[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2429 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2429
To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish
the United States Coral Reef Task Force, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
August 1, 2019
Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Scott of Florida, and Ms.
Hirono) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish
the United States Coral Reef Task Force, 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 ``Restoring
Resilient Reefs Act of 2019''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000
Sec. 101. Reauthorization of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.
TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE
Sec. 201. Establishment.
Sec. 202. Duties.
Sec. 203. Membership.
Sec. 204. Responsibilities of Federal agency members.
Sec. 205. Working groups.
Sec. 206. Definitions.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES
Sec. 301. Coral reef conservation and restoration assistance.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000
SEC. 101. REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000.
The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is
amended by striking sections 202 through 210 and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 202. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this title are--
``(1) to preserve, sustain, and restore the condition of
United States coral reef ecosystems challenged by natural and
human-accelerated changes, including increasing ocean
temperatures, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, coral
diseases, and invasive species;
``(2) to promote the science-based management and
sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local
communities and the Nation, including through improved
integration and cooperation among Federal, State, and locally
managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities;
``(3) to develop sound scientific information on the
condition of coral reef ecosystems, continuing and emerging
threats to such ecosystems, and the efficacy of innovative
tools, technologies, and strategies to restore such ecosystems;
``(4) to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by
supporting consensus-driven State and community-based coral
reef management, including conservation and restoration
projects that empower local communities, small businesses, and
nongovernmental organizations;
``(5) to provide financial resources, technical assistance,
and scientific expertise to supplement and strengthen State and
community-based management programs and conservation and
restoration projects;
``(6) to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and
allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be
used for coral reef conservation and restoration projects;
``(7) to support the rapid and effective, science-based
response to emergencies that imminently threaten coral reefs,
such as coral disease outbreaks, invasive species, coral
bleaching, natural disasters, vessel groundings or chemical
spills, and other exigent circumstances; and
``(8) to serve as a model for advancing similar
international efforts to preserve, sustain, and restore coral
reef ecosystems in the jurisdictions of United States allies
and trading partners.
``SEC. 203. NATIONAL CORAL REEF RESILIENCE STRATEGY.
``(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019, the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees
and publish in the Federal Register a national coral reef resilience
strategy.
``(b) Elements.--The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall
include--
``(1) a statement of goals and objectives and an
implementation plan for supporting--
``(A) future Federal coral reef management and
restoration activities under section 205;
``(B) the coral reef conservation program under
section 221; and
``(C) research priorities for the coral reef
cooperative institutes and coral reef research centers
under section 223(c);
``(2) national maps of--
``(A) the current range and extent of coral reef
ecosystems;
``(B) the historical range and extent of coral reef
ecosystems; and
``(C) prime habitat for restoring reef ecosystem
structure and functions to benefit coastal communities
and living marine resources; and
``(3) a discussion of--
``(A) continuing and emerging threats to the
resilience of United States coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) national and regional gaps in coral reef
ecosystem research, monitoring, and assessments;
``(C) the status of efforts to improve management,
integration, and cooperation among Federal, State,
Tribal, and locally managed jurisdictions with coral
reef equities; and
``(D) efforts to manage and disseminate critical
information, such as publicly accessible research,
reports, datasets, and maps, including through
interjurisdictional data sharing.
``(c) Revisions.--The Administrator shall periodically, but not
less frequently than every 20 years, review and revise the strategy
required by subsection (a) as appropriate.
``(d) Consultations.--In developing the strategy required by
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with the Secretary of
the Interior and the Task Force.
``(e) Use of Existing Plan.--At the discretion of the
Administrator, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
2018 Coral Reef Conservation Program Strategic Plan may be considered
to fulfill the requirements of this section until January 1, 2040.
``SEC. 204. FEDERAL CORAL REEF ACTION PLANS.
``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2021, and every 5
years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees and publish in the Federal Register a
compilation of coral reef action plans for each individual management
unit of a Federal agency specified in section 205(c) with jurisdiction
over coral reef ecosystems and established for at least 5 years--
``(1) developed and submitted to the Administrator by the
Secretary of the Interior and the Assistant Administrator of
the National Ocean Service, as applicable; and
``(2) that meet the requirements of subsection (b).
``(b) Requirements for Federal Coral Reef Action Plans.--A coral
reef action plan of a management unit described in subsection (a) meets
the requirements of this subsection if the plan includes--
``(1) a statement of goals and objectives to be
accomplished during the 5-year period following development of
the plan and consistent with the national coral reef resilience
strategy in effect as developed in accordance with section 203;
and
``(2) a discussion of--
``(A) a review of such unit's efforts and success
in managing and restoring coral reef ecosystems under
the previous coral reef action plan in effect as
developed under this section, if applicable, and how
such review informs the newly effective action plan;
``(B) short- and mid-term coral reef conservation
and restoration objectives for such unit's coral reef
ecosystems;
``(C) an assessment of whether such unit retains
less than 50 percent of its historical living coral
cover as of the date of the plan;
``(D) an updated adaptive management framework to
inform research, monitoring, and assessment needs;
``(E) any coral reef emergency plans certified
under section 216 for coral reef ecosystems within such
unit, and a review of any circumstance that led to the
activation of such plans within such unit, including an
evaluation of the emergency responses;
``(F) tools and strategies to address pollution and
water quality impacts to coral reef ecosystems arising
wholly from within the administrative boundaries of
such unit;
``(G) the status of efforts to improve coral reef
ecosystem management integration and cooperation among
neighboring Federal, State, Tribal, or locally managed
jurisdictions, including identification of existing
research and monitoring activities that can be
leveraged for coral reef status and trends assessments
within such unit;
``(H) a list of all coral reefs or ecologically
significant units of coral reefs identified by coral
reef stewardship partnerships certified under section
210(e) or subject to stewardship activities governed by
coral reef stewardship plans certified under section
212 during the preceding 5-year period within such
unit;
``(I) coral reef-related public outreach and
education efforts;
``(J) an accounting of annual unit expenditures on
coral reef management and restoration during the 5-year
period preceding the date of the plan; and
``(K) estimated budgetary and other resource
considerations necessary to carry out such plan.
``(c) Adoption of Stewardship and Emergency Plans.--In developing a
coral reef action plan under this section, a management unit described
in subsection (a) may adopt any coral reef stewardship plans certified
under section 212 and coral reef emergency plans certified under
section 216 governing stewardship or emergency response activities
within the administrative boundaries of such unit.
``(d) Consultations.--In developing the action plans required by
subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior or the Assistant
Administrator of the National Ocean Service may consult with the
Administrator and the Task Force.
``SEC. 205. FEDERAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may conduct activities described
in subsection (b) to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral reef
ecosystems that are consistent with--
``(1) all applicable laws governing resource management in
Federal and State waters, including this title;
``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
as developed under section 203; and
``(3) Federal coral reef action plans in effect and
developed under section 204.
``(b) Activities Described.--Activities described in this
subsection are activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral
reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of a Federal
agency specified in subsection (c), including--
``(1) enhancing compliance with Federal laws that prohibit
or regulate--
``(A) the taking of coral products or species
associated with coral reefs; or
``(B) the use and management of coral reef
ecosystems;
``(2) mapping of--
``(A) the current range and extent of coral reef
ecosystems;
``(B) the historical range and extent of coral reef
ecosystems; and
``(C) prime habitat for restoring reef ecosystem
structure and functions to benefit coastal communities
and living marine resources;
``(3) long-term ecological monitoring of coral reef
ecosystems;
``(4) implementing species-specific recovery plans for
listed coral species consistent with the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
``(5) restoring degraded coral reef ecosystems;
``(6) promoting ecologically sound navigation and
anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote enhanced
recreational access, near coral reefs; and
``(7) monitoring and responding to severe bleaching or
mortality events, disease outbreaks, invasive species
outbreaks, and significant maritime accidents, including
chemical spill cleanup and the removal of grounded vessels.
``(c) Federal Agencies Specified.--A Federal agency specified in
this subsection is one of the following:
``(1) The National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
``(2) The National Park Service.
``(3) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
``(4) The Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of
the Interior.
``(d) Coordination With the Department of the Interior.--The
Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of the Interior regarding
the conduct of any activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and
coral reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of a
Federal agency specified in paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subsection
(c).
``(e) Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--At the discretion of the Secretary, the
Administrator may enter into cooperative agreements with States
to fund coral reef conservation and restoration activities in
waters managed under the jurisdiction of such States that are
consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in
effect as developed under section 203.
``(2) Limitation.--The Administrator may not provide more
than $500,000 in total funding under paragraph (1) to any one
State in a fiscal year.
``SEC. 206. STATE CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION STRATEGIES.
``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2022, and every 20
years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees and publish in the Federal Register a
compilation of State coral reef management and restoration strategies--
``(1) developed and voluntarily submitted to the
Administrator by covered States; and
``(2) that meet the requirements of subsection (b).
``(b) Requirements for State Strategies.--A coral reef management
and restoration strategy of a covered State meets the requirements of
this subsection if the strategy includes--
``(1) a statement of goals and objectives to be
accomplished during the 20-year period following the
development of the strategy; and
``(2) a discussion of--
``(A) updated State mapping of--
``(i) the current range and extent of coral
reef ecosystems;
``(ii) the historical range and extent of
coral reef ecosystems; and
``(iii) prime habitat for restoring reef
ecosystem functions to benefit coastal
communities and living marine resources;
``(B) continuing and emerging threats to the
resilience of coral reef ecosystems within such State;
``(C) statewide gaps in research, monitoring, and
assessment;
``(D) long-term State conservation and restoration
goals, including the status of efforts to improve
management integration and cooperation among Federal,
State, Tribal, and locally managed jurisdictions with
coral reef equities;
``(E) the role of coral reef stewardship
partnerships certified under section 210(e) within such
State, and the role of such partnerships in the coral
reef management and restoration strategy of such State;
and
``(F) efforts to manage and disseminate critical
information such as publicly accessible research,
reports, datasets, and maps, including through
interjurisdictional data sharing.
``(c) Technical Assistance.--Upon request by a covered State, the
Administrator shall make reasonable efforts to provide technical
assistance, including through consultation with the Task Force, in the
development of the coral reef management and restoration strategy of
such State under this subsection.
``SEC. 207. STATE CORAL REEF ACTION PLANS.
``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2023, and every 5
years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees and publish in the Federal Register a
compilation of State coral reef action plans--
``(1) developed and voluntarily submitted to the
Administrator by covered States; and
``(2) that meet the requirements of subsection (b).
``(b) Requirements for State Plans.--A State coral reef action plan
meets the requirements of this subsection if the plan includes--
``(1) a statement of goals and objectives to be
accomplished during the 5-year period following development of
the plan and consistent with such covered State's coral reef
management and restoration strategy in effect as developed in
accordance with section 206, if any; and
``(2) a discussion of--
``(A) a review of the most recent State coral reef
action plan assessment developed under section 208, as
applicable, and how such assessment informs the newly
submitted action plan;
``(B) short- and mid-term State coral reef
conservation and restoration objectives;
``(C) an assessment of whether such State retains
less than 50 percent of its historical living coral
cover as of the date of the plan;
``(D) an updated adaptive management framework to
inform research, monitoring, and assessment needs;
``(E) any coral reef emergency plans certified
under section 216 in effect for coral reef ecosystems
within such State, and a review of any circumstance
that led to the activation of such plans within such
State, including an evaluation of the emergency
responses;
``(F) tools and strategies to address pollution and
water quality impacts to coral reef ecosystems within
such State;
``(G) the status of efforts to improve coral reef
ecosystem management integration and cooperation among
Federal, State, Tribal, or locally managed
jurisdictions, including identification of existing
research and monitoring activities that can be
leveraged for coral reef status and trends assessments
within such State;
``(H) a list of all coral reefs or ecologically
significant units of coral reefs identified by coral
reef stewardship partnerships certified under section
210(e) or subject to stewardship activities governed by
coral reef stewardship plans certified under section
212 during the preceding 5-year period within such
State;
``(I) coral reef-related public outreach and
education efforts;
``(J) an accounting of such State's annual
expenditures on coral reef management and restoration
during the 5-year period preceding the date of the
plan; and
``(K) estimated budgetary and other resource
considerations necessary to carry out such plan.
``(c) Adoption of Stewardship and Emergency Plans.--In developing a
coral reef action plan under this section, a covered State may adopt
any coral reef stewardship plans certified under section 212 and coral
reef emergency plans certified under section 216 governing stewardship
or emergency response activities within the administrative boundaries
of the State.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--Upon request by a covered State, the
Administrator shall make reasonable efforts to provide technical
assistance, including through consultation with the Task Force, in the
development of the State's coral reef action plan under this section.
``SEC. 208. STATE CORAL REEF ACTION PLAN ASSESSMENTS.
``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2027, and every 5
years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees and publish in the Federal Register an
assessment, for each covered State with an action plan developed under
section 207 and in effect, of--
``(1) the capacity of such covered State to manage coral
reef ecosystems in the State;
``(2) a review of such covered State's efforts and success
in managing and restoring coral reef ecosystems under the
previous coral reef action plan developed under section 207 and
in effect, as applicable; and
``(3) a review of any circumstance that led to the
activation of a coral reef emergency plan certified under
section 216 and in effect within such covered State, including
an evaluation of the emergency responses.
``(b) Consultations.--In conducting an assessment under subsection
(a) with respect to a covered State, the Administrator may consult with
the covered State, the Task Force, coral reef stewardship partnerships
certified under section 210(e) operating within the covered State, and
impacted Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
``(c) Use in Development of State Coral Reef Action Plans.--It is
the sense of Congress that the Administrator should conduct assessments
under subsection (a) with the goal of informing and supporting the
development of subsequent State coral reef action plans developed under
section 207.
``SEC. 209. STATE BLOCK GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide block grants of
financial assistance to covered States in response to annual proposals
for funds to support State activities that would further the
implementation of State coral reef management and restoration
strategies developed under section 206, State coral reef action plans
developed under section 207, and coral reef stewardship plans certified
under section 212.
``(b) Eligibility.--A covered State is eligible to receive a grant
under this subsection if the State has in effect--
``(1) a State coral reef management and restoration
strategy in effect published by the Administrator in the
Federal Register under section 206 and a State coral reef
action plan in effect published by the Administrator in the
Federal Register under section 207; or
``(2) at least one coral reef stewardship plan certified
under section 212 in effect within its administrative
boundaries.
``(c) Funding Requirements.--
``(1) Limitation.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) or
subsection (d), the amount of Federal funds provided to a
covered State as a block grant under this section may not
exceed the total amount of the annual expenditures of the State
on the implementation of its State coral reef management and
restoration strategy under section 206, its State coral reef
action plan under section 207, and its responsibilities to
coral reef stewardship plans certified under section 212.
``(2) Exclusions.--Any Federal funds provided to a natural
resource management authority of a State or other State
government authority under this section or section 205, 213,
218, 219, or 221 shall not be considered State expenditures for
the purposes of calculating the limitation under paragraph (1).
``(3) Considerations.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in
determining the amount of Federal funds a covered State
receives as a block grant under this section, the Administrator
may consider the following factors:
``(A) The quality of such State's funding proposal
under subsection (a).
``(B) The findings from such State's most recent
action plan assessment under section 208, if
applicable.
``(C) Estimates of direct and indirect economic
activity supported by coral reef ecosystems within such
State.
``(d) Waivers of Certain Requirements.--The Administrator may waive
the eligibility requirements under subsection (b), in full or in part,
through fiscal year 2023.
``SEC. 210. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP PARTNERSHIPS.
``(a) Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships.--The Administrator shall
establish standards for the formation of partnerships among government
and community members for the stewardship of coral reefs (in this title
referred to as `coral reef stewardship partnerships') in accordance
with this section.
``(b) Identification of Reefs.--Each coral reef stewardship
partnership shall identify with particularity the coral reef or
ecologically significant unit of a coral reef that will be the subject
of its stewardship activities.
``(c) Membership for Federal Reefs.--A coral reef stewardship
partnership that has identified, as the subject of its stewardship
activities, a coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral
reef that is fully or partially under the management jurisdiction of
any Federal agency specified in section 205(c), shall, at a minimum,
include the following:
``(1) That Federal agency, a representative of which shall
serve as chair of the coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(2) A State, county, or Tribal organization's resource
management agency.
``(3) A coral reef research center described in section
223(c)(2) or other institution of higher education.
``(4) A nongovernmental organization.
``(5) Other members as appropriate, such as interested
stakeholder groups.
``(d) Membership for Non-Federal Reefs.--
``(1) In general.--A coral reef stewardship partnership
that has identified, as the subject of its stewardship
activities, a coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a
coral reef that is not under the management jurisdiction of any
Federal agency specified in section 205(c) shall, at a minimum,
include the following:
``(A) A State, county, or Tribal organization's
resource management agency, a representative of which
shall serve as the chair of the coral reef stewardship
partnership.
``(B) A coral reef research center described in
section 223(c)(2) or another institution of higher
education.
``(C) A nongovernmental organization.
``(D) Other members as appropriate, such as
interested stakeholder groups.
``(2) Additional members.--A coral reef stewardship
partnership described in paragraph (1) may also include one or
more Federal agencies that have a management interest in the
identified reef that is subject to the partnership's
stewardship activities.
``(e) Certification.--A group seeking recognition as a coral reef
stewardship partnership under this section may petition the
Administrator for certification as a coral reef stewardship
partnership, and the Administrator shall accept or reject the petition
for certification not later than 30 days after receiving the petition.
``(f) Multiple Groups.--
``(1) In general.--Each coral reef, or ecologically
significant unit of a coral reef, may be the subject of the
stewardship activities of only one coral reef stewardship
partnership.
``(2) Procedures required.--The Administrator shall develop
procedures to govern the disposition of petitions from multiple
groups seeking to identify the same coral reef or ecologically
significant unit of a coral reef as the subject of the
stewardship activities of a coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(g) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to coral
reef stewardship partnerships.
``SEC. 211. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP PLANS.
``(a) Reef Stewardship Plans.--A coral reef stewardship partnership
certified under section 210(e) may develop plans for the stewardship of
the coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef that is
the subject of the stewardship activities of the partnership (in this
title referred to as `coral reef stewardship plans').
``(b) Plan Requirements.--A coral reef stewardship plan shall
include the following elements:
``(1) Tools and strategies to address pollution and water
quality impacts to the identified coral reef ecosystems.
``(2) An updated adaptive management framework to inform
research, monitoring, and assessment needs.
``(3) Short- and mid-term coral reef stewardship
objectives.
``(4) Coral reef-related public outreach and education
efforts.
``(5) Establishment of roles and responsibilities for
implementing the plan.
``(6) Evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder
groups in the development of the plan.
``(7) Any other information the Administrator considers to
be necessary for evaluating the plan.
``(c) Best Stewardship Practices.--The Administrator shall convene
representatives of coral reef stewardship partnerships not less than
once a year to share experiences and identify best practices for
developing and implementing coral reef stewardship plans.
``SEC. 212. STEWARDSHIP PLAN CERTIFICATIONS.
``(a) Submission to Administrator for Certification.--A coral reef
stewardship partnership certified under section 210(e) may submit a
coral reef stewardship plan developed under section 211 to the
Administrator for certification.
``(b) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall--
``(A) evaluate a plan submitted under subsection
(a) to determine whether the plan complies with the
requirements of section 211(b); and
``(B) grant or deny the petition for certification
not later than 120 days (except as provided by
paragraph (2)) after receiving the petition.
``(2) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the date
provided for under paragraph (1)(B) by not more than 60 days.
``(c) Appeal.--If the Administrator denies a petition for
certification submitted under subsection (a) by a coral reef
stewardship partnership, the partnership may, not later than 30 days
after receiving notice of the denial, appeal the denial to the
Secretary. Not later than 60 days after receiving an appeal under this
subsection, the Secretary shall grant or deny the appeal.
``(d) Recertification.--The certification of a coral reef
stewardship plan under this section shall expire on the date that is 5
years after the certification was granted. A coral reef stewardship
partnership may submit an updated version of such a plan for
recertification prior to the expiration of the certification of the
plan under this section.
``SEC. 213. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP FUND.
``(a) Authority To Enter Into Agreements.--The Administrator may
enter into an agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(in this section referred to as the `Foundation'), authorizing the
Foundation to receive, hold, and administer funds received pursuant to
this section.
``(b) Fund.--The Foundation shall invest, reinvest, and otherwise
administer the funds received pursuant to this section and maintain
such funds and any interest or revenues earned in a separate interest
bearing account, to be known as the `Coral Reef Stewardship Fund' (in
this section referred to as the `Fund'), established by the Foundation
solely to support coral reef stewardship partnership activities that--
``(1) further the purposes of this title; and
``(2) are consistent with--
``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy
in effect as developed under section 203;
``(B) the State coral reef management and
restoration strategy in effect, if any, as developed
under section 206 by the covered State in which such
activities will be carried out;
``(C) the State coral reef action plan in effect,
if any, as developed under section 207 by the covered
State in which such activities will be carried out;
``(D) Federal coral reef action plans in effect, if
any, as developed under section 204 by a Federal agency
with management jurisdiction of a coral reef ecosystem
to be impacted by such activities, if applicable; and
``(E) the coral reef stewardship plan in effect as
certified under section 212 governing such stewardship
activities.
``(c) Authorization To Solicit Donations.--
``(1) In general.--Pursuant to an agreement entered into
under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept, receive,
solicit, hold, administer, and use any gift (including,
notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code,
donations of services) to further the purposes of this title.
``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of
title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift
shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.
``(3) Notification required.--Not later than 30 days after
funds are deposited in the Fund under paragraph (2), the
Foundation shall notify the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives of the source and amount of such funds.
``(d) Review of Performance.--The Administrator shall conduct a
continuing review of the grant program administered by the Foundation
under this section. Each review shall include a written assessment
concerning the extent to which the Foundation has implemented the goals
and requirements of--
``(1) this section; and
``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
as developed under section 203.
``(e) Administration.--Under an agreement entered into pursuant to
subsection (a), the Administrator may transfer funds appropriated to
carry out this title to the Foundation. Amounts received by the
Foundation under this subsection may be used for matching, in whole or
in part, contributions (whether in money, services, or property) made
to the Foundation by private persons, State or local government
agencies, or Tribal organizations.
``SEC. 214. CORAL REEFS AS MAINTAINED OR ENGINEERED INFRASTRUCTURE.
``(a) Coral Reefs That Are the Subject of Certified Coral Reef
Plans.--Any coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef
that is the subject of stewardship activities of a coral reef
stewardship partnership plan in effect as certified under section 212
or a coral reef emergency plan in effect as certified under section 216
shall be eligible for public assistance under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
``(b) Other Coral Reefs.--Any coral reef or ecologically
significant unit of a coral reef not described in subsection (a) may be
considered eligible for public assistance under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
``SEC. 215. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY PLANS.
``(a) In General.--Individual management units of Federal agencies
specified in section 205(c) with jurisdiction over coral reef
ecosystems, covered States, and coral reef stewardship partnerships
certified under section 210(e) may develop plans (in this title
referred to as `coral reef emergency plans') for the rapid and
effective response to circumstances that pose an urgent and immediate
threat to the coral reef ecosystems subject to the stewardship
activities of such management unit, covered State, or coral reef
stewardship partnership.
``(b) Coral Reef Emergencies.--The Administrator shall develop a
list and criteria for circumstances that pose an urgent and immediate
threat to coral reefs (in this title referred to as `coral reef
emergencies'), including--
``(1) new and ongoing outbreaks of disease;
``(2) new and ongoing outbreaks of invasive species;
``(3) new and ongoing coral bleaching events;
``(4) natural disasters;
``(5) man-made disasters, including vessel groundings,
hazardous spills, or coastal construction accidents; and
``(6) other exigent circumstances.
``(c) Best Response Practices.--The Administrator shall develop
guidance on best practices to respond to coral reef emergencies. Such
best practices shall be--
``(1) based on the best available science and integrated
with evolving innovative technologies; and
``(2) updated not less frequently than once every 5 years.
``(d) Plan Requirements.--A coral reef emergency plan shall include
the following elements:
``(1) A description of particular threats, and the proposed
responses, consistent with the best practices developed under
subsection (c).
``(2) A delineation of roles and responsibilities for
executing such plan.
``(3) Evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder
groups, as applicable, in the development of such plan.
``(4) Any other information the Administrator considers to
be necessary for evaluating such plan.
``SEC. 216. EMERGENCY PLAN CERTIFICATIONS.
``(a) Submission to Administrator for Certification.--Federal
agencies specified in subsection 205(c), covered States, and coral reef
stewardship partnerships certified under section 210(e) may submit
coral reef emergency plans developed under section 215 to the
Administrator for certification.
``(b) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall--
``(A) evaluate a plan submitted under subsection
(a) to determine whether the plan complies with the
requirements of section 215(d); and
``(B) grant or deny the petition for certification
not later than 120 days (except as provided by
paragraph (2)) after receiving the petition.
``(2) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the date
provided for under paragraph (1)(B) by not more than 60 days.
``(c) Appeal.--If the Administrator denies a petition for
certification submitted under subsection (a), the petitioning entity
may, not later than 30 days after receiving notice of the denial,
appeal the denial to the Secretary. Not later than 60 days after
receiving an appeal under this subsection, the Secretary shall grant or
deny the appeal.
``(d) Recertification.--The certification of a coral reef emergency
plan under this section shall expire on the date that is 5 years after
the certification was granted. The petitioning entity may submit an
updated version of such a plan for recertification prior to the
expiration of the certification of the plan under this section.
``SEC. 217. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.
``(a) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act may be construed
to supersede or modify the requirements of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(b) Environmental Assessments.--To the extent permissible under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Administrator may
conduct an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement
under that Act with respect to coral reef emergency plans developed
under section 215 or certified under section 216.
``(c) Guidance and Outreach.--The Administrator shall issue
guidance and conduct outreach with respect to the implementation of
this section.
``SEC. 218. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY FUND.
``(a) Authority To Enter Into Agreements.--The Administrator may
enter into an agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(in this section referred to as the `Foundation'), authorizing the
Foundation to receive, hold, and administer funds received pursuant to
this section.
``(b) Fund.--The Foundation shall invest, reinvest, and otherwise
administer funds received pursuant to this section and maintain such
funds and any interest or revenues earned in a separate interest-
bearing account, to be known as the `Coral Reef Emergency Fund' (in
this section referred as the `Fund'), established by the Foundation
solely to support rapid and effective responses to coral reef
emergencies by Federal agencies specified in subsection 205(c), covered
States, and coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section
210(e), and as otherwise consistent with this title.
``(c) Authorization To Solicit Donations.--
``(1) In general.--Pursuant to an agreement entered into
under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept, receive,
solicit, hold, administer, and use any gift (including,
notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code,
donations of services) to further the purposes of this title.
``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of
title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift
shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.
``(3) Notification required.--Not later than 30 days after
funds are deposited in the Fund under paragraph (2), the
Foundation shall notify the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives of the source and amount of such funds.
``(d) Review of Performance.--The Administrator shall conduct a
continuing review of the grant program administered by the Foundation
under this section. Each review shall include a written assessment
concerning the extent to which the Foundation has implemented the goals
and requirements of this section.
``(e) Administration.--Under an agreement entered into pursuant to
subsection (a), the Administrator may transfer funds appropriated to
carry out this title to the Foundation. Amounts received by an
organization under this subsection may be used for matching, in whole
or in part, contributions (whether in money, services, or property)
made to the organization by private persons, State or local government
agencies, or Tribal organizations.
``SEC. 219. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Coral Reef Emergency Declarations.--
``(1) Sua sponte declaration.--The Secretary may determine
and declare a coral reef emergency.
``(2) Petitions.--If a State or a coral reef stewardship
partnership certified under section 210(e) believes that a
coral reef emergency has occurred, and is impacting coral reefs
or ecologically significant units of coral reefs subject to the
coral reef stewardship activities of the State or partnership,
the State or partnership may petition the Secretary for a
declaration of a coral reef emergency.
``(3) Evaluation and action.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after
receiving a petition under paragraph (2) (except as
provided in subparagraph (B)), the Secretary shall--
``(i) evaluate the petition to determine
whether a coral reef emergency has occurred;
and
``(ii) declare a coral reef emergency or
deny the petition.
``(B) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the
deadline provided for under subparagraph (A) by not
more than 15 days.
``(4) Appeal.--If the Secretary denies a petition for an
emergency declaration submitted under paragraph (2) by a State
or coral reef stewardship partnership, the State or partnership
may, not later than 15 days after receiving notice of the
denial, appeal the denial to the Secretary. Not later than 15
days after receiving an appeal under this paragraph, the
Secretary shall grant or deny the appeal.
``(5) Revocation.--The Secretary may revoke any declaration
of a coral reef emergency in whole or in part after determining
that circumstances no longer require an emergency response.
``(6) Recovery of emergency funding.--The Administrator may
seek compensation from negligent parties to recover emergency
funds expended in excess of $500,000 under this section as a
result of an emergency declaration arising from direct impacts
to coral reefs from man-made disasters or accidents.
``(b) Grant Authority.--
``(1) In general.--Upon the declaration of a coral reef
emergency under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide
grants to carry out proposals that meet the requirements of
paragraph (2) to implement coral reef emergency plans certified
under section 216.
``(2) Requirements.--A proposal for a grant under this
subsection to implement a coral reef emergency plan shall
include--
``(A) the name of the individual or entity
submitting the proposal;
``(B) a copy of the coral reef emergency plan;
``(C) a description of the qualifications of the
individuals and entities who will implement the plan;
``(D) an estimate of the funds and time required to
complete the implementation of the plan; and
``(E) any other information the Secretary considers
to be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the
proposal for a grant under this subsection.
``(3) Review.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a
proposal for a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall
review the proposal and determine if the proposal meets the
criteria requirements of paragraph (2).
``(4) Concurrent review.--An individual or entity seeking a
grant under this subsection may submit a project proposal under
paragraph (2) to the Secretary at any time following the
submission of a petition for an emergency declaration under
subsection (a)(2) that is applicable to coral reefs or
ecologically significant units of coral reefs subject to the
coral reef stewardship activities of the individual or entity.
``SEC. 220. VESSEL GROUNDING INVENTORY.
``The Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other
Federal agencies, may maintain an inventory of all vessel grounding
incidents involving United States coral reefs, including a description
of--
``(1) the impacts of each such incident;
``(2) vessel and ownership information relating to each
such incident, if available;
``(3) the estimated cost of removal, mitigation, or
restoration relating to each such incident;
``(4) the response actions taken by the owner of the
vessel, the Administrator, the Commandant of the Coast Guard,
or other Federal or State agency representatives;
``(5) the status of the response actions, including the
dates of--
``(A) vessel removal;
``(B) mitigation or restoration activities,
including whether an applicable coral reef emergency
plan as certified under section 216 was implemented;
and
``(C) any actions taken to prevent future grounding
incidents; and
``(6) recommendations for additional navigational aids or
other mechanisms for preventing future grounding incidents.
``SEC. 221. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--The Administrator shall provide grants of financial
assistance for projects for the conservation and restoration of coral
reef ecosystems (in this section referred to as `coral reef projects')
for proposals approved by the Administrator in accordance with this
section.
``(b) Eligibility.--
``(1) In general.--An entity described in paragraph (2) may
submit to the Administrator a proposal for a coral reef
project.
``(2) Entities described.--An entity described in this
paragraph is--
``(A) a natural resource management authority of a
State or local government or Tribal organization--
``(i) with responsibility for coral reef
management; or
``(ii) the activities of which directly or
indirectly affect coral reefs or coral reef
ecosystems;
``(B) a coral reef stewardship partnership
certified under section 210(e) seeking to implement a
coral reef stewardship plan certified under section
212;
``(C) a coral reef research center designated under
section 223(c)(2); or
``(D) another educational or nongovernmental
research institution with demonstrated expertise in the
conservation or restoration of coral reefs in practice
or through significant contributions to the body of
existing scientific research on coral reefs.
``(c) Project Proposals.--Each proposal for a grant under this
section for a coral reef project shall include the following:
``(1) The name of the individual or entity responsible for
conducting the project.
``(2) A description of the qualifications of the individual
or entity.
``(3) A succinct statement of the purposes of the project.
``(4) An estimate of the funds and time required to
complete the project.
``(5) Evidence of support for the project by appropriate
representatives of States or other government jurisdictions in
which the project will be conducted.
``(6) Information regarding the source and amount of
matching funding available to the applicant.
``(7) A description of how the project meets one or more of
the criteria under subsection (e)(2).
``(8) In the case of a proposal submitted by a coral reef
stewardship partnership certified under section 210(e), a
description of how the project aligns with the coral reef
stewardship plan in effect as certified under section 212.
``(9) Any other information the Administrator considers to
be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project for
a grant under this subsection.
``(d) Project Review and Approval.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall review each
coral reef project proposal submitted under this section to
determine if the project meets the criteria set forth in
subsection (e).
``(2) Prioritization of restoration projects.--The
Administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for
applicable projects that meet the criteria for approval under
subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), and (K) of subsection
(e)(2) that are proposed to be conducted within the
administrative boundaries of an individual management unit of a
Federal agency specified in section 205(c) or a covered State,
if that unit or covered State retains less than 50 percent of
its historical living coral cover as of the date of the
proposal, as determined by the Federal coral reef action plan
or State coral reef action plan in effect as developed under
section 204 or 208, respectively.
``(3) Review; approval or disapproval.--Not later than 180
days after receiving a proposal for a coral reef project under
this section, the Administrator shall--
``(A) request and consider written comments on the
proposal from each Federal agency, State government,
Tribal organization, or other government jurisdiction,
including the relevant regional fishery management
councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et
seq.), or any National Marine Sanctuary, with
jurisdiction or management authority over coral reef
ecosystems in the area where the project is to be
conducted, including the extent to which the project is
consistent with locally established priorities, unless
such entities were directly involved in the development
of the project proposal;
``(B) provide for the merit-based peer review of
the proposal and require standardized documentation of
that peer review;
``(C) after considering any written comments and
recommendations based on the reviews under
subparagraphs (A) and (B), approve or disapprove the
proposal; and
``(D) provide written notification of that approval
or disapproval, with summaries of all written comments,
recommendations, and peer-reviews, to the entity that
submitted the proposal, and each of those States,
Tribal organizations, and other government
jurisdictions that provided comments under subparagraph
(A).
``(e) Criteria for Approval.--The Administrator may not approve a
proposal for a coral reef project under this section unless the
project--
``(1) is consistent with--
``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy
in effect as developed under section 203;
``(B) the State coral reef management and
restoration strategy in effect, if any, as developed
under section 206 by the covered State in which the
project will be carried out;
``(C) the State coral reef action plan in effect,
if any, as developed under section 207 by such State;
``(D) Federal coral reef action plans in effect, if
any, as developed under section 204 by a Federal agency
with management jurisdiction of a coral reef ecosystem
to be impacted by such project, if applicable; and
``(E) coral reef stewardship plans in effect, if
any, as certified under section 212 governing the
stewardship activities at a coral reef or ecologically
significant unit of a coral reef to be impacted by such
project, if applicable; and
``(2) will enhance the conservation and restoration of
coral reefs by--
``(A) addressing conflicts arising from the use of
environments near coral reefs or from the use of
corals, species associated with coral reefs, and coral
products, including supporting consensus-driven,
community-based planning and management initiatives for
the protection of coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) improving compliance with laws that prohibit
or regulate the taking of coral products or species
associated with coral reefs or regulate the use and
management of coral reef ecosystems;
``(C) designing and implementing networks of real-
time water quality monitoring along coral reefs,
including data collection related to turbidity,
nutrient availability, harmful algal blooms, and
plankton assemblages, with an emphasis on coral reefs
impacted by agriculture and urban development;
``(D) promoting ecologically sound navigation and
anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote
enhanced recreational access, near coral reefs;
``(E) furthering the goals and objectives of coral
reef stewardship plans certified under section 212 and
coral reef emergency plans certified under section 216;
``(F) mapping the location and distribution of
coral reefs and potential coral reef habitat;
``(G) implementing research to ensure the
population viability of listed coral species in United
States waters as detailed in the population-based
recovery criteria included in species-specific recovery
plans consistent with the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
``(H) developing and implementing cost-effective
methods to restore degraded coral reef ecosystems or to
create native coral reef ecosystems in suitable waters,
including by improving habitat or promoting success of
keystone species, with an emphasis on novel restoration
strategies and techniques to advance coral reef
recovery and growth near population centers threatened
by rising sea levels and storm surge;
``(I) translating and applying coral genetics
research to coral reef ecosystem restoration, including
research related to traits that promote resilience to
increasing ocean temperatures, ocean acidification,
coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive species;
``(J) developing and maintaining in situ native
coral propagation sites; or
``(K) developing and maintaining ex situ coral
propagation nurseries and land-based coral gene banks
to--
``(i) conserve or augment genetic diversity
of native coral populations;
``(ii) support captive breeding of rare
coral species; or
``(iii) enhance resilience of native coral
populations to increasing ocean temperatures,
ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and coral
diseases through selective breeding,
conditioning, or other approaches that target
genes, gene expression, phenotypic traits, or
phenotypic plasticity.
``(f) Funding Requirements.--
``(1) Fifty percent match.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided by
subparagraph (C), Federal funds for any coral reef
project under this section may not exceed 50 percent of
the total cost of the project. For purposes of this
paragraph, the non-Federal share of project costs may
be provided by in-kind contributions and other noncash
support.
``(B) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive all or
part of the matching requirement under subparagraph (A)
with respect to a coral reef project if the
Administrator determines that--
``(i) no reasonable means are available
through which the entity that submitted the
proposal for the project can meet the matching
requirement; and
``(ii) the probable benefit of the project
outweighs the public interest in the matching
requirement.
``(C) Exclusion.--Funds provided under section 209
may not be used to satisfy the matching requirement
under subparagraph (A).
``(2) Distribution of funds.--To the extent practicable
based upon proposals for coral reef projects submitted to the
Administrator, the Administrator shall ensure that funding for
grants awarded under this section during a fiscal year is
distributed as follows:
``(A) Not less than 40 percent of funds available
shall be awarded for projects in the Pacific Ocean
within the maritime areas and zones subject to the
jurisdiction or control of the United States.
``(B) Not less than 40 percent of the funds
available shall be awarded for projects in the Atlantic
Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or the Caribbean Sea within
the maritime areas and zones subject to the
jurisdiction or control of the United States.
``(C) Not more than 67 percent of funds distributed
in each region in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and
(B) shall be made exclusively available to projects
that are--
``(i) submitted by a coral reef stewardship
partnership certified under section 210(e); and
``(ii) consistent with the coral reef
stewardship plan developed by such partnership
as certified under section 212.
``(D) Of the funds distributed to support projects
in accordance with subparagraph (C), not less than 20
percent and not more than 33 percent shall be awarded
for projects impacting coral reef ecosystems within the
administrative boundaries of individual management
units of the Federal agencies specified in section
205(c).
``(g) Project Reporting.--Each entity receiving a grant under this
section shall submit to the Administrator such reports at such times
and containing such information for evaluating project performance as
the Administrator may require.
``(h) Task Force.--The Administrator may consult with the Secretary
of the Interior and the Task Force to obtain guidance in establishing
priorities for coral reef projects under this section.
``SEC. 222. ANNUAL REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) In General.--Not less frequently than annually, the
Administrator shall submit to the committees specified in subsection
(b) a report on the administration of this title, including--
``(1) a description of all activities undertaken in the
previous fiscal year to implement the most recent national
coral reef resilience strategy under section 203(a);
``(2) a statement of all funds obligated under the
authorities of this title; and
``(3) a summary, disaggregated by State, of Federal and
non-Federal contributions toward the costs of each project or
activity funded under section 205, 209, 213, 218, 219, 221, or
223.
``(b) Committees Specified.--The committees specified in this
subsection are--
``(1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate; and
``(2) the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
``SEC. 223. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator may enter into and perform
such contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.
``(b) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Under an agreement entered into under
subsection (a), the Secretary may reimburse or provide funds
authorized to be appropriated by section 224 to, and may
receive funds or reimbursements from, individuals and entities
described in paragraph (2) to carry out activities authorized
by this title.
``(2) Individuals and entities described.--Individuals and
entities described in this paragraph are the following:
``(A) Federal agencies, instrumentalities, and
laboratories.
``(B) State and local governments.
``(C) Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
``(D) International organizations.
``(E) Foreign governments not subject to economic
sanctions imposed by the United States.
``(F) Institutions of higher education, research
centers, and other educational institutions.
``(G) Nonprofit organizations.
``(H) Commercial organizations.
``(I) Other public or private individuals or
entities.
``(c) Cooperative Institutes.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish 2
cooperative institutes for the purpose of advancing and
sustaining essential capabilities in coral reef research, to be
known as the `Atlantic Coral Reef Cooperative Institute' and
the `Pacific Coral Reef Cooperative Institute'.
``(2) Membership.--The institutes established under
paragraph (1) shall each include at least one coral reef
research center designated by the Administrator that--
``(A) is operated by an institution of higher
education or nonprofit marine research organization;
``(B) has established management-driven national or
regional coral reef research or restoration programs;
``(C) is located in a covered State that contains a
coral reef ecosystem;
``(D) has demonstrated abilities to coordinate
closely with appropriate Federal and State agencies, as
well as other academic and nonprofit organizations; and
``(E) maintains significant local community
engagement and outreach programs related to coral reef
ecosystems.
``(3) Functions.--The institutes established under
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) conduct federally directed research to fill
national and regional coral reef ecosystem research
gaps and improve understanding of, and responses to,
continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of
United States coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) support ecological research and monitoring to
study the effects of conservation and restoration
activities funded by this title on promoting more
effective coral reef management and restoration; and
``(C) through agreements with coral reef research
centers referred to in paragraph (2)--
``(i) collaborate directly with
governmental resource management agencies,
coral reef stewardship partnerships certified
under section 210(e), nonprofit organizations,
institutions of higher education, and other
research organizations;
``(ii) assist in the development and
implementation of State coral reef management
and restoration strategies developed under
section 206, State coral reef action plans
developed under section 207, State coral reef
action plan assessments developed under section
208, coral reef stewardship plans developed
under section 211 or certified under section
212, and coral reef emergency plans developed
under section 215 or certified under section
216;
``(iii) build capacity within governmental
resource management agencies to establish
research priorities and translate and apply
research findings to management and restoration
practices; and
``(iv) conduct public education and
awareness programs for policymakers, resource
managers, and the general public on--
``(I) coral reefs and coral reef
ecosystems;
``(II) best practices for coral
reef ecosystem management and
restoration;
``(III) the value of coral reefs;
and
``(IV) the threats to the
sustainability of coral reef
ecosystems.
``(d) Multiyear Cooperative Agreements.--The Administrator may
enter into multiyear cooperative agreements with the heads of other
Federal agencies, States, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, local
governments, the coral reef cooperative institutes established under
subsection (c), and other institutions of higher education, nonprofit
research organizations, and nongovernmental organizations to carry out
activities authorized under sections 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 213,
218, 219, 220, and 221.
``(e) Use of Resources of Other Agencies.--The Administrator may
use, with consent and with or without reimbursement, the land,
services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of any agency or
instrumentality of--
``(1) the United States;
``(2) any State or local government;
``(3) any Indian Tribe; or
``(4) any foreign government not subject to economic
sanctions imposed by the United States.
``SEC. 224. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary to carry out this title the following amounts, which shall
remain available until expended:
``(1) $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2020.
``(2) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2021.
``(3) $32,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
``(4) $33,500,000 for fiscal year 2023.
``(5) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
``(b) Administration.--Of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under subsection (a), not more than the
lesser of $1,500,000 or 10 percent may be used for program
administration or for overhead costs incurred by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration or the Department of Commerce and
assessed as an administrative charge.
``(c) Coral Reef Management and Restoration Activities.--From the
amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), there shall
be made available to the Secretary not less than the following amounts
for authorized activities under sections 205 and 209:
``(1) $21,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, of which not less
than $6,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 209.
``(2) $22,500,000 for fiscal year 2021, of which not less
than $6,750,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 209.
``(3) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, of which not less
than $7,500,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 209.
``(4) $25,500,000 for fiscal year 2023, of which not less
than $8,250,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 209.
``(5) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, of which not less
than $9,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 209.
``(d) Federally Directed Research and Coral Reef Conservation
Program Grants.--From the amounts authorized to be appropriated under
subsection (a), there shall be made available to the Secretary not less
than $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024 to support
purposes consistent with this title, of which--
``(1) not less than $3,500,000 shall be made available for
each such fiscal year for authorized activities under section
221; and
``(2) not less than $4,500,000 shall be made available for
each such fiscal year through cooperative agreements with the
cooperative institutes established under section 223(c).
``SEC. 225. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
`appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
``(3) Conservation.--The term `conservation' means the use
of methods and procedures necessary to preserve or sustain
native corals and associated species as diverse, viable, and
self-perpetuating coral reef ecosystems with minimal impacts
from invasive species, including--
``(A) all activities associated with resource
management, such as monitoring, assessment, protection,
restoration, sustainable use, management of habitat,
and maintenance or augmentation of genetic diversity;
``(B) mapping;
``(C) scientific expertise and technical assistance
in the development and implementation of management
strategies for marine protected areas and marine
resources consistent with the National Marine
Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) and the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.);
``(D) law enforcement;
``(E) conflict resolution initiatives;
``(F) community outreach and education; and
``(G) promotion of safe and ecologically sound
navigation and anchoring.
``(4) Coral.--The term `coral' means species of the phylum
Cnidaria, including--
``(A) all species of the orders Antipatharia (black
corals), Scleractinia (stony corals), Gorgonacea (horny
corals), Stolonifera (organpipe corals and others),
Alcyanacea (soft corals), and Coenothecalia (blue
coral), of the class Anthozoa; and
``(B) all species of the order Hydrocorallina (fire
corals and hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa.
``(5) Coral reef.--The term `coral reef' means a limestone
relief feature, in the form of a reef or shoal, composed in
whole or in part by living coral, skeletal remains of coral,
crustose coralline algae, and other associated sessile marine
plants and animals.
``(6) Coral reef ecosystem.--The term `coral reef
ecosystem' means--
``(A) corals and the associated community of other
species of reef organisms (including reef plants and
animals) associated with coral reef habitat; and
``(B) the biotic and abiotic factors and processes
that control coral growth, reproduction, and abundance
and diversity in such habitat.
``(7) Coral products.--The term `coral products' means any
living or dead specimens, parts, or derivatives, or any product
containing specimens, parts, or derivatives, of any species
referred to in paragraph (4).
``(8) Covered state.--The term `covered State' means
Florida, Hawaii, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico,
Guam, American Samoa, or the United States Virgin Islands.
``(9) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms `Indian
Tribe' and `Tribal organization' have the meanings given the
terms `Indian tribe' and `tribal organization', respectively,
in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(10) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given that
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
``(11) Interested stakeholder groups.--The term `interested
stakeholder groups' includes community members such as
businesses, commercial and recreational fishermen, other
recreationalists, Federal, State, Tribal, and local government
units with related jurisdiction, institutions of higher
education, and nongovernmental organizations.
``(12) 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.
``(13) Restoration.--The term `restoration' means the use
of methods and procedures necessary to enhance, rehabilitate,
recreate, or create a functioning coral reef or coral reef
ecosystem, in whole or in part, within suitable waters of the
historical geographic range of such ecosystems, to provide
ecological, economic, cultural, or coastal resiliency services
associated with healthy coral reefs and benefit native
populations of coral reef organisms.
``(14) Resilience.--The term `resilience' means the
capacity for native corals, coral reefs, or coral reef
ecosystems to recover from natural and human disturbance as
determined by clearly identifiable, measurable, and science-
based standards.
``(15) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
``(16) State.--The term `State' means--
``(A) any State of the United States that contains
a coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries;
``(B) American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana
Islands, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands; or
``(C) any other territory or possession of the
United States or separate sovereign in free association
with the United States that contains a coral reef
ecosystem within its seaward boundaries.
``(17) Stewardship.--The term `stewardship', with respect
to a coral reef, includes conservation and restoration.
``(18) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the United
States Coral Reef Task Force established under section 201 of
the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019.''.
TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a task force to lead, coordinate, and
strengthen Federal Government actions to better preserve, conserve, and
restore coral reef ecosystems, to be known as the ``United States Coral
Reef Task Force'' (in this title referred to as the ``Task Force'').
SEC. 202. DUTIES.
The duties of the Task Force shall be--
(1) to coordinate, in cooperation with State, Tribal, and
local government partners, academic partners, and
nongovernmental partners if appropriate, activities regarding
the mapping, monitoring, research, conservation, mitigation,
restoration of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems;
(2) to monitor and advise regarding implementation of the
policy and Federal agency responsibilities set forth in--
(A) Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701;
relating to coral reef protection); and
(B) the national coral reef resilience strategy
developed under section 203(a) of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101;
(3) to work with the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, and in coordination with the other members of the
Task Force--
(A) to assess the United States role in
international trade and protection of coral species;
and
(B) to encourage implementation of appropriate
strategies and actions to promote conservation and
sustainable use of coral reef resources worldwide;
(4) to provide technical assistance for the development and
implementation, as appropriate, of--
(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy
under section 203 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of
2000, as amended by section 101;
(B) State coral reef management and restoration
strategies under section 206 of that Act;
(C) State coral reef action plans under section 207
of that Act; and
(D) State coral reef action plan assessments under
section 208 of that Act; and
(5) to produce a report each year, for submission to the
appropriate congressional committees and publication in the
Federal Register, highlighting the status of one State member's
coral reef equities on a rotating basis, including--
(A) a summary of recent coral reef management and
restoration activities undertaken in the State; and
(B) updated estimates of the direct and indirect
economic activity supported by, and other benefits
associated with, those coral reef equities.
SEC. 203. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Voting Membership.--The Task Force shall have the following
voting members:
(1) The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and the Secretary of the Interior, who shall be
co-chairs of the Task Force.
(2) The Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development.
(3) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(4) The Secretary of Defense.
(5) The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of
Engineers.
(6) The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(7) The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
(8) The Attorney General.
(9) The Secretary of State.
(10) The Secretary of Transportation.
(11) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
(12) The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
(13) The Director of the National Science Foundation.
(14) The Governor, or a representative of the Governor, of
each covered State.
(b) Nonvoting Members.--The Task Force shall have the following
nonvoting members:
(1) The member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management
Council who is designated by the Governor of Florida under
section 302(b)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(1)).
(2) The member of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Council who is designated by the Governor of Florida under such
section.
(3) The members of the Western Pacific Fishery Management
Council who are designated by the Governors of Hawaii, American
Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands under such
section.
(4) The members of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council
who are designated by the Governors of Puerto Rico and the
United States Virgin Islands under such section.
(5) A member appointed by the President representing each
of the following:
(A) The Freely Associated States of the Federated
States of Micronesia.
(B) The Republic of the Marshall Islands.
(C) The Republic of Palau.
SEC. 204. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCY MEMBERS.
(a) In General.--A member of the Task Force specified in paragraphs
(1) through (14) of section 203(a) shall--
(1) identify the actions of the agency that member
represents that may affect coral reef ecosystems;
(2) utilize the programs and authorities of that agency to
protect and enhance the conditions of such ecosystems,
including through the promotion of basic and applied scientific
research;
(3) collaborate with the Task Force to appropriately
reflect budgetary needs for coral reef conservation and
restoration activities in all agency budget planning and
justification documents and processes; and
(4) engage in any other coordinated efforts approved by the
Task Force.
(b) Co-Chairs.--In addition to their responsibilities under
subsection (a), the co-chairs of the Task Force shall administer
performance of the functions of the Task Force and facilitate the
coordination of the members of the Task Force specified in paragraphs
(1) through (13) of section 203(a).
SEC. 205. WORKING GROUPS.
(a) In General.--The co-chairs of the Task Force may establish
working groups as necessary to meet the goals and carry out the duties
of the Task Force.
(b) Requests From Members.--The members of the Task Force may
request the co-chairs to establish a working group under subsection
(a).
(c) Participation by Nongovernmental Organizations.--The co-chairs
may allow nongovernmental organizations, including academic
institutions, conservation groups, and commercial and recreational
fishing associations, to participate in a working group established
under subsection (a).
SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
(2) Conservation, coral, coral reef, etc.--The terms
``conservation'', ``coral'', ``coral reef'', ``coral reef
ecosystem'', ``covered State'', ``restoration'',
``resilience'', and ``State'' have the meaning given those
terms in section 225 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of
2000, as amended by section 101.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES
SEC. 301. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior may provide
scientific expertise and technical assistance and, subject to the
availability of appropriations, financial assistance for the
conservation and restoration of coral reefs consistent with all
applicable laws governing resource management in Federal and State
waters, including--
(1) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
and developed under section 203 of the Coral Reef Conservation
Act of 2000, as amended by section 101; and
(2) Federal coral reef action plans in effect and developed
under section 204 of that Act.
(b) Consultation With the Department of Commerce.--The Secretary of
the Interior may consult with the Secretary of Commerce regarding the
conduct of any activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral
reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of the Federal
agencies specified in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 205(c) of
the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101.
(c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior may
enter into cooperative agreements with States to fund coral reef
conservation and restoration activities in waters managed under the
jurisdiction of such States that are consistent with the national coral
reef resilience strategy in effect and developed under section 203 of
the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101, and
support and enhance the success of Federal coral reef action plans in
effect and developed under section 204 of that Act.
(d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``conservation'',
``coral reef'', ``restoration'', and ``State'' have the meaning given
those terms in section 225 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000,
as amended by section 101.
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