S.216 - Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act (S.216) aims to improve the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation and the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It modifies the Marine Debris Act and the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of marine debris removal and prevention efforts. The bill also addresses the inclusion of Indian Tribes and Tribal governments in these initiatives.
Key changes include transferring subtitles between acts, redesignating sections, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities within the Marine Debris Foundation and NOAA's Marine Debris Program. Additionally, the act modifies the appointment process for the Board of Directors and defines new terms related to marine debris management and tribal engagement.
Overall, the amendments seek to streamline operations, improve coordination, and expand the scope of marine debris reduction efforts, with a particular focus on incorporating tribal communities and promoting best practices.
Expected Effects
The act will likely result in more efficient administration of marine debris programs. This includes improved grant distribution and project management. It will also lead to better engagement with Indian Tribes and Tribal governments in marine debris initiatives.
Furthermore, the amendments could lead to increased funding and resources directed towards marine debris removal and prevention. This is due to the reauthorization and modifications to the authorization of appropriations. The changes in definitions and organizational structure will clarify roles and responsibilities, potentially reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced coordination between NOAA, the Marine Debris Foundation, and other stakeholders.
- Increased inclusion and engagement of Indian Tribes and Tribal governments in marine debris initiatives.
- Improved efficiency in the administration of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements related to marine debris removal.
- Clarified roles and responsibilities within the Marine Debris Foundation, potentially leading to better governance.
- Reauthorization of funding for marine debris programs, ensuring continued support for these efforts.
Potential Disadvantages
- The act may create additional administrative layers or complexities due to the transfer and redesignation of sections.
- There might be potential for bureaucratic delays or inefficiencies during the transition period as the changes are implemented.
- The increased involvement of the Secretary of Commerce in board appointments could introduce political considerations.
- The act's effectiveness will depend on the actual implementation and enforcement by NOAA and the Marine Debris Foundation.
- There is a risk that the focus on administrative changes may overshadow the actual on-the-ground efforts to remove marine debris.
Constitutional Alignment
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes. Marine debris and its management can be seen as affecting interstate and international commerce, as well as impacting tribal resources and interests.
Furthermore, the Act's provisions for environmental protection and resource management could be linked to the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1), which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. Addressing marine debris contributes to the overall well-being of the nation's environment and economy.
Finally, the inclusion of Indian Tribes and Tribal governments in the Act's provisions respects the federal government's trust responsibility and treaty obligations, which are derived from the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2) and the Indian Commerce Clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).