[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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