact the marine and aquatic 
        environment.

 TITLE III--IMPROVING DOMESTIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO PREVENT MARINE DEBRIS

SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Intended use plan.--The term ``intended use plan'' 
        means a plan developed by a State under section 303(c)(1).
            (2) State.--The term ``State'' means--
                    (A) a State;
                    (B) an Indian Tribe;
                    (C) the District of Columbia; and
                    (D) a territory or possession of the United States.
            (3) State loan fund.--The term ``State loan fund'' means a 
        waste management revolving loan fund established by a State 
        under section 303(a)(2)(B).
            (4) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the 
        meaning given the term ``Indian tribe'' in section 4 of the 
        Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
        U.S.C. 5304).

SEC. 302. STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING WASTE MANAGEMENT, RECYCLING, AND WATER 
              MANAGEMENT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the EPA Administrator shall, in consultation with 
stakeholders, develop a strategy to improve waste management and 
recycling infrastructure, particularly for waste management and 
recycling infrastructure systems not meeting national standards under 
subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.) and 
other waste standards, for the purpose of reducing potential leakage of 
plastic waste and other solid waste into waterways and oceans.
    (b) Release.--On development of the strategy under subsection (a), 
the EPA Administrator shall--
            (1) distribute the strategy to States and units of local 
        government; and
            (2) make the strategy publicly available for use by--
                    (A) for-profit private waste management and 
                recycling entities; and
                    (B) other nongovernmental entities.
    (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
strategy under subsection (a) should include guidance, for the purpose 
of reducing potential leakage of plastic waste and other solid waste 
into waterways and oceans, relating to--
            (1) the harmonization of waste collection protocols;
            (2) the harmonization of recycling protocols for municipal 
        recycling programs, including--
                    (A) best practices for the collection of 
                residential recyclables;
                    (B) improved quality and sorting of recyclable 
                materials through opportunities such as--
                            (i) education and awareness programs;
                            (ii) improved infrastructure, including new 
                        equipment and innovative technologies for 
                        processing of recyclable materials;
                            (iii) enhanced markets for recycled 
                        material; and
                            (iv) standardized measurements; and
                    (C) increasing capacity for more types of plastic 
                (including plastic films) and other materials to be 
                collected, processed, and recycled or repurposed into 
                usable materials or products;
            (3) the development of new strategies and programs that 
        prioritize engagement and cooperation with States and the 
        private sector to expedite efforts and assistance in States to 
        partner with, encourage, advise, and facilitate the development 
        and execution, where practicable, of projects, programs, and 
        initiatives--
                    (A) to improve the capacity, security, and 
                standards of operations of waste management systems;
                    (B) to monitor and track how well waste management 
                systems are functioning, based on uniform and 
                transparent standards developed in cooperation with 
                municipal, industrial, Federal, and civil society 
                stakeholders;
                    (C)(i) to identify the operational challenges of 
                waste management systems; and
                    (ii) to develop policy and programmatic solutions 
                to those challenges; and
                    (D) to end intentional and unintentional incentives 
                for municipalities, industries, and individuals to 
                improperly dispose of municipal solid waste; and
            (4) strengthening markets for products with high levels of 
        recycled plastic content.
    (d) Complementary Activities.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
strategy developed under subsection (a) should include guidance on 
activities that are complementary to the activities described in 
subsection (c), such as--
            (1) reducing waste at the source of the waste, including 
        anti-litter initiatives;
            (2) developing effective trash provisions for--
                    (A) national pollutant discharge elimination system 
                permits issued to municipal separate storm sewer 
                systems under section 402 of the Federal Water 
                Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342); and
                    (B) stormwater management plans;
            (3) capturing trash at stormwater inlets, stormwater 
        outfalls, or in bodies of water;
            (4) providing education and outreach relating to trash 
        movement and reduction; and
            (5) monitoring or modeling waste flows and the reduction of 
        waste resulting from the implementation of best management 
        practices.

SEC. 303. WASTE MANAGEMENT STATE REVOLVING FUNDS.

    (a) Block Grants to States To Establish Loan Funds.--
            (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator shall offer to enter 
        into agreements with eligible States to make capitalization 
        block grants, including letters of credit, to the States under 
        this subsection--
                    (A) to support improvements to local waste 
                management systems, including traditional and 
                innovative recycling and reuse technologies;
                    (B) to assist local waste management authorities in 
                making improvements to local waste management systems--
                            (i) to meet waste management standards 
                        under subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal 
                        Act (42 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.), particularly with 
                        respect to systems falling significantly below 
                        national standards under that subtitle, as 
                        determined by the EPA Administrator; and
                            (ii) to implement the strategy developed 
                        under section 302(a);
                    (C) to deploy waste interceptor technologies, such 
                as ``trash wheels'' and litter traps, to manage the 
                collection and cleanup of aggregated waste from 
                waterways; and
                    (D) for such other purposes as the EPA 
                Administrator determines to be appropriate.
            (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a 
        capitalization block grant under this subsection, a State 
        shall--
                    (A) enter into a capitalization agreement with the 
                EPA Administrator under paragraph (1); and
                    (B) establish a waste management revolving State 
                loan fund.
            (3) Deposit.--Funds from a capitalization block grant to a 
        State under this subsection shall be deposited in the State 
        loan fund established by the State.
            (4) Period.--Funds from a capitalization block grant to a 
        State under this subsection shall be available to the State for 
        obligation--
                    (A) during the fiscal year for which the funds are 
                authorized; and
                    (B) during the following fiscal year.
            (5) Allotment.--Funds made available to carry out this 
        section shall be allotted to States at the discretion of the 
        EPA Administrator.
            (6) Reallotment.--Any funds not obligated by a State by the 
        last day of the period for which the block grants are available 
        shall be reallotted in accordance with paragraph (5).
    (b) Use of Funds.--
            (1) In general.--Amounts deposited in a State loan fund, 
        including loan repayments and interest earned on the amounts, 
        shall be used only--
                    (A) for providing loans or loan guarantees;
                    (B) for outcomes-based or performance payments; or
                    (C) as a source of reserve and security for 
                leveraged loans.
            (2) Limitations.--Loans or loan guarantees made by a State 
        under paragraph (1)(A)--
                    (A) may be used only for expenditures of a type or 
                category that the EPA Administrator has determined, 
                through guidance, will--
                            (i) facilitate compliance with an intended 
                        use plan; or
                            (ii) otherwise significantly further the 
                        purposes described in subparagraphs (A) through 
                        (C) of subsection (a)(1); and
                    (B) may not be used for the acquisition of real 
                property or an interest in real property, unless the 
                acquisition is--
                            (i) integral to an intended use plan; and
                            (ii) from a willing seller.
    (c) Intended Use Plans.--
            (1) In general.--After providing for public review and 
        comment, each State that has entered into a capitalization 
        agreement under subsection (a)(1) annually shall prepare a plan 
        that identifies the intended uses of the amounts available from 
        the State loan fund of the State.
            (2) Contents.--An intended use plan shall include--
                    (A) a list of the projects to be carried out by 
                entities receiving the loans in the first fiscal year 
                that begins after the date of the intended use plan, 
                including a description of the project;
                    (B) a description of how the funds will support 
                disadvantaged communities;
                    (C) the criteria and methods established for the 
                use of the funds; and
                    (D) a description of the financial status of the 
                State loan fund and the short- and long-term goals of 
                the State loan fund.
            (3) List of projects.--Each State, after notice and 
        opportunity for public comment, shall publish, and periodically 
        update, a list of projects in the State that are eligible for 
        assistance under this section, including--
                    (A) the priority assigned to each project; and
                    (B) to the maximum extent practicable, the expected 
                funding schedule for each project.
    (d) Fund Management.--
            (1) In general.--Each State loan fund shall be established, 
        maintained, and credited with repayments and interest, and the 
        fund corpus shall be available in perpetuity in accordance with 
        this section.
            (2) Investment authorized.--To the extent amounts in the 
        State loan fund of a State are not required for current 
        obligation or expenditure, the amounts shall be invested in 
        interest bearing obligations.
    (e) State Contributions.--Each capitalization agreement entered 
into under subsection (a)(1) shall require that the State deposit in 
the State loan fund from State funds an amount equal to not less than 
20 percent of the total amount of the block grant to be made to the 
State on or before the date on which the block grant payment is made to 
the State.
    (f) Administration of State Loan Fund.--
            (1) In general.--Each State annually may use not greater 
        than 4 percent of the funds allotted to the State under this 
        section to cover the reasonable costs of administration of the 
        programs under this section, including the recovery of 
        reasonable costs expended to establish a State loan fund that 
        are incurred after the date of enactment of this Act.
            (2) Guidance and regulations.--The EPA Administrator shall 
        issue guidance and promulgate regulations as are necessary to 
        carry out this section, including guidance and regulations--
                    (A) to ensure that each State commits and expends 
                funds allotted to the State under this section as 
                efficiently as practicable in accordance with this 
                section and applicable State law;
                    (B) to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse; and
                    (C) to ensure that the States receiving block 
                grants under this section use accounting, audit, and 
                fiscal procedures that conform to generally accepted 
                accounting standards.
            (3) State report.--Not less frequently than every 2 years, 
        each State administering a State loan fund under this section 
        shall submit to the EPA Administrator a report describing the 
        activities carried out under this section, including the 
        findings of the most recent audit of the State loan fund and 
        the entire State allotment.
            (4) Audits.--The EPA Administrator shall periodically audit 
        all State loan funds established by, and all other amounts 
        allotted to, the States in accordance with procedures 
        established by the Comptroller General of the United States.
    (g) Applicability of Federal Law.--
            (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator shall ensure that 
        all laborers and mechanics employed on projects funded 
        directly, or assisted in whole or in part, by a State loan fund 
        established by this section shall be paid wages at rates not 
        less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar 
        in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in 
        accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of part A of 
        subtitle II of title 40, United States Code.
            (2) Authority.--With respect to the labor standards 
        specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor shall have 
        the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan 
        Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 
        3145 of title 40, United States Code.
    (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section such amounts as are necessary 
for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2025.

SEC. 304. GRANT PROGRAMS.

    (a) Waste Management Infrastructure Grant Program.--
            (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide grants 
        to units of local government, Indian Tribes, and local waste 
        management systems--
                    (A) to assist those entities in making improvements 
                to waste management systems--
                            (i) to meet waste management standards 
                        established under subtitle D of the Solid Waste 
                        Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.); and
                            (ii) to implement the strategy developed 
                        section 302(a); and
                    (B) to support improvements to local waste 
                management systems, including traditional and 
                innovative recycling and reuse technologies.
            (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        paragraph (1), an applicant shall submit to the EPA 
        Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and 
        containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
        require.
    (b) Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants.--
            (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide 
        competitive grants to units of local government (including 
        units of local government that own treatment works (as defined 
        in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
        U.S.C. 1292))), Indian Tribes, and public water systems (as 
        defined in section 1401 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 
        U.S.C. 300f)), as applicable, to support improvements in 
        removing plastic waste from drinking water, including planning, 
        design, construction, technical assistance, and planning 
        support for operational adjustments.
            (2) Preference.--In making grants under paragraph (1), the 
        EPA Administrator shall give preference to applicants that--
                    (A) seek to improve the removal of microplastics, 
                including microfibers, from drinking water; and
                    (B) have demonstrated prior commitment and success 
                in reducing other pollution sources in drinking water, 
                such as lead and other contaminants.
            (3) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        paragraph (1), an applicant shall submit to the EPA 
        Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and 
        containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
        require.
    (c) Wastewater Infrastructure Grants.--
            (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide grants 
        to units of local government (including units of local 
        government that own treatment works (as defined in section 212 
        of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1292))) 
        and public water systems (as defined in section 1401 of the 
        Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f)), as applicable, to 
        support improvements in removing plastic waste from wastewater.
            (2) Preference.--In making grants under paragraph (1), the 
        EPA Administrator shall give preference to applicants that--
                    (A) seek to improve the removal of microplastics, 
                including microfibers, from wastewater; and
                    (B) have demonstrated prior commitment and success 
                in reducing other pollution sources in wastewater, such 
                as nutrient pollution and other contaminants.
            (3) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        paragraph (1), an applicant shall submit to the EPA 
        Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and 
        containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
        require.
    (d) Trash-Free Waters Grants.--
            (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide grants 
        to political subdivisions of States and units of local 
        government, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations--
                    (A) to support projects to reduce the quantity of 
                trash in bodies of water by reducing the quantity of 
                trash at the source of the trash, including anti-litter 
                initiatives;
                    (B) to enforce local trash ordinances;
                    (C) to implement the trash provisions of a national 
                pollutant discharge elimination system permit issued to 
                a municipal separate storm sewer system under section 
                402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
                U.S.C. 1342);
                    (D) to capture trash at stormwater inlets, 
                stormwater outfalls, or in bodies of water;
                    (E) to provide education and outreach about trash 
                movement and reduction; and
                    (F) to monitor or model flows of trash, including 
                monitoring or modeling a reduction in trash as a result 
                of the implementation of best management practices for 
                the reduction of trash in sources of drinking water.
            (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        paragraph (1), an applicant shall submit to the EPA 
        Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and 
        containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
        require.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), there are 
        authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
        carry out this section.
            (2) No impact on other federal funds.--
                    (A) In general.--No funds shall be made available 
                under paragraph (1) to carry out subsections (b) and 
                (c) in a fiscal year if the total amount made available 
                to carry out the programs described in subparagraph (B) 
                for that fiscal year is less than the total amount made 
                available to carry out the programs described in 
                subparagraph (B) for fiscal year 2019.
                    (B) Programs described.--The programs referred to 
                in subparagraph (A) are--
                            (i) State drinking water treatment 
                        revolving loan funds established under section 
                        1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 
                        300j-12);
                            (ii) programs for assistance for small and 
                        disadvantaged communities under subsections (a) 
                        through (j) of section 1459A of the Safe 
                        Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j-19a); and
                            (iii) State water pollution control 
                        revolving funds established under title VI of 
                        the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
                        U.S.C. 1381 et seq.).

SEC. 305. STUDY ON REPURPOSING PLASTIC WASTE IN INFRASTRUCTURE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation (referred to in 
this section as the ``Secretary'') and the EPA Administrator shall seek 
to jointly enter into an arrangement with the National Academies of 
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National Academies 
will--
            (1) conduct a study of the feasibility and advisability of 
        innovative uses of plastic waste in roadways, bridges, and 
        other infrastructure; and
            (2) as part of the study under paragraph (1)--
                    (A) identify international examples of--
                            (i) the use of materials described in that 
                        paragraph; and
                            (ii) projects in which the use of plastic 
                        waste has been applied;
                    (B) assess the economic benefits, if any, including 
                employment opportunities, to municipalities and States 
                in investing in innovative reuse of plastic waste in 
                infrastructure; and
                    (C) if the National Academies consider uses 
                described in that paragraph to be advisable, make 
                recommendations with respect to what Federal testing 
                standards and other barriers may need to be addressed 
                to enable those uses, including with respect to 
                ensuring human health and safety.
    (b) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
on the study conducted under subsection (a).
    (c) Grant Program.--
            (1) In general.--If the National Academies consider the 
        innovative uses of plastic waste described in subsection (a)(1) 
        to be advisable, and the Secretary agrees, the Secretary shall 
        establish a grant program to encourage those uses.
            (2) Demonstration projects.--If the Secretary establishes a 
        grant program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall carry 
        out the grant program by selecting, through a competitive 
        process, not more than 5 projects to demonstrate the uses 
        described in subsection (a)(1), each of which shall be located 
        in a different region of the United States.
            (3) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
        which the last demonstration project, if any, is completed 
        under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
        report summarizing the results of the demonstration projects, 
        including--
                    (A) the total quantity of plastic waste redirected 
                from the waste stream into infrastructure;
                    (B) the durability of the infrastructure 
                constructed with plastic waste; and
                    (C) any cost savings achieved through the use of 
                plastic waste in the demonstration projects.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

SEC. 306. STUDY ON OPTIONS TO ADVANCE TECHNOLOGIES FOR CONVERTING 
              PLASTIC WASTE TO CHEMICALS, FEEDSTOCKS, AND OTHER 
              PRODUCTS.

    (a) In General.--The EPA Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
Medicine under which the National Academies will conduct a study on 
options to advance technologies (including pyrolysis, hydropyrolysis, 
methanolysis, gasification, and enzymatic breakdown) for converting 
plastic waste to useful products, such as chemicals, feedstocks, fuels, 
and energy.
    (b) Inclusions.--As part of the study under subsection (a), the 
National Academies shall conduct an evaluation of--
            (1) the air emissions associated with technologies 
        described in that subsection; and
            (2) an evaluation of the ability of those technologies to 
        become cost-competitive with other options for obtaining source 
        materials or producing energy.
    (c) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the EPA Administrator shall submit to Congress a 
report on the study conducted under subsection (a).

SEC. 307. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF MICROPLASTICS IN FOOD SUPPLIES AND 
              SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER.

    (a) In General.--The EPA Administrator, in consultation with the 
Under Secretary, shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the 
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which 
the National Academies will conduct a human health and environmental 
risk assessment on microplastics, including microfibers, in food 
supplies and sources of drinking water.
    (b) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the EPA Administrator shall submit to Congress a 
report on the study conducted under subsection (a) that includes--
            (1) a science-based definition of ``microplastics'' that 
        can be adopted in federally supported monitoring and future 
        assessments supported or conducted by a Federal agency;
            (2) recommendations for standardized monitoring, testing, 
        and other necessary protocols relating to microplastics;
            (3)(A) an assessment of whether microplastics are currently 
        present in the food supplies and sources of drinking water of 
        United States consumers; and
            (B) if the assessment under subparagraph (A) is positive--
                    (i) the extent to which microplastics are present 
                in the food supplies and sources of drinking water; and
                    (ii) an assessment of the type, source, prevalence, 
                and risk of microplastics in the food supplies and 
                sources of drinking water;
            (4) an assessment of the risk posed, if any, by the 
        presence of microplastics in the food supplies and sources of 
        drinking water of United States consumers that includes--
                    (A) an identification of the most significant 
                sources of those microplastics; and
                    (B) a review of the best available science to 
                determine any potential hazards of microplastics in the 
                food supplies and sources of drinking water of United 
                States consumers; and
            (5) a measurement of--
                    (A) the quantity of environmental chemicals that 
                absorb to microplastics; and
                    (B) the quantity described in subparagraph (A) that 
                would be available for human exposure through food 
                supplies or sources of drinking water.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

SEC. 308. REPORT ON ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO INCREASE THE COLLECTION OF 
              RECYCLABLE MATERIALS.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
EPA Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing--
            (1) the economic, technological, resource availability, or 
        other barriers to increasing the collection of recyclable 
        materials; and
            (2) recommendations to overcome the barriers described 
        under paragraph (1).

SEC. 309. REPORT ON ECONOMIC INCENTIVES TO SPUR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW END-
              USE MARKETS FOR RECYCLED PLASTICS.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
EPA Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing the most 
efficient and effective economic incentives to spur the development of 
additional new end-use markets for recyclable plastics, including the 
use of increased recycled content by manufacturers in the production of 
plastic goods and packaging.
                                 <all>