[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 171 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H5192-H5202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SAVE OUR SEAS 2.0 ACT

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (S. 1982) to improve efforts to combat marine debris, and for 
other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                S. 1982

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

                    TITLE I--COMBATING MARINE DEBRIS

            Subtitle A--Amendments to the Marine Debris Act

Sec. 101. Amendments to the Marine Debris Act.

                  Subtitle B--Marine Debris Foundation

Sec. 111. Establishment and purposes of Foundation.
Sec. 112. Board of Directors of the Foundation.
Sec. 113. Rights and obligations of the Foundation.
Sec. 114. Administrative services and support.
Sec. 115. Volunteer status.
Sec. 116. Report requirements; petition of attorney general for 
              equitable relief.
Sec. 117. United States release from liability.
Sec. 118. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 119. Termination of authority.

         Subtitle C--Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations

Sec. 121. Definitions.
Sec. 122. Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations.
Sec. 123. Agreement with the Marine Debris Foundation.
Sec. 124. Judges.
Sec. 125. Report to Congress.
Sec. 126. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 127. Termination of authority.

            Subtitle D--Studies, Pilot Projects, and Reports

Sec. 131. Report on opportunities for innovative uses of plastic waste.
Sec. 132. Report on microfiber pollution.
Sec. 133. Study on United States plastic pollution data.
Sec. 134. Study on mass balance methodologies to certify circular 
              polymers.
Sec. 135. Report on sources and impacts of derelict fishing gear.
Sec. 136. Expansion of derelict vessel recycling.
Sec. 137. Incentive for fishermen to collect and dispose of plastic 
              found at sea.

      TITLE II--ENHANCED GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT TO COMBAT MARINE DEBRIS

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

 TITLE III--IMPROVING DOMESTIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO PREVENT MARINE DEBRIS

Sec. 301. Strategy for improving post-consumer materials management and 
              water management.
Sec. 302. Grant programs.
Sec. 303. Study on repurposing plastic waste in infrastructure.
Sec. 304. Study on effects of microplastics in food supplies and 
              sources of drinking water.
Sec. 305. Report on eliminating barriers to increase the collection of 
              recyclable materials.

[[Page H5193]]

Sec. 306. Report on economic incentives to spur development of new end-
              use markets for recycled plastics.
Sec. 307. Report on minimizing the creation of new plastic waste.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Circular economy.--The term ``circular economy'' means 
     an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves 
     industrial processes and economic activities that--
       (A) are restorative or regenerative by design;
       (B) enable resources used in such processes and activities 
     to maintain their highest values for as long as possible; and
       (C) aim for the elimination of waste through the superior 
     design of materials, products, and systems (including 
     business models).
       (2) EPA administrator.--The term ``EPA Administrator'' 
     means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency.
       (3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the 
     meaning given the term ``Indian tribe'' in section 4 of the 
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
     U.S.C. 5304), without regard to capitalization.
       (4) Interagency marine debris coordinating committee.--The 
     term ``Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee'' 
     means the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 
     established under section 5 of the Marine Debris Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1954).
       (5) Marine debris.--The term ``marine debris'' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 7 of the Marine Debris Act 
     (33 U.S.C. 1956).
       (6) Marine debris event.--The term ``marine debris event'' 
     means an event or related events that affects or may 
     imminently affect the United States involving--
       (A) marine debris caused by a natural event, including a 
     tsunami, flood, landslide, hurricane, or other natural 
     source;
       (B) distinct, nonrecurring marine debris, including 
     derelict vessel groundings and container spills, that have 
     immediate or long-term impacts on habitats with high 
     ecological, economic, or human-use values; or
       (C) marine debris caused by an intentional or grossly 
     negligent act or acts that causes substantial economic or 
     environmental harm.
       (7) Non-federal funds.--The term ``non-Federal funds'' 
     means funds provided by--
       (A) a State;
       (B) an Indian Tribe;
       (C) a territory of the United States;
       (D) one or more units of local governments or Tribal 
     organizations (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
       (E) a foreign government;
       (F) a private for-profit entity;
       (G) a nonprofit organization; or
       (H) a private individual.
       (8) 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.
       (9) Post-consumer materials management.--The term ``post-
     consumer materials management'' means the systems, operation, 
     supervision, and long-term management of processes and 
     equipment used for post-use material (including packaging, 
     goods, products, and other materials), including--
       (A) collection;
       (B) transport;
       (C) safe disposal of waste that cannot be recovered, 
     reused, recycled, repaired, or refurbished; and
       (D) systems and processes related to post-use materials 
     that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, or 
     refurbished.
       (10) State.--The term ``State'' means--
       (A) a State;
       (B) an Indian Tribe;
       (C) the District of Columbia;
       (D) a territory or possession of the United States; or
       (E) any political subdivision of an entity described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D).
       (11) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means 
     the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration.

                    TITLE I--COMBATING MARINE DEBRIS

            Subtitle A--Amendments to the Marine Debris Act

     SEC. 101. AMENDMENTS TO THE MARINE DEBRIS ACT.

       The Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) in section 2 by striking ``marine environment,'' and 
     inserting ``marine environment (including waters in the 
     jurisdiction of the United States, the high seas, and waters 
     in the jurisdiction of other countries),'';
       (2) in section 9(a)--
       (A) by striking ``$10,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$15,000,000''; and
       (B) by striking ``5 percent'' and inserting ``7 percent''; 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 10. PRIORITIZATION OF MARINE DEBRIS IN EXISTING 
                   INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS.

       ``In carrying out any relevant innovation and 
     entrepreneurship programs that improve the innovation, 
     effectiveness, and efficiency of the Marine Debris Program 
     established under section 3 without undermining the purpose 
     for which such program was established, the Secretary of 
     Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, and the heads of other 
     relevant Federal agencies, shall prioritize efforts to combat 
     marine debris, including by--
       ``(1) increasing innovation in methods and the 
     effectiveness of efforts to identify, determine sources of, 
     assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine debris; and
       ``(2) addressing the impacts of marine debris on--
       ``(A) the economy of the United States;
       ``(B) the marine environment; and
       ``(C) navigation safety.''.

                  Subtitle B--Marine Debris Foundation

     SEC. 111. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES OF FOUNDATION.

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

     SEC. 112. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FOUNDATION.

       (a) Establishment and Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Foundation shall have a governing 
     Board of Directors (in this title referred to as the 
     ``Board''), which shall consist of the Under Secretary and 12 
     additional Directors appointed in accordance with subsection 
     (b) from among individuals who are United States citizens.
       (2) Representation of diverse points of view.--To the 
     maximum extent practicable, the membership of the Board shall 
     represent diverse points of view relating to the assessment, 
     prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris.
       (3) Not federal employees.--Appointment as a Director of 
     the Foundation shall not constitute employment by, or the 
     holding of an office of, the United States for the purpose of 
     any Federal law.
       (b) Appointment and Terms.--
       (1) Appointment.--Subject to paragraph (2), after 
     consulting with the EPA Administrator, the Director of the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Assistant 
     Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International 
     Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and the Administrator 
     of the United States Agency for International Development, 
     and considering the recommendations submitted by the Board, 
     the Under Secretary shall appoint 12 Directors who meet the 
     criteria established by subsection (a), of whom--
       (A) at least 4 shall be educated or experienced in the 
     assessment, prevention, reduction, or removal of marine 
     debris, which may include an individual with expertise in 
     post-consumer materials management or a circular economy;
       (B) at least 2 shall be educated or experienced in the 
     assessment, prevention, reduction, or removal of marine 
     debris outside the United States;
       (C) at least 2 shall be educated or experienced in ocean 
     and coastal resource conservation science or policy; and
       (D) at least 2 shall be educated or experienced in 
     international trade or foreign policy.
       (2) Terms.--
       (A) In general.--Any Director appointed after the initial 
     appointments are made under subparagraph (B) (other than the 
     Under Secretary), shall be appointed for a term of 6 years.
       (B) Initial appointments to new member positions.--Of the 
     Directors appointed by the Under Secretary under paragraph 
     (1), the Under Secretary shall appoint, not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act--
       (i) 4 Directors for a term of 6 years;
       (ii) 4 Directors for a term of 4 years; and
       (iii) 4 Directors for a term of 2 years.
       (3) Vacancies.--
       (A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall fill a vacancy 
     on the Board.
       (B) Term of appointments to fill unexpired terms.--An 
     individual appointed to fill a vacancy that occurs before the 
     expiration

[[Page H5194]]

     of the term of a Director shall be appointed for the 
     remainder of the term.
       (4) Reappointment.--An individual shall not serve more than 
     2 consecutive terms as a Director, excluding any term of less 
     than 6 years.
       (5) Consultation before removal.--The Under Secretary may 
     remove a Director from the Board only after consultation with 
     the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and 
     International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, the 
     Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and 
     the EPA Administrator.
       (c) Chairman.--The Chairman shall be elected by the Board 
     from its members for a 2-year term.
       (d) Quorum.--A majority of the current membership of the 
     Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
     business.
       (e) Meetings.--The Board shall meet at the call of the 
     Chairman at least once a year. If a Director misses 3 
     consecutive regularly scheduled meetings, that individual may 
     be removed from the Board and that vacancy filled in 
     accordance with subsection (b).
       (f) Reimbursement of Expenses.--Members of the Board shall 
     serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for the actual and 
     necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred by them 
     in the performance of the duties of the Foundation.
       (g) General Powers.--
       (1) In general.--The Board may complete the organization of 
     the Foundation by--
       (A) appointing officers and employees;
       (B) adopting a constitution and bylaws consistent with the 
     purposes of the Foundation and the provisions of this title; 
     and
       (C) undertaking of other such acts as may be necessary to 
     carry out the provisions of this title.
       (2) Limitations on appointment.--The following limitations 
     apply with respect to the appointment of officers and 
     employees of the Foundation:
       (A) Officers and employees may not be appointed until the 
     Foundation has sufficient funds to pay them for their 
     service. Officers and employees of the Foundation shall be 
     appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United 
     States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 
     service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of 
     chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title 
     relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
       (B) The first officer or employee appointed by the Board 
     shall be the Secretary of the Board who--
       (i) shall serve, at the direction of the Board, as its 
     chief operating officer; and
       (ii) shall be knowledgeable and experienced in matters 
     relating to the assessment, prevention, reduction, and 
     removal of marine debris.

     SEC. 113. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE FOUNDATION.

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

     SEC. 114. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND SUPPORT.

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

     SEC. 115. VOLUNTEER STATUS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 117. UNITED STATES RELEASE FROM LIABILITY.

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

     SEC. 118. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Department of Commerce to carry out this title 
     $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2024.
       (2) Use of appropriated funds.--Subject to paragraph (3), 
     amounts made available under paragraph (1) shall be provided 
     to the Foundation to match contributions (whether in 
     currency, services, or property) made to the Foundation, or 
     to a recipient of a grant provided by the Foundation, by 
     private persons and State and local government agencies.
       (3) Prohibition on use for administrative expenses.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no 
     Federal funds made available under paragraph (1) may be used 
     by the Foundation for administrative expenses of the 
     Foundation, including for salaries, travel and transportation 
     expenses, and other overhead expenses.
       (B) Exception.--The Secretary may allow the use of Federal 
     funds made available

[[Page H5195]]

     under paragraph (1) to pay for salaries during the 18-month 
     period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Additional Authorization.--
       (1) In general.--In addition to the amounts made available 
     under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept Federal funds 
     from a Federal agency under any other Federal law for use by 
     the Foundation to further the assessment, prevention, 
     reduction, and removal of marine debris in accordance with 
     the requirements of this title.
       (2) Use of funds accepted from federal agencies.--Federal 
     funds provided to the Foundation under paragraph (1) shall be 
     used by the Foundation for matching, in whole or in part, 
     contributions (whether in currency, services, or property) 
     made to the Foundation by private persons and State and local 
     government agencies.
       (c) Prohibition on Use of Grant Amounts for Litigation and 
     Lobbying Expenses.--Amounts provided as a grant by the 
     Foundation shall not be used for--
       (1) any expense related to litigation consistent with 
     Federal-wide cost principles; or
       (2) any activity the purpose of which is to influence 
     legislation pending before Congress consistent with Federal-
     wide cost principles.

     SEC. 119. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

       The authority of the Foundation under this subtitle shall 
     terminate on the date that is 10 years after the 
     establishment of the Foundation, unless the Foundation is 
     reauthorized by an Act of Congress.

         Subtitle C--Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations

     SEC. 121. DEFINITIONS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 123. AGREEMENT WITH THE MARINE DEBRIS FOUNDATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary may offer to enter into an 
     agreement, which may include a grant or cooperative 
     agreement, under which the Marine Debris Foundation 
     established under title I may administer the prize 
     competition.
       (b) Requirements.--An agreement entered into under 
     subsection (a) shall comply with the following requirements:
       (1) Duties.--The Marine Debris Foundation shall--
       (A) advertise the prize competition;
       (B) solicit prize competition participants;
       (C) administer funds relating to the prize competition;
       (D) receive Federal and non-Federal funds--
       (i) to administer the prize competition; and
       (ii) to award a cash prize;
       (E) carry out activities to generate contributions of non-
     Federal funds to offset, in whole or in part--
       (i) the administrative costs of the prize competition; and
       (ii) the costs of a cash prize;
       (F) in the design and award of the prize, consult, as 
     appropriate with experts from--
       (i) Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the prevention 
     of marine debris or the promotion of innovative materials;
       (ii) State agencies with jurisdiction over the prevention 
     of marine debris or the promotion of innovative materials;
       (iii) State, regional, or local conservation or post-
     consumer materials management organizations, the mission of 
     which relates to the prevention of marine debris or the 
     promotion of innovative materials;
       (iv) conservation groups, technology companies, research 
     institutions, scientists (including those with expertise in 
     marine environments) institutions of higher education, 
     industry, or individual stakeholders with an interest in the 
     prevention of marine debris or the promotion of innovative 
     materials;
       (v) experts in the area of standards development regarding 
     the degradation, breakdown, or recycling of polymers; and
       (vi) other relevant experts of the Board's choosing;
       (G) in consultation with, and subject to final approval by, 
     the Secretary, develop criteria for the selection of prize 
     competition winners;
       (H) provide advice and consultation to the Secretary on the 
     selection of judges under section 124 based on criteria 
     developed in consultation with, and subject to the final 
     approval of, the Secretary;
       (I) announce 1 or more annual winners of the prize 
     competition;
       (J) subject to paragraph (2), award 1 or more cash prizes 
     biennially of not less than $100,000; and
       (K) protect against unauthorized use or disclosure by the 
     Marine Debris Foundation of any trade secret or confidential 
     business information of a prize competition participant.
       (2) Additional cash prizes.--The Marine Debris Foundation 
     may award more than 1 cash prize in a year--
       (A) if the initial cash prize referred to in paragraph 
     (1)(J) and any additional cash prizes are awarded using only 
     non-Federal funds; and
       (B) consisting of an amount determined by the Under 
     Secretary after the Secretary is notified by the Marine 
     Debris Foundation that non-Federal funds are available for an 
     additional cash prize.
       (3) Solicitation of funds.--The Marine Debris Foundation--
       (A) may request and accept Federal funds and non-Federal 
     funds for a cash prize or administration of the prize 
     competition;
       (B) may accept a contribution for a cash prize in exchange 
     for the right to name the prize; and
       (C) shall not give special consideration to any Federal 
     agency or non-Federal entity in exchange for a donation for a 
     cash prize awarded under this section.

     SEC. 124. JUDGES.

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

     SEC. 125. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

       Not later than 60 days after the date on which a cash prize 
     is awarded under this title, the Secretary shall post on a 
     publicly available website a report on the prize competition 
     that includes--
       (1) if the Secretary has entered into an agreement under 
     section 123, a statement by the Marine Debris Foundation that 
     describes the activities carried out by the Marine Debris 
     Foundation relating to the duties described in section 123; 
     and
       (2) a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under 
     section 124 that explains the basis on which the winner of 
     the cash prize was selected.

     SEC. 126. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Of the amounts authorized under section 118(a), the 
     Secretary of Commerce shall use up to $1,000,000 to carry out 
     this subtitle.

     SEC. 127. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

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

            Subtitle D--Studies, Pilot Projects, and Reports

     SEC. 131. REPORT ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATIVE USES OF 
                   PLASTIC WASTE.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 
     shall submit to Congress a report on innovative uses for 
     plastic waste in consumer products.

     SEC. 132. REPORT ON MICROFIBER POLLUTION.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating 
     Committee shall submit to Congress a report on microfiber 
     pollution that includes--
       (1) a definition of microfiber;
       (2) an assessment of the sources, prevalence, and causes of 
     microfiber pollution;
       (3) a recommendation for a standardized methodology to 
     measure and estimate the prevalence of microfiber pollution;
       (4) recommendations for reducing microfiber pollution; and

[[Page H5196]]

       (5) a plan for how Federal agencies, in partnership with 
     other stakeholders, can lead on opportunities to reduce 
     microfiber pollution during the 5-year period beginning on 
     such date of enactment.

     SEC. 133. STUDY ON UNITED STATES PLASTIC POLLUTION DATA.

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

     SEC. 134. STUDY ON MASS BALANCE METHODOLOGIES TO CERTIFY 
                   CIRCULAR POLYMERS.

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

     SEC. 135. REPORT ON SOURCES AND IMPACTS OF DERELICT FISHING 
                   GEAR.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report that includes--
       (1) an analysis of the scale of fishing gear losses by 
     domestic and foreign fisheries, including--
       (A) how the amount of gear lost varies among--
       (i) domestic and foreign fisheries;
       (ii) types of fishing gear; and
       (iii) methods of fishing;
       (B) how lost fishing gear is transported by ocean currents; 
     and
       (C) common reasons fishing gear is lost;
       (2) an evaluation of the ecological, human health, and 
     maritime safety impacts of derelict fishing gear, and how 
     those impacts vary across--
       (A) types of fishing gear;
       (B) materials used to construct fishing gear; and
       (C) geographic location;
       (3) recommendations on management measures--
       (A) to prevent fishing gear losses; and
       (B) to reduce the impacts of lost fishing gear;
       (4) an assessment of the cost of implementing such 
     management measures; and
       (5) an assessment of the impact of fishing gear loss 
     attributable to foreign countries.

     SEC. 136. EXPANSION OF DERELICT VESSEL RECYCLING.

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

     SEC. 137. INCENTIVE FOR FISHERMEN TO COLLECT AND DISPOSE OF 
                   PLASTIC FOUND AT SEA.

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

      TITLE II--ENHANCED GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT TO COMBAT MARINE DEBRIS

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

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

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

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of the United States 
     Agency for International Development, as appropriate, and the 
     officials specified in subsection (b)--
       (1) lead and coordinate efforts to implement the policy 
     described in section 201; and
       (2) develop strategies and implement programs that 
     prioritize engagement and cooperation with foreign 
     governments, subnational and local stakeholders, and the 
     private sector to expedite efforts and assistance in foreign 
     countries--
       (A) to partner with, encourage, advise and facilitate 
     national and subnational governments on the development and 
     execution, where practicable, of national projects, programs 
     and initiatives to--
       (i) improve the capacity, security, and standards of 
     operations of post-consumer materials management systems;

[[Page H5197]]

       (ii) monitor and track how well post-consumer materials 
     management systems are functioning nationwide, based on 
     uniform and transparent standards developed in cooperation 
     with municipal, industrial, and civil society stakeholders;
       (iii) identify the operational challenges of post-consumer 
     materials management systems and develop policy and 
     programmatic solutions;
       (iv) end intentional or unintentional incentives for 
     municipalities, industries, and individuals to improperly 
     dispose of plastic waste; and
       (v) conduct outreach campaigns to raise public awareness of 
     the importance of proper waste disposal and the reduction of 
     plastic waste;
       (B) to facilitate the involvement of municipalities and 
     industries in improving solid waste reduction, collection, 
     disposal, and reuse and recycling projects, programs, and 
     initiatives;
       (C) to partner with and provide technical assistance to 
     investors, and national and local institutions, including 
     private sector actors, to develop new business opportunities 
     and solutions to specifically reduce plastic waste and expand 
     solid waste and post-consumer materials management best 
     practices in foreign countries by--
       (i) maximizing the number of people and businesses, in both 
     rural and urban communities, receiving reliable solid waste 
     and post-consumer materials management services;
       (ii) improving and expanding the capacity of foreign 
     industries to responsibly employ post-consumer materials 
     management practices;
       (iii) improving and expanding the capacity and transparency 
     of tracking mechanisms for marine debris to reduce the 
     impacts on the marine environment;
       (iv) eliminating incentives that undermine responsible 
     post-consumer materials management practices and lead to 
     improper waste disposal practices and leakage;
       (v) building the capacity of countries--

       (I) to reduce, monitor, regulate, and manage waste, post-
     consumer materials and plastic waste, and pollution 
     appropriately and transparently, including imports of plastic 
     waste from the United States and other countries;
       (II) to encourage private investment in post-consumer 
     materials management and reduction; and
       (III) to encourage private investment, grow opportunities, 
     and develop markets for recyclable, reusable, and repurposed 
     plastic waste and post-consumer materials, and products with 
     high levels of recycled plastic content, at both national and 
     local levels; and

       (vi) promoting safe and affordable reusable alternatives to 
     disposable plastic products, to the extent practicable; and
       (D) to research, identify, and facilitate opportunities to 
     promote collection and proper disposal of damaged or derelict 
     fishing gear.
       (b) Officials Specified.--The officials specified in this 
     subsection are the following:
       (1) The United States Trade Representative.
       (2) The Under Secretary.
       (3) The EPA Administrator.
       (4) The Director of the Trade and Development Agency.
       (5) The President and the Board of Directors of the 
     Overseas Private Investment Corporation or the Chief 
     Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of the United 
     States International Development Finance Corporation, as 
     appropriate.
       (6) The Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors 
     of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
       (7) The Commandant of the Coast Guard, with respect to 
     pollution from ships.
       (8) The heads of such other agencies as the Secretary of 
     State considers appropriate.
       (c) Prioritization.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     officials specified in subsection (b) shall prioritize 
     assistance to countries with, and regional organizations in 
     regions with--
       (1) rapidly developing economies; and
       (2) rivers and coastal areas that are the most severe 
     sources of marine debris, as identified by the best available 
     science.
       (d) Effectiveness Measurement.--In prioritizing and 
     expediting efforts and assistance under this section, the 
     officials specified in subsection (b) shall use clear, 
     accountable, and metric-based targets to measure the 
     effectiveness of guarantees and assistance in achieving the 
     policy described in section 201.
       (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to authorize the modification of or the imposition 
     of limits on the portfolios of any agency or institution led 
     by an official specified in subsection (b).

     SEC. 203. UNITED STATES LEADERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL FORA.

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

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

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

[[Page H5198]]

  


     SEC. 205. NEGOTIATION OF NEW INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.

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

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

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

 TITLE III--IMPROVING DOMESTIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO PREVENT MARINE DEBRIS

     SEC. 301. STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING POST-CONSUMER MATERIALS 
                   MANAGEMENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the EPA Administrator shall, in 
     consultation with stakeholders, develop a strategy to improve 
     post-consumer materials management and infrastructure for the 
     purpose of reducing plastic waste and other post-consumer 
     materials in waterways and oceans.
       (b) Release.--On development of the strategy under 
     subsection (a), the EPA Administrator shall--
       (1) distribute the strategy to States; and
       (2) make the strategy publicly available, including for use 
     by--
       (A) for-profit private entities involved in post-consumer 
     materials management; and
       (B) other nongovernmental entities.

     SEC. 302. GRANT PROGRAMS.

       (a) Post-Consumer Materials Management Infrastructure Grant 
     Program.--
       (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide grants 
     to States to implement the strategy developed under section 
     301(a) and--
       (A) to support improvements to local post-consumer 
     materials management, including municipal recycling programs; 
     and
       (B) to assist local waste management authorities in making 
     improvements to local waste management systems.
       (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     paragraph (1), the applicant State shall submit to the EPA 
     Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
     require.
       (3) Contents of applications.--In developing application 
     requirements, the EPA Administrator shall consider requesting 
     that a State applicant provide--
       (A) a description of--
       (i) the project or projects to be carried out using grant 
     funds; and
       (ii) how the project or projects would result in the 
     generation of less plastic waste;
       (B) a description of how the funds will support 
     disadvantaged communities; and
       (C) an explanation of any limitations, such as flow control 
     measures, that restrict access to reusable or recyclable 
     materials.
       (4) Report to congress.--Not later than January 1, 2023, 
     the EPA Administrator shall submit to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report 
     that includes--
       (A) a description of the activities carried out under this 
     subsection;
       (B) estimates as to how much plastic waste was prevented 
     from entering the oceans and other waterways as a result of 
     activities funded pursuant to this subsection; and
       (C) a recommendation on the utility of evolving the grant 
     program into a new waste management State revolving fund.
       (b) Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide 
     competitive grants to units of local government, Indian 
     Tribes, and public water systems (as defined in section 1401 
     of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f)) to support 
     improvements in reducing and removing plastic waste and post-
     consumer materials, including microplastics and microfibers, 
     from drinking water or sources of drinking water, including 
     planning, design, construction, technical assistance, and 
     planning support for operational adjustments.
       (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     paragraph (1), an applicant shall submit to the EPA 
     Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
     require.
       (c) Wastewater Infrastructure Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide grants 
     to municipalities (as defined in section 502 of the Federal 
     Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362)) or Indian 
     Tribes that own and operate treatment works (as such term is 
     defined in section 212 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 1292)) for the 
     construction of improvements to reduce and remove plastic 
     waste and post-consumer materials, including microplastics 
     and microfibers, from wastewater.
       (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     paragraph (1), an applicant shall submit to the EPA 
     Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
     require.
       (d) Trash-free Waters Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator may provide grants 
     to units of local government, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit 
     organizations--
       (A) to support projects to reduce the quantity of solid 
     waste in bodies of water by reducing the quantity of waste at 
     the source, including through anti-litter initiatives;
       (B) to enforce local post-consumer materials management 
     ordinances;
       (C) to implement State or local policies relating to solid 
     waste;
       (D) to capture post-consumer materials at stormwater 
     inlets, at stormwater outfalls, or in bodies of water;
       (E) to provide education and outreach about post-consumer 
     materials movement and reduction; and
       (F) to monitor or model flows of post-consumer materials, 
     including monitoring or modeling a reduction in trash as a 
     result of the implementation of best management practices for 
     the reduction of plastic waste and other post-consumer 
     materials in sources of drinking water.
       (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     paragraph (1), an applicant shall submit to the EPA 
     Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the EPA Administrator may 
     require.
       (e) Applicability of Federal Law.--
       (1) In general.--The EPA Administrator shall ensure that 
     all laborers and mechanics employed on projects funded 
     directly, or assisted in whole or in part, by a grant 
     established by this section shall be paid wages at rates not 
     less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar 
     in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in 
     accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of part A of 
     subtitle II of title 40, United States Code.
       (2) Authority.--With respect to the labor standards 
     specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor shall have 
     the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan 
     Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and 
     section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
       (3) Requirements.--The requirements of section 608 of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1388) shall 
     apply to the construction of a project carried out, in whole 
     or in part, with assistance made available under this section 
     in the same manner as the requirements of such section apply 
     with respect to funds made available pursuant to title VI of 
     such Act.
       (f) Limitation on Use of Funds.--A grant under this section 
     may not be used (directly or indirectly) as a source of 
     payment (in whole or in part) of, or security for, an 
     obligation the interest on which is excluded from gross 
     income under section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986.
       (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated--
       (1) for the program described subsection (a), $55,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025; and
       (2) for each of the programs described subsections (b), 
     (c), and (d), $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 
     through 2025.

     SEC. 303. STUDY ON REPURPOSING PLASTIC WASTE IN 
                   INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation (referred 
     to in this section as the ``Secretary'') and the EPA 
     Administrator shall jointly enter into an arrangement with 
     the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 
     under which the National Academies will--
       (1) conduct a study on the uses of plastic waste in 
     infrastructure; and
       (2) as part of the study under paragraph (1)--
       (A) identify domestic and international examples of--
       (i) the use of plastic waste materials described in that 
     paragraph;
       (ii) infrastructure projects in which the use of plastic 
     waste has been applied; and
       (iii) projects in which the use of plastic waste has been 
     incorporated into or with other infrastructure materials;
       (B) assess--
       (i) the effectiveness and utility of the uses of plastic 
     waste described in that paragraph;
       (ii) the extent to which plastic waste materials are 
     consistent with recognized specifications for infrastructure 
     construction and other recognized standards;
       (iii) relevant impacts of plastic waste materials compared 
     to non-waste plastic materials;
       (iv) the health, safety, and environmental impacts of--

       (I) plastic waste on humans and animals; and
       (II) the increased use of plastic waste for infrastructure;

       (v) the ability of plastic waste infrastructure to 
     withstand natural disasters, extreme weather events, and 
     other hazards; and
       (vi) plastic waste in infrastructure through an economic 
     analysis; and
       (C) make recommendations with respect to what standards or 
     matters may need to be addressed with respect to ensuring 
     human

[[Page H5199]]

     and animal health and safety from the use of plastic waste in 
     infrastructure.
       (b) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act and subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Secretary and the EPA Administrator shall 
     submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 304. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF MICROPLASTICS IN FOOD SUPPLIES 
                   AND SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER.

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

     SEC. 305. REPORT ON ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO INCREASE THE 
                   COLLECTION OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS.

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

     SEC. 306. REPORT ON ECONOMIC INCENTIVES TO SPUR DEVELOPMENT 
                   OF NEW END-USE MARKETS FOR RECYCLED PLASTICS.

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

     SEC. 307. REPORT ON MINIMIZING THE CREATION OF NEW PLASTIC 
                   WASTE.

       (a) In General.--The EPA Administrator, in coordination 
     with the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee and 
     the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall 
     conduct a study on minimizing the creation of new plastic 
     waste.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the EPA Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a) 
     that includes--
       (1) an estimate of the current and projected United States 
     production and consumption of plastics, by type of plastic, 
     including consumer food products;
       (2) an estimate of the environmental effects and impacts of 
     plastic production and use in relation to other materials;
       (3) an estimate of current and projected future recycling 
     rates of plastics, by type of plastic;
       (4) an assessment of opportunities to minimize the creation 
     of new plastic waste, including consumer food products, by 
     reducing, recycling, reusing, refilling, refurbishing, or 
     capturing plastic that would otherwise be part of a waste 
     stream; and
       (5) an assessment of what post-consumer recycled content 
     standards for plastic are technologically and economically 
     feasible, and the impact of the standards on recycling rates.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Carbajal) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1982, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in full support of S. 1982, important bipartisan legislation 
to further improve our national capabilities to respond to the global 
problem of marine debris, especially impacts caused by plastic waste on 
the ocean environment.
  Marine debris is essentially any trash or litter that ends up in the 
marine environment or the Great Lakes. It originates from a wide 
variety of locations and often travels great distances before ending up 
in the ocean.
  Marine debris is everywhere. It is found around every major body of 
water on the planet and along every shoreline in the world, no matter 
how remote.
  These materials pose a substantial threat to marine life that might 
ingest or get entangled in marine debris or have their habitats 
degraded. But equally important, marine debris threatens public health 
and safety in the form of degraded water quality, increased exposure to 
pathogens and chemicals, and damage to vessels.
  The legislation before us this afternoon incorporates the 
contributions of no less than six different committees that reviewed 
and offered several targeted amendments to improve provisions under 
each committee's jurisdiction.
  Of note, I want to thank Chair Grijalva, Chair Engel, Chairwoman 
Johnson, Chair Pallone, Chair Peterson, and their respective staffs for 
their cooperation in refining this noncontroversial legislation so that 
it could be considered today.
  As amended, this legislation will provide an increase in annual 
funding under the Marine Debris Act to $15 million, a 50 percent 
increase over existing authorized funding levels.
  This funding increase should help to strengthen current programs 
administered by NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard and prioritize efforts to 
combat marine debris through innovation and entrepreneurship programs.
  Moreover, this legislation authorizes new approaches to address the 
international complexity of marine debris, most notably through the 
establishment of a charitable nonprofit Marine Debris Foundation.
  It also provides specific direction to Federal agencies to maintain 
international leadership on marine debris and provides enhanced support 
for plastic waste mitigation.
  Even though the bill is not perfect, on balance, it is a very 
positive addition to the legislation passed last Congress to 
reauthorize the Marine Debris Act.

                              {time}  1630

  And considering the scale of the marine debris challenge, it stands 
to reason that this will not be the last bill Congress enacts to 
address this serious environmental problem.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Oregon, Congresswoman Suzanne 
Bonamici, for her leadership on this issue and tireless advocacy to get 
this bill through the House.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, this is good, bipartisan legislation that 
deserves support from Members on both sides of the aisle, and I urge 
its passage today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on Energy and Commerce,

                               Washington, DC, September 29, 2020.
     Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman DeFazio: I write concerning S. 1982, the 
     ``Save Our Seas 2.0 Act,'' which was additionally referred to 
     the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Committee).
       In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of 
     S. 1982, the Committee agrees to waive formal consideration 
     of the bill as to provisions that fall within the Rule X 
     jurisdiction of the Committee. The Committee takes this 
     action with the mutual understanding that we do not waive any 
     jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or 
     similar legislation, and that the Committee will be 
     appropriately consulted and involved as this bill or similar 
     legislation moves forward so that we may address any 
     remaining issues within our jurisdiction. I also request that 
     you support my request to name members of the Committee to 
     any conference committee to consider such provisions.

[[Page H5200]]

       Finally, I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter 
     into the Congressional Record during floor consideration of 
     S. 1982.
           Sincerely,
                                               Frank Pallone, Jr.,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           infrastructure,
                               Washington, DC, September 29, 2020.
     Hon. Frank Pallone,
     Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of 
         Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Pallone: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     S. 1982, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. I appreciate your 
     decision to waive formal consideration of the bill.
       I agree that the Committee on Energy and Commerce has valid 
     jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important 
     legislation, and I further agree that by forgoing formal 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce is not waiving any jurisdiction over any relevant 
     subject matter. Additionally, I will support the appointment 
     of conferees from the Committee on Energy and Commerce should 
     a House-Senate conference be convened on this legislation. 
     Finally, this exchange of letters will be included in the 
     Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the 
     floor.
       Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing to work 
     collaboratively with you on this important issue.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                               Washington, DC, September 28, 2020.
     Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair, Committee on Transporation and Infrastructure, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair DeFazio: In recognition of the goal of 
     expediting consideration of S. 1982, the ``Save Our Seas 2.0 
     Act,'' the Committee on Natural Resources agrees to waive 
     formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural 
     Resources.
       The Committee on Natural Resources takes this action with 
     the mutual understanding that, in doing so, we do not waive 
     any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or 
     similar legislation, and that the Committee will be 
     appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar 
     legislation moves forward so that we may address any 
     remaining issues within our jurisdiction. Our Committee also 
     reserves the right to seek appointment of conferees to any 
     House-Senate conference involving this or similar 
     legislation.
       Thank you for agreeing to include our exchange of letters 
     in the Congressional Record. I appreciate your cooperation 
     regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to 
     work with you as this measure moves through the legislative 
     process.
           Sincerely,

                                             Raul M. Grijalva,

                                                            Chair,
     House Natural Resources Committee.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives,
         Committee on Transportation and Infrastruture,
     Hon. Raul M. Grijalva,
     Chair, Committee on Natural Resources, House of 
         Representatives,
                               Washington, DC, September 29, 2020.
       Dear Chair Grijalva: Thank you for your letter regarding S. 
     1982, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. I appreciate your decision 
     to waive formal consideration of the bill.
       I agree that the Committee on Natural Resources has valid 
     jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important 
     legislation, and I further agree that by forgoing formal 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Natural Resources 
     is not waiving any jurisdiction over any relevant subject 
     matter. Additionally, I will support the appointment of 
     conferees from the Committee on Natural Resources should a 
     House-Senate conference be convened on this legislation. 
     Finally, this exchange of letters will be included in the 
     Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the 
     floor.
       Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing to work 
     collaboratively with you on this important issue.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                     Committee on Agriculture,

                               Washington, DC, September 28, 2020.
     Hon. Peter DeFazio,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual 
     understanding regarding S. 1982, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. 
     Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture 
     on the matters within our jurisdiction.
       The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further 
     consideration of this bill so that it may proceed 
     expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. However, 
     by foregoing consideration at this time, we do not waive any 
     jurisdiction over any subject matter contained in this or 
     similar legislation. We request that our Committee be 
     consulted and involved as this bill moves forward so that we 
     may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. The 
     Committee on Agriculture also reserves the right to seek 
     appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any 
     House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation 
     and ask that you support any such request.
       We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding with respect to S. 1982, and request that 
     a copy of our letters on this matter be published in the 
     Congressional Record during Floor consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                               Collin C. Peterson,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           Infrastructure,
                               Washington, DC, September 29, 2020.
     Hon. Collin Peterson,
     Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Peterson: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     S. 1982, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. I appreciate your 
     decision to waive formal consideration of the bill.
       I agree that the Committee on Agriculture has valid 
     jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important 
     legislation, and I further agree that by forgoing formal 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Agriculture is 
     not waiving any jurisdiction over any relevant subject 
     matter. Additionally, I will support the appointment of 
     conferees from the Committee on Agriculture should a House-
     Senate conference be convened on this legislation. Finally, 
     this exchange of letters will be included in the 
     Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the 
     floor.
       Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing to work 
     collaboratively with you on this important issue.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                  Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,

                               Washington, DC, September 28, 2020.
     Chairman Peter A. DeFazio,
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman DeFazio: I am writing to you concerning S. 
     1982, the ``Save Our Seas 2.0 Act,'' which was passed by the 
     Senate and received in the House on January 13, 2020.
       In the interest of expedience in the consideration of S. 
     1982, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will 
     waive formal consideration of the bill. This is, however, not 
     a waiver of future jurisdictional claims by the Science 
     Committee over the subject matter contained in S. 1982 or 
     similar legislation.
       Thank you for agreeing to include our exchange of letters 
     in the Congressional Record during consideration of the bill 
     in the House. Additionally, I ask that you support the 
     appointment of Science Committee conferees during any House-
     Senate conference convened on this legislation.
           Sincerely,

                                        Eddie Bernice Johnson,

                                 Chairwoman, Committee on Science,
     Space, and Technology.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           Infrastructure,
                               Washington, DC, September 29, 2020.
     Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Johnson: Thank you for your letter 
     regarding S. 1982, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. I appreciate 
     your decision to waive formal consideration of the bill.
       I agree that the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology has valid jurisdictional claims to certain 
     provisions in this important legislation, and I further agree 
     that by forgoing formal consideration of the bill, the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is not waiving 
     any jurisdiction over any relevant subject matter. 
     Additionally, I will support the appointment of conferees 
     from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology should a 
     House-Senate conference be convened on this legislation. 
     Finally, this exchange of letters will be included in the 
     Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the 
     floor.
       Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing to work 
     collaboratively with you on this important issue.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                               Washington, DC, September 29, 2020.
     Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman DeFazio: I am writing to you concerning S. 
     1982, Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. I recognize that the bill 
     contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs.
       In an effort to work cooperatively and to expedite the 
     consideration of the bill, the

[[Page H5201]]

     Committee on Foreign Affairs will waive referral of S. 1982. 
     This, however, is not a waiver of future jurisdictional 
     claims by the Committee on Foreign Affairs over this 
     legislation or its subject matter.
       Thank you for agreeing to include our exchange of letters 
     in the Congressional Record. Additionally, I ask that you 
     support the appointment of Committee on Foreign Affairs 
     conferees during any House-Senate conference convened on this 
     legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                               Washington, DC, September 29, 2020.
     Hon. Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: Thank you for your letter regarding S. 
     1982, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. I appreciate your decision 
     to waive formal consideration of the bill.
       I agree that the Committee on Foreign Affairs has valid 
     jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important 
     legislation, and I further agree that by forgoing formal 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
     is not waiving any jurisdiction over any relevant subject 
     matter. Additionally, I will support the appointment of 
     conferees from the Committee on Foreign Affairs should a 
     House-Senate conference be convened on this legislation. 
     Finally, this exchange of letters will be included in the 
     Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the 
     floor.
       Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing to work 
     collaboratively with you on this important issue.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
                                                            Chair.

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased today that S. 1982, the Save Our Seas 
2.0, or SOS 2.0, Act is scheduled for consideration today.
  Last Congress, we passed the Save Our Seas Act building upon the work 
of the Marine Debris Act, which combats ocean-based solid waste 
pollution.
  Save Our Seas 2.0 develops these existing programs by establishing a 
Marine Debris Foundation to enhance Federal and private efforts to 
combat marine debris and authorizing a genius award to promote improved 
ocean cleanup technology.
  The bill also authorizes studies, grant programs, and international 
negotiations to better understand the causes of ocean pollution and 
improve how we prevent and eliminate this pollution.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative   Don Young for his work and 
leadership on the House companion to this bill. His district was hit 
particularly hard by marine debris arriving from Japan after the 2011 
tsunami.
  That tsunami drove one ghost fishing boat all the way from the coast 
of Japan to the Gulf of Alaska before being sunk by the U.S. Coast 
Guard; just one example of how far debris can travel.
  Mr. Speaker, I also thank Chairman DeFazio for working with us on 
minor changes to this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).
  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I also 
thank Chairman DeFazio for his ongoing efforts to help us bring this 
important bill to the floor today.
  As the co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus, I rise in strong support 
of Save Our Seas 2.0, a bill to clean up marine debris.
  Every minute, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of plastic is 
dumped into our ocean. According to the United Nations, that is more 
than 8 million tons a year. Plastic bottles, straws, grocery bags, 
cigarette butts, fishing gear, and abandoned vessels litter the ocean.
  After the tsunami hit the coast of Japan in 2011, large materials, 
like docks and boats that carried invasive species, ended up on the 
shores of northwest Oregon.
  Tiny pieces of plastic also make their way into marine life, blocking 
digestive tracts, altering growth, and in some cases killing marine 
mammals and fisheries.
  We still don't know how long it takes for plastic to completely 
biodegrade. Estimates range from 450 years to never. A recent study 
from the Pew Charitable Trusts found that without action, by 2040, the 
annual flow of plastic into the ocean could nearly triple to 29 million 
metric tons.
  Let me be clear: We need to fundamentally change our reliance on 
plastics. Plastics pollute our ocean and exacerbate the climate crisis. 
The fossil fuel and plastics industries are deeply connected, and 
plastics contribute a significant share of industrial emissions in the 
United States.
  A problem this pervasive, a global problem of this magnitude, cannot 
be solved with a single bill. We cannot limit our action to removing 
existing plastic from the ocean, and we can also not recycle our way 
out of plastic waste that ends up on our shores.
  We need comprehensive action, but today we have the opportunity to 
build on our foundation, a bipartisan, bicameral effort to strengthen 
the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
  Save Our Seas 2.0 will improve the domestic response to marine debris 
by creating a Marine Debris Foundation to support NOAA's work, advance 
the removal and prevention of plastic waste, and establish a pilot 
program to provide incentives for the proper disposal of marine debris 
collected at sea.
  The bill will incentivize international engagement to address marine 
debris by raising awareness about the sources of plastic waste and the 
effects of mismanaged waste and assess the potential for a new 
international agreement to address marine debris.
  Save Our Seas 2.0 will strengthen domestic infrastructure to prevent 
the creation of new marine debris by establishing grant programs to 
assist States and localities in improving local waste management 
systems and review opportunities to minimize the production of new 
plastic waste.
  The ocean is resilient, and we can help it heal, but we cannot afford 
to wait. We have significant work ahead to prevent marine debris and 
Save Our Seas 2.0 continues to build on our bipartisan foundation to 
protect the ocean.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to close by thanking my colleague and co-chair of 
the House Oceans Caucus, Representative   Don Young from Alaska, for 
his partnership on this bill, and to our Senate colleagues, Senator Dan 
Sullivan and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill to 
strengthen the Federal response to marine debris.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the dean of the 
House.
  Mr. YOUNG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, Congressman Graves, 
for yielding to me.
  Again, I support this bill, S. 1982, Save Our Seas 2.0. This is a 
great bipartisan bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague, the caucus co-chair, 
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, for this bill. This is our bill. It is 
a Senate bill we are taking up, but we have been working on this bill.
  Again, it is an issue. I agree with everything that has been said 
about the pollution in our oceans.
  This is probably bigger than the oil spill of the Exxon Valdez, the 
plastics that are in our seas, and we have got to take up and address 
this issue.
  This is just the beginning. We need to do more, but we have to take 
the short step first, and then we will continue to do it.
  You know, in Alaska, the ocean is our highway. We need to clean it; 
we want to work on it. We have to address that issue at sea, too.
  You know, plastic is one of those things that really does not 
deteriorate very rapidly, but when it does, fish will eat it, and we 
get condemned and contaminated fish. We do not need that in Alaska.
  It will clean up our oceans, as I mentioned before, and asks for 
cooperation from other countries.
  America is not the worst polluter. There are other countries that 
pollute just as equally or more, and it all collects in the middle of 
the Pacific Ocean. We have an area out there as big as the State of 
Texas full of pollution. We have to start cleaning it up and stop it if 
we can.
  Mr. Speaker, again, as has been mentioned, I thank Chairman Peter 
DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for their work, Chairman Engel for 
his work, and the staffs, especially John

[[Page H5202]]

Rayfield and Dave Jansen from the Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee. I thank my personal staff, Kevin Swanson and Kayla Rillo. 
They worked very hard on this legislation, a lot of work.
  The bill is truly a bipartisan bill. What a way to finish up this 
session, with a bipartisan bill, working together to solve a universal 
problem: debris in our oceans. It shows that we can work together, and 
I encourage continuation of this type of effort to make sure our oceans 
are clean forever.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 1982. And remember, 
Dan Sullivan introduced it on the Senate side, that is why we are 
taking up the Senate bill, but it is really a House bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my ranking member and my chairman, though he is 
not here.
  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Hawaii (Mr. Case).
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, the air, land, and oceans of our Earth are in 
mortal danger and must be saved. But it is our oceans that are the most 
vast and unknown of these and with the most complex and extensive risk 
from climate change, to pollution, extraction, and marine debris.
  Debris is especially acute in my own Pacific and its epicenter, the 
1,500-mile-long Hawaiian Islands chain, which acts as a giant comb for 
all manner of marine trash. Fifty-two metric tons of debris clutter our 
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument annually, with tons more on 
the shores of the main Hawaiian Islands.
  The results are human health and safety problems, habitat 
destruction, wildlife entanglements, vessel damages, navigational 
hazards, invasive species transport, and beach and coastline 
destruction.
  The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act ups our national ante on this critical 
issue by bolstering and funding actions that can make a real 
difference.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge passage.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I don't have anyone else to 
speak, so with that, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the 
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Carbajal) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, S. 1982, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________