Save Our Seas 2.0 Act
A BILL
To improve efforts to combat marine debris, and for other purposes.
2. Definitions
In this Act:
Circular economy— The term circular economy means an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that—
are restorative or regenerative by design;
enable resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest values for as long as possible; and
aim for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models).
EPA Administrator— The term EPA Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
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).
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).
Marine debris event— The term marine debris event means an event or related events that affects or may imminently affect the United States involving—
marine debris caused by a natural event, including a tsunami, flood, landslide, hurricane, or other natural source;
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
marine debris caused by an intentional or grossly negligent act or acts that causes substantial economic or environmental harm.
Non-Federal funds— The term non-Federal funds means funds provided by—
a State;
an Indian Tribe;
a territory of the United States;
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));
a private for-profit entity;
a nonprofit organization; or
a private individual.
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.
State— The term State means—
a State;
an Indian Tribe;
the District of Columbia; and
a territory or possession of the United States.
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.
Waste management— The term waste management means the systems, operation, supervision, and aftercare of processes and equipment used for waste—
collection;
transport;
recovery;
reuse;
recycling; and
safe disposal of waste when recovery, reuse, or recycling are not otherwise available.
3. Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that—
eliminating plastic waste from the oceans requires a multi-faceted approach, including waste reduction and prevention, reuse and recycling, and innovation;
both domestic and international efforts are required to make progress in combating marine debris;
efforts by States, communities, and corporations to minimize the use of single-use plastic products have been successful in raising awareness of the marine debris issue; and
while we make progress toward a more sustainable future, we must recognize that there is significant amount of plastic waste that has already been created that must be prevented from entering the oceans through recycling, reuse, repurposing, and other innovative means.