To amend the Marine Debris Act to reauthorize the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Impact
The bill is expected to have a positive impact on state and environmental laws by reinforcing federal efforts to combat marine debris, which could help improve water quality and protect marine habitats. By securing long-term funding for the Marine Debris Program, the bill supports various initiatives aimed at cleanup efforts, public awareness campaigns, and research into the sources and effects of marine debris. This legislative action aligns with the broader goals of increasing environmental protection and sustainability on both state and national levels.
Summary
House Bill 6781 aims to amend the Marine Debris Act to reauthorize the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for an extended duration. Specifically, the bill proposes to extend the funding and support for efforts to mitigate and prevent marine debris, which poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and wildlife. The proposed reauthorization includes a commitment to maintain program activities through fiscal year 2028, which aims to enhance the nation's capability to address and manage the issue of marine debris effectively.
Contention
Notably, discussions surrounding HB 6781 may center around the adequacy of funding levels, the effectiveness of the proposed measures, and the balance between federal and local responsibilities in addressing marine debris. Some stakeholders may question whether the reauthorization goes far enough to address the growing concerns related to plastic pollution and habitat destruction. Others might express a need for more stringent regulations and involvement of local governments to tailor responses based on regional challenges in dealing with marine debris.
To require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Blue Carbon Program to conserve and restore blue carbon ecosystems, and for other purposes.
A bill to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.
A bill to appropriate, with an offset, $36,000,000 for the Seafood Import Monitoring Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase audits of imported shrimp and red snapper.