Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6076
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-09T15:49:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to extend the authorization of specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs focused on reducing plastic waste and marine debris, building on the existing Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. It ensures these programs can continue operating without interruption through 2030.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is named the "Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act."
- Reauthorization Amendment: It modifies Section 302(g) of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (codified in U.S. law under 33 U.S.C. 4282(g)):
- Adds the word "in" after "described" in paragraphs (1) and (2) for clarity.
- Extends the authorization period for the relevant EPA programs from 2025 to 2030 in both paragraphs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is extending the sunset date (expiration) of the EPA's marine debris and plastic waste programs from fiscal year 2025 to 2030, preventing a lapse in funding and authority.
- A minor grammatical adjustment improves readability but does not alter the substance of the programs.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA will have continued legal authority and potential funding to implement anti-plastic waste initiatives, such as research, cleanup, and infrastructure projects related to marine debris.
- On Citizens: Coastal communities and the public may benefit from sustained efforts to reduce ocean pollution, potentially improving environmental health, fisheries, and tourism in affected areas.
- On International Relations: As marine debris is a global issue, this could support U.S. participation in international ocean conservation efforts, though the bill focuses domestically.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directly benefits from reauthorization to maintain its programs.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations focused on ocean health, such as those involved in beach cleanups or anti-plastic advocacy.
- Coastal States and Local Communities: Residents and industries (e.g., fishing, shipping) in areas impacted by marine debris.
- Congressional Committees: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward reauthorization that aligns with existing environmental statutes, requiring no new appropriations (funding would still need separate approval). It avoids creating new mandates, focusing on continuity.
- Constitutional: No significant challenges; it falls under Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and environmental protection under the Commerce Clause.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Carter of Georgia) suggests broad support for ocean conservation, potentially facilitating passage without major controversy. It reinforces U.S. commitment to sustainability goals amid growing concerns over plastic pollution.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-11-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (2 pages)