U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 1954. Interagency coordination

(a) Omitted

(b) Definition of marine debris

The Administrator and the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Interagency Committee established under subsection (a),^[1] shall jointly develop and promulgate through regulations a definition of the term “marine debris” for purposes of this chapter.

(1) Interagency report on marine debris impacts and strategies

(A) In general

Not later than 12 months after December 22, 2006, the Interagency Committee, through the chairperson, shall complete and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives a report that—

(i) identifies ^[2] sources of marine debris;

(ii) the ecological and economic impact of marine debris;

(iii) alternatives for reducing, mitigating, preventing, and controlling the harmful affects of marine debris;

(iv) the social and economic costs and benefits of such alternatives; and

(v) recommendations to reduce marine debris both domestically and internationally.

(B) Recommendations

The report shall provide strategies and recommendations on—

(i) establishing priority areas for action to address leading problems relating to marine debris;

(ii) developing strategies and approaches to prevent, reduce, remove, and dispose of marine debris, including through private-public partnerships;

(iii) establishing effective and coordinated education and outreach activities; and

(iv) ensuring Federal cooperation with, and assistance to, the coastal States (as that term is defined in section 1453 of title 16), Indian tribes, and local governments in the identification, determination of sources, prevention, reduction, management, mitigation, and control of marine debris and its adverse impacts.

(2) Annual progress reports

Not later than 3 years after December 22, 2006, and biennially thereafter, the Interagency Committee, through the chairperson, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives a report that evaluates United States and international progress in meeting the purpose of this chapter. The report shall include—

(A) the status of implementation of any recommendations and strategies of the Interagency Committee and analysis of their effectiveness;

(B) a summary of the marine debris inventory to be maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;

(C) a review of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program authorized by section 1952 of this title, including projects funded and accomplishments relating to reduction and prevention of marine debris;

(D) a review of Coast Guard programs and accomplishments relating to marine debris removal, including enforcement and compliance with MARPOL requirements; and

(E) estimated Federal and non-Federal funding provided for marine debris and recommendations for priority funding needs.

[1] See Codification note below.

[2] So in original. The word “identifies” probably should follow “a report that”.

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