Sand Acquisition, Nourishment, and Development Act of 2023 or the SAND Act of 2023 This bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to acquire fill material for beach erosion and nourishment purposes from non-domestic sources even if such materials are available from domestic sources.
Impact
This bill represents a significant shift in how beach nourishment projects are managed under federal law. By permitting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look beyond domestic suppliers, the bill seeks to ensure faster and more cost-effective solutions for protecting coastlines against erosion, which can be exacerbated by climate change. Such changes could mean that coastal communities facing immediate threats from erosion may receive necessary materials without the delays associated with sourcing from local providers. However, it raises questions about the implications for domestic contractors and suppliers who may miss out on federal contracts.
Summary
SB47, also known as the Sand Acquisition, Nourishment, and Development Act of 2023, aims to amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 by altering the provisions regarding the acquisition of beach fill materials for erosion control. The bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to source fill material from non-domestic entities, even when comparable materials are available from domestic sources. This flexibility is intended to streamline processes and respond to urgent needs in coastal area management and beach nourishment projects.
Contention
There may be contention surrounding the bill relating to the balance between expedience in acquiring fill materials and the economic impacts on domestic suppliers. Critics may argue that allowing for non-domestic sourcing could undermine local businesses and lead to job losses in the areas that rely on these contracts. Proponents, however, will likely highlight the necessity of protecting coastal areas from erosion and the potential for this legislation to provide essential funding and support to coastal restoration efforts efficiently.
Domestic Security Using Production Partnerships and Lessons from Yesterday Act of 2023 or the Domestic SUPPLY Act of 2023 This bill establishes a program and sets out other requirements to promote domestic manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for infectious diseases and other public health emergencies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program to enter into purchasing agreements for PPE produced domestically by manufacturers that are majority-owned and -operated by U.S. citizens. HHS must coordinate with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security on this program. In addition, the federal government must only procure, subject to limited exceptions, PPE that is produced domestically to prevent the transmission of an infectious disease. If using federal funds, states or localities must also procure PPE domestically. Further, the bill requires HHS to consult with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on a report about changes to federal requirements for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of those changes on health care workers who cared for patients in 2020 and 2021.
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2023 This bill revises requirements concerning the sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities. Specifically, the bill revises the list of permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained (1) from a licensed dealer, (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements, (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year, or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture. The requirements pertaining to sources apply to dogs and cats obtained through sales, donations, or offers. Monetary penalties are established for violations.