[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 160 Reported in House (RH)]
<DOC>
Union Calendar No. 450
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 160
[Report No. 117-626]
To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish
the United States Coral Reef Task Force, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 4, 2021
Mr. Soto (for himself, Mr. Case, Mrs. Radewagen, Mr. Mast, and Miss
Gonzalez-Colon) introduced the following bill; which was referred to
the Committee on Natural Resources
December 14, 2022
Additional sponsors: Ms. Plaskett, Ms. Salazar, Mr. Crist, Mr. San
Nicolas, Mr. Hastings, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mrs. Murphy of Florida,
Mr. Waltz, Mr. Lawson of Florida, Mrs. Demings, Mr. Gaetz, Mr. Posey,
Mr. Webster of Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. C. Scott Franklin of
Florida, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Steube, Mr. Deutch, Ms. Wasserman Schultz,
Ms. Wilson of Florida, Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida, Mr. Dunn, Mr.
Rutherford, Mr. Gimenez, Mrs. Cammack, Mr. Donalds, Mr. Cleaver, Mr.
Kahele, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Diaz-Balart
December 14, 2022
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on January
4, 2021]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish
the United States Coral Reef Task Force, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Restoring
Resilient Reefs Act of 2021''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000
Sec. 101. Reauthorization of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.
Sec. 102. Modification to section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403).
TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE
Sec. 201. Establishment.
Sec. 202. Duties.
Sec. 203. Membership.
Sec. 204. Responsibilities of Federal agency members.
Sec. 205. Working groups.
Sec. 206. Definitions.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES
Sec. 301. Coral reef conservation and restoration assistance.
TITLE IV--SUSAN L. WILLIAMS NATIONAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Definitions.
Sec. 403. Establishment of fellowship program.
Sec. 404. Fellowship awards.
Sec. 405. Matching requirement.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000
SEC. 101. REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000.
(a) Purposes; Federal Coral Reef Management and Restoration
Activities.--The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et
seq.) is amended by striking sections 202 and 203 and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 202. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this title are--
``(1) to conserve and restore the condition of United
States coral reef ecosystems challenged by natural and human-
accelerated changes, including increasing ocean temperatures,
ocean acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, water
quality degradation, invasive species, and illegal, unreported,
and unregulated fishing;
``(2) to promote the science-based management and
sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local
communities and the Nation, including through improved
integration and cooperation among Federal, State, and locally
managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities;
``(3) to develop sound scientific information on the
condition of coral reef ecosystems, continuing and emerging
threats to such ecosystems, and the efficacy of innovative
tools, technologies, and strategies to mitigate stressors and
restore such ecosystems, including evaluation criteria to
determine the effectiveness of management interventions, and
accurate mapping for coral reef restoration;
``(4) to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by
supporting science-based, consensus-driven State, Tribal,
Pacific Islander, and community-based coral reef management,
including monitoring, conservation, and restoration projects
that empower local communities, small businesses, and
nongovernmental organizations;
``(5) to provide financial resources, technical assistance,
and scientific expertise to supplement and strengthen State,
Tribal, Indigenous, and community-based management programs and
conservation and restoration projects;
``(6) to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and
allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be
used for coral reef conservation and restoration projects;
``(7) to support the rapid and effective, science-based
assessment and response to emergencies that imminently threaten
coral reefs, such as coral disease outbreaks, invasive species,
hurricanes, marine heat waves, coral bleaching, and other
natural disasters, vessel groundings or chemical spills, and
other exigent circumstances; and
``(8) to serve as a model for advancing similar
international efforts to monitor, conserve, and restore coral
reef ecosystems in the jurisdictions of United States allies
and trading partners.
``SEC. 203. FEDERAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator or the Secretary of the
Interior may conduct activities described in subsection (b) to conserve
and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems that are consistent
with--
``(1) all applicable laws governing resource management in
Federal and State waters, including this Act;
``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A;
``(3) coral reef action plans in effect under section 205,
as applicable; and
``(4) coral reef emergency plans in effect under section
209, as applicable.
``(b) Activities Described.--Activities described in this
subsection are activities to conserve, research, monitor, assess, and
restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in waters managed under
the jurisdiction of a Federal agency specified in subsection (c) or in
coordination with a State in waters managed under the jurisdiction of
such State, including--
``(1) developing, including through the collection of
requisite data, high-quality and digitized maps reflecting--
``(A) current and historical live coral cover data;
``(B) coral reef habitat quality data;
``(C) priority areas for coral reef conservation to
maintain biodiversity and ecosystem structure and
function, including the reef matrix itself, that
benefit coastal communities and living marine
resources;
``(D) priority areas for coral reef restoration to
enhance biodiversity and ecosystem structure and
function, including the reef matrix itself, to benefit
coastal communities and living marine resources; and
``(E) areas of concern that may require enhanced
monitoring of coral health and cover;
``(2) enhancing compliance with Federal laws that prohibit
or regulate--
``(A) the taking of coral products or species
associated with coral reefs; or
``(B) the use and management of coral reef
ecosystems;
``(3) long-term ecological monitoring of coral reef
ecosystems;
``(4) implementing species-specific recovery plans for
listed coral species consistent with the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
``(5) restoring degraded coral reef ecosystems;
``(6) promoting ecologically sound navigation and
anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote enhanced
recreational access, near coral reefs;
``(7) monitoring and responding to severe bleaching or
mortality events, disease outbreaks, invasive species
outbreaks, and significant maritime accidents, including
chemical spill cleanup and the removal of grounded vessels;
``(8) conducting scientific research that contributes to
the understanding, sustainable use, and long-term conservation
of coral reefs;
``(9) enhancing public awareness, understanding, and
appreciation of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems;
``(10) preventing or minimizing the likelihood of vessel
impacts or other physical damage to coral reefs through
navigational aids and expansion of reef-safe anchorages; and
``(11) centrally archiving, managing, and distributing data
sets and coral reef ecosystem assessments and publishing such
information on publicly available internet websites of--
``(A) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(B) the Task Force.
``(c) Federal Agencies Specified.--A Federal agency specified in
this subsection is one of the following:
``(1) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(2) The National Park Service.
``(3) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
``(4) The Office of Insular Affairs.''.
(b) Additional Provisions.--The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000
(16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is amended by striking sections 205 through
210 and inserting the following:
``SEC. 204A. NATIONAL CORAL REEF RESILIENCE STRATEGY.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall--
``(1) develop a national coral reef resilience strategy;
and
``(2) periodically, but not less frequently than every 15
years, review and revise the strategy.
``(b) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
``(1) A discussion addressing--
``(A) continuing and emerging threats to the
resilience of United States coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) remaining gaps in coral reef ecosystem
research, monitoring, and assessment;
``(C) the status of management cooperation and
integration among Federal, State, Tribal, and locally
managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities;
``(D) the status of efforts to manage and
disseminate critical information, and enhance
interjurisdictional data sharing, related to research,
reports, datasets, and maps;
``(E) areas of special focus, which may include--
``(i) improving natural coral recruitment;
``(ii) preventing avoidable losses of
corals and their habitat;
``(iii) enhancing the resilience of coral
populations;
``(iv) supporting a resilience-based
management approach;
``(v) developing, coordinating, and
implementing watershed management plans;
``(vi) building and sustaining watershed
management capacity at the local level;
``(vii) providing data essential for coral
reef fisheries management;
``(viii) building capacity for coral reef
fisheries management;
``(ix) increasing understanding of coral
reef ecosystem services;
``(x) educating the public on the
importance of coral reefs, threats and
solutions; and
``(xi) evaluating intervention efficacy;
``(F) the status of conservation efforts, including
the use of marine protected areas to serve as
replenishment zones developed consistent with local
practices and traditions and in cooperation with, and
with respect for the scientific, technical, and
management expertise and responsibilities of, State
fish and wildlife management agencies; and
``(G) science-based adaptive management and
restoration efforts.
``(2) A statement of national goals and objectives designed
to guide--
``(A) future Federal coral reef management and
restoration activities authorized under section 203;
``(B) conservation and restoration priorities for
grants awarded under section 213; and
``(C) research priorities for the cooperative
institutes established under section 215(c).
``(3) General templates for use by covered reef managers to
guide the development of--
``(A) coral reef action plans under section 205;
and
``(B) coral reef emergency plans under section 209.
``(c) Consultations.--In developing all elements of the strategy
required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
``(1) consult with the Secretary of the Interior, the Task
Force, covered States, and Tribal organizations;
``(2) engage stakeholders, including coral reef stewardship
partnerships, coral reef institutes and research centers
described in section 215(c), and coral reef conservation grant
awardees; and
``(3) solicit public review and comment regarding scoping
and the draft strategy.
``(d) Submission to Congress; Publication.--The Administrator
shall--
``(1) submit the strategy required by subsection (a) and
any revisions to the strategy to the appropriate congressional
committees; and
``(2) publish the strategy and any such revisions on
publicly available internet websites of--
``(A) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(B) the Task Force.
``(e) Transition Rule.--On and after the date of the enactment of
the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021, the 2018 Coral Reef
Conservation Program Strategic Plan of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration shall be considered to be the national coral
reef resilience strategy in effect under this section until the earlier
of--
``(1) September 30, 2033; or
``(2) the date on which the Administrator develops a
national coral reef resilience strategy under this section.
``SEC. 205. CORAL REEF ACTION PLANS.
``(a) Coral Reef Action Plans.--Except as provided in subsection
(h), not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of the
Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021, and not later than 2 years after
the publication of a revised national coral reef resilience strategy
under section 204A, each covered reef manager shall prepare and submit
to the Task Force a coral reef action plan to guide management and
restoration activities to be undertaken within the responsibilities and
jurisdiction of the manager.
``(b) Requirements.--A covered reef manager preparing a coral reef
action plan under subsection (a) shall--
``(1) ensure that the plan is consistent with all elements
of the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect; and
``(2) revise the plan not less frequently than once every 5
years.
``(c) Plan Elements.--A coral reef action plan under subsection (a)
shall include a discussion of the following elements:
``(1) Short- and mid-term coral reef conservation and
restoration objectives within the applicable jurisdiction.
``(2) An updated adaptive management framework to inform
research, monitoring, and assessment needs.
``(3) The status of any coral reef emergency plans in
effect under section 209 covering coral reef ecosystems within
the applicable jurisdiction.
``(4) Tools, strategies, and partnerships necessary to
identify, monitor, and redress the impacts of pollution,
diminished water quality, temperature fluctuations,
acidification, overfishing, disease, and other disturbances to
coral reef ecosystems within the applicable jurisdiction.
``(5) The status of efforts to improve coral reef ecosystem
management cooperation and integration among neighboring
Federal, State, Tribal, or locally managed jurisdictions,
including the identification of existing research and
monitoring activities that can be leveraged for coral reef
status and trends assessments within the applicable
jurisdiction.
``(6) An accounting of annual expenditures on coral reef
management and restoration activities within the applicable
jurisdiction while the preceding action plan, if any, was in
effect.
``(7) Estimated budgetary and resource considerations
necessary to carry out the proposed action plan.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator and the Task Force
shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance upon
request by a covered reef manager developing a coral reef action plan
under subsection (a).
``(e) Adoption of Coral Reef Action Plans.--A covered reef manager
may adopt a coral reef action plan developed by another covered reef
manager, in full or in part, as relevant to the adopting manager's
applicable jurisdiction.
``(f) Public Review.--The development of a coral reef action plan
by a covered reef manager under subsection (a), and the adoption of a
plan under subsection (e), shall be subject to public review and
comment.
``(g) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish each coral reef
action plan prepared and submitted to the Task Force under this section
on publicly available internet websites of--
``(1) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(2) the Task Force.
``(h) Applicability to Covered States and Coral Reef Stewardship
Partnerships.--A covered State or non-Federal coral reef stewardship
partnership is not required to develop a coral reef action plan under
subsection (a), but may do so in its own discretion. In developing a
coral reef action plan, a covered State or non-Federal coral reef
stewardship partnership is encouraged, but not mandated, to comply with
the requirements of this section.
``(i) Plan in Effect.--A coral reef action plan shall be deemed to
be in effect if the plan was submitted to the Task Force under this
section during the preceding 6 years.
``SEC. 206. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP PARTNERSHIPS.
``(a) Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships.--The Administrator shall
establish standards for the identification of coral reefs and the
formation of partnerships among government and community members for
the stewardship of coral reefs (in this title referred to as `coral
reef stewardship partnerships') in accordance with this section,
including guidance for preparation and submission of coral reef action
plans under section 205 for review and approval by the Administrator.
``(b) Identification of Coral Reefs.--Each coral reef stewardship
partnership shall identify with particularity the coral reef or
ecologically significant component of a coral reef that will be the
subject of its stewardship activities.
``(c) Membership for Federal Coral Reefs.--A coral reef stewardship
partnership that has identified, as the subject of its stewardship
activities, a coral reef or ecologically significant component of a
coral reef that is fully or partially under the management jurisdiction
of any Federal agency specified in section 203(c) shall, at a minimum,
include the following:
``(1) That Federal agency, a representative of which shall
serve as chair of the coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(2) A State, county, or Tribal organization's resource
management agency.
``(3) A coral reef research center described in section
215(c)(4) or another institution of higher education.
``(4) A nongovernmental organization.
``(5) Such other members as the partnership considers
appropriate, such as interested stakeholder groups.
``(d) Membership for Non-Federal Coral Reefs.--
``(1) In general.--A coral reef stewardship partnership
that has identified, as the subject of its stewardship
activities, a coral reef or ecologically significant component
of a coral reef that is not under the management jurisdiction
of any Federal agency specified in section 203(c) shall, at a
minimum, include the following:
``(A) A State, county, or Tribal organization's
resource management agency, a representative of which
shall serve as the chair of the coral reef stewardship
partnership.
``(B) A coral reef research center described in
section 215(c)(4) or another institution of higher
education.
``(C) A nongovernmental organization.
``(D) Such other members as the partnership
considers appropriate, such as interested stakeholder
groups.
``(2) Additional members.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), a
coral reef stewardship partnership described in
paragraph (1) may also include representatives of one
or more Federal agencies that have management
responsibility in the coral reef that is the subject of
the partnership's stewardship activities.
``(B) Requests; approval.--A representative of a
Federal agency described in subparagraph (A) may become
a member of a coral reef stewardship partnership
described in paragraph (1) if--
``(i) the representative submits a request
to become a member to the chair of the
partnership referred to in paragraph (1)(A);
and
``(ii) the chair consents to the request.
``(e) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to coral
reef stewardship partnerships.
``SEC. 207. BLOCK GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide block grants of
financial assistance to covered States to support management and
restoration activities and further the implementation of coral reef
action plans in effect under section 205 by covered States and non-
Federal coral reef stewardship partnerships.
``(b) Eligibility for Additional Amounts.--
``(1) In general.--A covered State shall qualify for and
receive additional grant amounts beyond the base award
specified in subsection (c)(1) if there is at least one coral
reef action plan in effect within the jurisdiction of the
covered State developed by that covered State or a non-Federal
coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(2) Waiver.--In any fiscal year before fiscal year 2025,
the Administrator shall waive the requirement to qualify for
and receive additional grant amounts described in paragraph
(1).
``(c) Funding Formula.--The amount of each block grant awarded to a
covered State under this section shall be the sum of--
``(1) a base award of $100,000; and
``(2) if the State is eligible under subsection (b)--
``(A) an amount that is equal to non-Federal
expenditures of up to $3,000,000 on coral reef
management and restoration activities within the
jurisdiction of the State during the previous fiscal
year, and
``(B) an additional amount, from any funds
appropriated for activities under this section that
remain after distribution under subparagraph (A),
paragraph (1), and subsection (g)based on the
proportion of the State's share of total non-Federal
expenditures on coral reef management and restoration
activities, as reported within the previous fiscal
year, in excess of $3,000,000, relative to other
covered States.
``(d) Exclusions.--For the purposes of calculating block grant
amounts under subsection (c), Federal funds provided to a covered State
or non-Federal coral reef stewardship partnership shall not be
considered as qualifying non-Federal expenditures, but non-Federal
matching funds used to leverage Federal awards may be considered as
qualifying non-Federal expenditures.
``(e) Responsibilities of the Administrator.--The Administrator is
responsible for--
``(1) providing guidance on qualifying non-Federal
expenditures and the proper documentation of such expenditures;
``(2) issuing annual solicitations to covered States for
additional awards under this section; and
``(3) determining the appropriate allocation of additional
amounts among covered States in accordance with this section.
``(f) Responsibilities of Covered States.--Each covered State is
responsible for documenting non-Federal expenditures within the
jurisdiction of the State and formally reporting those expenditures for
review in response to annual solicitations by the Administrator under
subsection (e).
``(g) Cooperative Agreements.--The Administrator may enter into
cooperative agreements with States to fund coral reef conservation and
restoration activities in waters managed under the jurisdiction of such
States that are consistent with the national coral reef resilience
strategy in effect under section 204A.
``(h) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for activities
under this section that are not expended shall be transferred to the
Coral Reef Stewardship Fund under section 208(b).
``SEC. 208. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP FUND.
``(a) Authority To Enter Into Agreements.--The Administrator may
enter into an agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(in this section referred to as the `Foundation'), authorizing the
Foundation to receive, hold, and administer funds received under this
section.
``(b) Fund.--The Foundation shall invest, reinvest, and otherwise
administer the funds received under this section and maintain such
funds and any interest or revenues earned in a separate interest-
bearing account, to be known as the `Coral Reef Stewardship Fund' (in
this section referred to as the `Fund', and known before the date of
the enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021 as the Coral
Reef Conservation Fund administered through a public-private
partnership with the Foundation), established by the Foundation solely
to support coral reef stewardship partnership activities that--
``(1) further the purposes of this title; and
``(2) are consistent with--
``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy
in effect under section 204A; and
``(B) coral reef action plans in effect, if any,
under section 205 covering a coral reef or ecologically
significant component of a coral reef to be impacted by
such activities, if applicable.
``(c) Authorization To Solicit Donations.--
``(1) In general.--Pursuant to an agreement entered into
under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept, receive,
solicit, hold, administer, and use any gift (including,
notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code,
donations of services) to further the purposes of this title.
``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of
title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift
shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.
``(3) Notification required.--Not later than 30 days after
funds are deposited in the Fund under paragraph (2), the
Foundation shall notify the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives of the source and amount of such funds.
``(d) Review of Performance.--The Administrator shall conduct a
continuing review of all deposits into, and disbursements from, the
Fund. Each review shall include a written assessment concerning the
extent to which the Foundation has implemented the goals and
requirements of--
``(1) this section; and
``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A.
``(e) Administration.--Under an agreement entered into pursuant to
subsection (a), the Administrator may transfer funds appropriated to
carry out this title to the Foundation. Amounts received by the
Foundation under this subsection may be used for matching, in whole or
in part, contributions (whether in money, services, or property) made
to the Foundation by private persons, State or local government
agencies, or Tribal organizations.
``SEC. 209. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY PLANS.
``(a) In General.--A covered reef manager may develop and
periodically update a plan (in this title referred to as a `coral reef
emergency plan') consistent with the template described in section
204A(b)(3) to guide the rapid and effective response to circumstances
that pose an urgent and immediate threat to the coral reef ecosystems
within the manager's responsibilities and jurisdictions, and consistent
with any applicable coral reef action plan.
``(b) Coral Reef Emergencies.--The Administrator shall develop a
list of, and criteria for, circumstances that pose an urgent and
immediate threat to coral reefs (in this title referred to as `coral
reef emergencies'), including--
``(1) new and ongoing outbreaks of disease;
``(2) new and ongoing outbreaks of invasive or nuisance
species;
``(3) new and ongoing coral bleaching events;
``(4) natural disasters;
``(5) man-made disasters, including vessel groundings,
hazardous spills, or coastal construction accidents; and
``(6) other exigent circumstances.
``(c) Best Response Practices.--The Administrator shall develop
guidance on best practices to respond to coral reef emergencies that
can be adopted within coral reef emergency plans. Such best practices
shall be--
``(1) based on the best available science and integrated
with evolving innovative technologies; and
``(2) revised not less frequently than once every 5 years.
``(d) Plan Elements.--A coral reef emergency plan shall include the
following elements:
``(1) A description of particular threats, and the proposed
responses, consistent with the best practices developed under
subsection (d).
``(2) A delineation of roles and responsibilities for
executing the plan.
``(3) Evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder
groups, as applicable, in the development of the plan.
``(4) Any other information the Administrator considers to
be necessary for the plan.
``(e) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator and the Task Force
shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance upon
request by a covered reef manager developing a coral reef emergency
plan under subsection (a).
``(f) Adoption of Coral Reef Emergency Plans.--A covered reef
manager may adopt a coral reef emergency plan developed by another
covered reef manager, in full or in part, as relevant to the adopting
manager's applicable jurisdiction.
``(g) Public Review.--The development of a coral reef action plan
by a covered reef manager under subsection (a), and the adoption of a
plan under subsection (f), shall be subject to public review and
comment.
``(h) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish each coral reef
emergency plan prepared and submitted to the Task Force under this
section on publicly available internet websites of--
``(1) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(2) the Task Force.
``(i) Plan in Effect.--A coral reef emergency plan shall be deemed
to be in effect if the plan was submitted to the Task Force under this
section during the preceding 6 years.
``SEC. 210. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY FUND.
``(a) Establishment of Fund.--There is established in the Treasury
an interest-bearing fund to be known as the `Coral Reef Emergency
Fund', which shall consist of amounts deposited into the Fund under
subsection (c).
``(b) Uses.--Amounts in the Fund--
``(1) shall be available only for use by the Administrator
to compensate covered coral reef mangers to implement a coral
reef emergency plan in effect under sections 210 and 212; and
``(2) shall remain available until expended.
``(c) Deposits Into the Fund.--There shall be deposited into the
Fund--
``(1) amounts appropriated for the Fund; and
``(2) other amounts appropriated to the Administrator for
use with respect to coral reef emergencies.
``(d) Acceptance of Donations.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out this title,
the Administrator may accept, receive, solicit, hold,
administer, and use any gift (including, notwithstanding
section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, donations of
services).
``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of
title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift
shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.
``SEC. 211. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Coral Reef Emergency Declarations.--
``(1) Sua sponte declaration.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator may determine
and declare a coral reef emergency, including at the
recommendation of the Secretary of the Interior.
``(B) Requirements.--In declaring a coral reef
emergency under subparagraph (A), the Administrator
shall--
``(i) certify that an emergency has
occurred that is ecologically significant and
harmful to coral reefs; and
``(ii) submit to the appropriate
congressional committees findings and analysis
to justify the declaration.
``(2) Petitions.--If a covered State or non-Federal coral
reef stewardship partnership believes that a coral reef
emergency has occurred, and is impacting coral reefs or
ecologically significant components of coral reefs subject to
the responsibilities or jurisdiction of the State or
partnership, the State or partnership may petition the
Administrator for a declaration of a coral reef emergency.
``(3) Evaluation and action.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after
receiving a petition under paragraph (2) (except as
provided in subparagraph (B)), the Administrator
shall--
``(i) evaluate the petition to determine
whether a coral reef emergency has occurred;
and
``(ii) declare a coral reef emergency or
deny the petition.
``(B) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the
deadline provided for under subparagraph (A) by not
more than 15 days.
``(4) Appeal.--If the Administrator denies a petition for
an emergency declaration submitted under paragraph (2), the
State or partnership that submitted the petition may, not later
than 15 days after receiving notice of the denial, appeal the
denial to the Administrator. Not later than 15 days after
receiving an appeal under this paragraph, the Administrator
shall grant or deny the appeal.
``(5) Revocation.--The Administrator may revoke any
declaration of a coral reef emergency in whole or in part after
determining that circumstances no longer require an emergency
response.
``(6) Recovery of emergency funding.--The Administrator may
seek compensation from negligent parties to recover emergency
funds expended in excess of $500,000 under this section as a
result of an emergency declaration arising from direct impacts
to coral reefs from man-made disasters or accidents.
``(b) Financial Assistance Authority.--
``(1) In general.--Upon the declaration of a coral reef
emergency under subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide
grants to carry out proposals that meet the requirements of
paragraph (2) to implement coral reef emergency plans in effect
under section 209.
``(2) Requirements.--A proposal for a grant under this
subsection to implement a coral reef emergency plan in effect
under section 209 shall include--
``(A) the name of the entity submitting the
proposal;
``(B) a copy of the coral reef emergency plan;
``(C) a description of the qualifications of the
individuals and entities who will implement the plan;
``(D) an estimate of the funds and time required to
complete the implementation of the plan; and
``(E) any other information the Administrator
considers to be necessary for evaluating the
eligibility of the proposal for a grant under this
subsection.
``(3) Review.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a
proposal for a grant under this subsection, the Administrator
shall review the proposal and determine if the proposal meets
the requirements of paragraph (2).
``(4) Concurrent review.--An entity seeking a grant under
this subsection may submit a proposal under paragraph (2) to
the Administrator at any time following the submission of a
petition for an emergency declaration under subsection (a)(2)
that is applicable to coral reefs or ecologically significant
components of coral reefs subject to the responsibilities or
jurisdiction of the entity.
``SEC. 212. VESSEL GROUNDING INVENTORY.
``The Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other
Federal agencies, shall establish and maintain an inventory of all
vessel grounding incidents involving United States coral reefs,
including a description of--
``(1) the impacts of each such incident to coral reefs and
related natural resources;
``(2) vessel and ownership information relating to each
such incident, if available;
``(3) the estimated cost of removal of the vessel,
remediation, or restoration relating to each such incident;
``(4) the response actions taken by the owner of the
vessel, the Administrator, the Commandant of the Coast Guard,
or representatives of other Federal or State agencies;
``(5) the status of the response actions, including the
dates of--
``(A) vessel removal;
``(B) remediation or restoration activities,
including whether a coral reef emergency plan was
implemented; and
``(C) any actions taken to prevent future grounding
incidents; and
``(6) recommendations for additional navigational aids or
other mechanisms for preventing future grounding incidents.
``SEC. 213. RUTH D. GATES CORAL REEF CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--The Administrator shall establish a program (to be
known as the `Ruth D. Gates Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program') to
provide grants for projects for the conservation and restoration of
coral reef ecosystems (in this section referred to as `coral reef
projects') pursuant to proposals approved by the Administrator in
accordance with this section.
``(b) Eligibility.--
``(1) In general.--An entity described in paragraph (2) may
submit to the Administrator a proposal for a coral reef
project.
``(2) Entities described.--An entity described in this
paragraph is--
``(A) a natural resource management authority of a
State or local government or Tribal organization--
``(i) with responsibility for coral reef
management; or
``(ii) the activities of which directly or
indirectly affect coral reefs or coral reef
ecosystems;
``(B) a regional fishery management council
established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et
seq.);
``(C) a coral reef stewardship partnership seeking
to implement a coral reef action plan in effect under
section 205;
``(D) a coral reef research center designated under
section 215(c)(4); or
``(E) another nongovernmental organization or
research institution with demonstrated expertise in the
conservation or restoration of coral reefs in practice
or through significant contributions to the body of
existing scientific research on coral reefs.
``(c) Project Proposals.--Each proposal for a grant under this
section for a coral reef project shall include the following:
``(1) The name of the individual or entity responsible for
conducting the project.
``(2) A description of the qualifications of the individual
or entity.
``(3) A succinct statement of the purposes of the project.
``(4) An estimate of the funds and time required to
complete the project.
``(5) Evidence of support for the project by appropriate
representatives of States or other government jurisdictions in
which the project will be conducted.
``(6) Information regarding the source and amount of
matching funding available to the applicant.
``(7) A description of how the project meets one or more of
the criteria under subsection (e)(2).
``(8) In the case of a proposal submitted by a coral reef
stewardship partnership, a description of how the project
aligns with the applicable coral reef action plan in effect
under section 205.
``(9) Any other information the Administrator considers to
be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project for
a grant under this subsection.
``(d) Project Review and Approval.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall review each
coral reef project proposal submitted under this section to
determine if the project meets the criteria set forth in
subsection (e).
``(2) Prioritization of conservation projects.--The
Administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for
projects that meet the criteria for approval under
subparagraphs (A) through (G) of subsection (e)(2) that are
proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for
coral reef conservation by the Administrator and consistent
with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A.
``(3) Prioritization of restoration projects.--The
Administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for
projects that meet the criteria for approval under
subparagraphs (E) through (L) of subsection (e)(2) that are
proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for
coral reef restoration by the Administrator and consistent with
the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under
section 204A.
``(4) Review; approval or disapproval.--Not later than 180
days after receiving a proposal for a coral reef project under
this section, the Administrator shall--
``(A) request and consider written comments on the
proposal from each Federal agency, State government,
Tribal organization, or other government jurisdiction,
including the relevant regional fishery management
councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et
seq.), or any National Marine Sanctuary or Marine
National Monument, with jurisdiction or management
authority over coral reef ecosystems in the area where
the project is to be conducted, including the extent to
which the project is consistent with locally
established priorities, unless such entities were
directly involved in the development of the project
proposal;
``(B) provide for the merit-based peer review of
the proposal and require standardized documentation of
that peer review;
``(C) after considering any written comments and
recommendations based on the reviews under
subparagraphs (A) and (B), approve or disapprove the
proposal; and
``(D) provide written notification of that approval
or disapproval, with summaries of all written comments,
recommendations, and peer-reviews, to the entity that
submitted the proposal, and each of those States,
Tribal organizations, and other government
jurisdictions that provided comments under subparagraph
(A).
``(e) Criteria for Approval.--The Administrator may not approve a
proposal for a coral reef project under this section unless the
project--
``(1) is consistent with--
``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy
in effect under section 204A; and
``(B) any Federal or non-Federal coral reef action
plans in effect under section 205 covering a coral reef
or ecologically significant component of a coral reef
to be affected by the project; and
``(2) will enhance the conservation and restoration of
coral reefs by--
``(A) addressing conflicts arising from the use of
environments near coral reefs or from the use of
corals, species associated with coral reefs, and coral
products, including supporting consensus-driven,
community-based planning and management initiatives for
the protection of coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) improving compliance with laws that prohibit
or regulate the taking of coral products or species
associated with coral reefs or regulate the use and
management of coral reef ecosystems;
``(C) designing and implementing networks of real-
time water quality monitoring along coral reefs,
including data collection related to turbidity,
nutrient availability, harmful algal blooms, and
plankton assemblages, with an emphasis on coral reefs
impacted by agriculture and urban development;
``(D) promoting ecologically sound navigation and
anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote
enhanced recreational access, near coral reefs;
``(E) furthering the goals and objectives of coral
reef action plans in effect under section 205 and coral
reef emergency plans in effect under section 209;
``(F) mapping the location and distribution of
coral reefs and potential coral reef habitat;
``(G) stimulating innovation to advance the ability
of the United States to understand, research, or
monitor coral reef ecosystems, or to develop management
or adaptation options to preserve, sustain, and restore
coral reef ecosystems;
``(H) implementing research to ensure the
population viability of listed coral species in United
States waters as detailed in the population-based
recovery criteria included in species-specific recovery
plans consistent with the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
``(I) developing and implementing cost-effective
methods to restore degraded coral reef ecosystems or to
create geographically appropriate coral reef ecosystems
in suitable waters, including by improving habitat or
promoting success of keystone species, with an emphasis
on novel restoration strategies and techniques to
advance coral reef recovery and growth near population
centers threatened by rising sea levels and storm
surge;
``(J) translating and applying coral genetics
research to coral reef ecosystem restoration, including
research related to traits that promote resilience to
increasing ocean temperatures, ocean acidification,
coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive species;
``(K) developing and maintaining in situ native
coral propagation sites;
``(L) developing and maintaining ex situ coral
propagation nurseries and land-based coral gene banks
to--
``(i) conserve or augment genetic diversity
of native coral populations;
``(ii) support captive breeding of rare
coral species; or
``(iii) enhance resilience of native coral
populations to increasing ocean temperatures,
ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and coral
diseases through selective breeding,
conditioning, or other approaches that target
genes, gene expression, phenotypic traits, or
phenotypic plasticity; or
``(M) maintaining the structure and function of
coral reefs, including the reef matrix itself.
``(f) Funding Requirements.--To the extent practicable based upon
proposals for coral reef projects submitted to the Administrator, the
Administrator shall ensure that funding for grants awarded under this
section during a fiscal year is distributed as follows:
``(1) Not less than 40 percent of funds available shall be
awarded for projects in the Pacific Ocean within the maritime
areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the
United States.
``(2) Not less than 40 percent of the funds available shall
be awarded for projects in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of
Mexico, or the Caribbean Sea within the maritime areas and
zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United
States.
``(g) Project Reporting.--Each entity receiving a grant under this
section shall submit to the Administrator such reports at such times
and containing such information for evaluating project performance as
the Administrator may require.
``(h) Task Force.--The Administrator may consult with the Secretary
of the Interior and the Task Force to obtain guidance in establishing
priorities and evaluating proposals for coral reef projects under this
section.
``(i) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for grants under
this section that are not expended shall be transferred to the Coral
Reef Stewardship Fund under section 208(b).
``SEC. 214. REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021, and every 2
years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the committees
specified in subsection (b) a report on the administration of this
title during the 2-year period preceding submission of the report,
including--
``(1) a description of all activities undertaken to
implement the most recent national coral reef resilience
strategy under section 204A;
``(2) a statement of all funds obligated under the
authorities of this title; and
``(3) a summary, disaggregated by State, of Federal and
non-Federal contributions toward the costs of each project or
activity funded, in full or in part, under the authorities of
this title.
``(b) Committees Specified.--The committees specified in this
subsection are--
``(1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate; and
``(2) the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
``SEC. 215. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator may enter into and perform
such contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.
``(b) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Under an agreement entered into under
subsection (a), the Administrator may reimburse or provide
funds authorized to be appropriated by section 216 to, and may
receive funds or reimbursements from, individuals and entities
described in paragraph (2) to carry out activities authorized
by this title.
``(2) Individuals and entities described.--Individuals and
entities described in this paragraph are the following:
``(A) Federal agencies, instrumentalities, and
laboratories.
``(B) State and local governments.
``(C) Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
``(D) International organizations.
``(E) Foreign governments not subject to economic
sanctions imposed by the United States.
``(F) Institutions of higher education, research
centers, and other educational institutions.
``(G) Nonprofit organizations.
``(H) Commercial organizations.
``(I) Other public or private individuals or
entities.
``(c) Cooperative Institutes.--
``(1) Designation.--The Administrator shall designate two
cooperative institutes for the purpose of advancing and
sustaining essential capabilities in coral reef research, to be
known as the `Atlantic Coral Reef Institute' and the `Pacific
Coral Reef Institute'.
``(2) Membership.--Each institute established under
paragraph (1) shall be housed within a single coral reef
research center designated by the Administrator under paragraph
(4) in the Atlantic and Pacific basins, respectively, and may
contract with other coral reef research centers within the same
basin to support each institute's capacity and reach.
``(3) Functions.--The institutes established under
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) conduct federally directed research to fill
national and regional coral reef ecosystem research
gaps and improve understanding of, and responses to,
continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of
United States coral reef ecosystems consistent with the
national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under
section 204A;
``(B) support ecological research and monitoring to
study the effects of conservation and restoration
activities funded by this title on promoting more
effective coral reef management and restoration; and
``(C) through agreements--
``(i) collaborate directly with
governmental resource management agencies,
coral reef stewardship partnerships, nonprofit
organizations, and other coral reef research
centers designated under paragraph (4);
``(ii) assist in the development and
implementation of--
``(I) the national coral reef
resilience strategy under section 204A;
``(II) coral reef action plans
under section 205; and
``(III) coral reef emergency plans
under section 209;
``(iii) build capacity within governmental
resource management agencies to establish
research priorities and translate and apply
research findings to management and restoration
practices; and
``(iv) conduct public education and
awareness programs for policymakers, resource
managers, and the general public on--
``(I) coral reefs and coral reef
ecosystems;
``(II) best practices for coral
reef ecosystem management and
restoration;
``(III) the value of coral reefs;
and
``(IV) the threats to the
sustainability of coral reef
ecosystems.
``(4) Coral reef research centers.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall
periodically solicit applications and designate all
qualifying institutions in a covered State as coral
reef research centers.
``(B) Criteria.--An institution qualifies for
designation as a coral reef research center under
subparagraph (A) if the Administrator determines that
the institution--
``(i) is operated by an institution of
higher education;
``(ii) has established management-driven
national or regional coral reef research or
restoration programs;
``(iii) has demonstrated abilities to
coordinate closely with appropriate Federal and
State agencies, as well as other academic and
nonprofit organizations; and
``(iv) maintains significant local
community engagement and outreach programs
related to coral reef ecosystems.
``(d) Use of Resources of Other Agencies.--The Administrator may
use, with consent and with or without reimbursement, the land,
services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of any agency or
instrumentality of--
``(1) the United States;
``(2) any State or local government;
``(3) any Indian Tribe; or
``(4) any foreign government not subject to economic
sanctions imposed by the United States.
``SEC. 216. CORAL REEF PRIZE COMPETITIONS.
``(a) In General.--The head of any Federal agency with a
representative serving on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force established by
Executive Order 13089 (16 U.S.C. 6401 note; relating to coral reef
protection), may, individually or in cooperation with one or more
agencies, carry out a program to award prizes competitively under
section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980
(15 U.S.C. 3719).
``(b) Purposes.--Any program carried out under this section shall
be for the purpose of stimulating innovation to advance the ability of
the United States to understand, research, or monitor coral reef
ecosystems, or to develop management or adaptation options to preserve,
sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems.
``(c) Priority Programs.--Priority shall be given to establishing
programs under this section that address communities, environments, or
industries that are in distress as a result of the decline or
degradation of coral reef ecosystems, including--
``(1) scientific research and monitoring that furthers the
understanding of causes behind coral reef decline and
degradation and the generally slow recovery following
disturbances;
``(2) the development of monitoring or management options
for communities or industries that are experiencing significant
financial hardship;
``(3) the development of adaptation options to alleviate
economic harm and job loss caused by damage to coral reef
ecosystems;
``(4) the development of measures to help vulnerable
communities or industries, with an emphasis on rural
communities and businesses; and
``(5) the development of adaptation and management options
for impacted tourism industries.
``SEC. 217. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Administrator $38,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to
carry out this title, which shall remain available until expended.
``(b) Administration.--Of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under subsection (a), not more than the
lesser of $1,500,000 or 10 percent may be used for program
administration or for overhead costs incurred by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration or the Department of Commerce and
assessed as an administrative charge.
``(c) Federally Directed Research and Coral Reef Conservation
Program Grants.--From the amounts authorized to be appropriated under
subsection (a), there shall be made available to the Administrator not
less than $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to
support purposes consistent with this title, of which--
``(1) not less than $3,500,000 shall be made available for
each such fiscal year for authorized activities under section
213; and
``(2) not less than $4,500,000 shall be made available for
each such fiscal year through cooperative agreements with the
cooperative institutes designated under section 215(c).
``(d) Block Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Administrator, $15,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2022 through 2026, which shall remain available until expended,
to carry out section 207.
``SEC. 218. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
`appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
``(3) Conservation.--The term `conservation' means the use
of methods and procedures necessary to preserve or sustain
geographically appropriate corals and associated species as
diverse, viable, and self-perpetuating coral reef ecosystems
with minimal impacts from invasive species, including--
``(A) all activities associated with resource
management, such as monitoring, assessment, protection,
restoration, sustainable use, management of habitat,
and maintenance or augmentation of genetic diversity;
``(B) mapping;
``(C) scientific expertise and technical assistance
in the development and implementation of management
strategies for marine protected areas and marine
resources consistent with the National Marine
Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) and the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.);
``(D) law enforcement;
``(E) conflict resolution initiatives;
``(F) community outreach and education; and
``(G) promotion of safe and ecologically sound
navigation and anchoring.
``(4) Coral.--The term `coral' means species of the phylum
Cnidaria, including--
``(A) all species of the orders Antipatharia (black
corals), Scleractinia (stony corals), Alcyonacea (soft
corals, organ pipe corals, gorgonians), and
Helioporacea (blue coral), of the class Anthozoa; and
``(B) all species of the order Anthoathecata (fire
corals and other hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa.
``(5) Coral products.--The term `coral products' means any
living or dead specimens, parts, or derivatives, or any product
containing specimens, parts, or derivatives, of any species
referred to in paragraph (4).
``(6) Coral reef.--The term `coral reef' means calcium
carbonate structures in the form of a reef or shoal, composed
in whole or in part by living coral, skeletal remains of coral,
crustose coralline algae, and other associated sessile marine
plants and animals.
``(7) Coral reef ecosystem.--The term `coral reef
ecosystem' means--
``(A) corals and other geographically and
ecologically associated marine communities of other
reef organisms (including reef plants and animals)
associated with coral reef habitat; and
``(B) the biotic and abiotic factors and processes
that affect coral physiology, coral-algal symbiosis,
and biodiversity in such habitat.
``(8) Coral reef ecosystem services.--The term `coral reef
ecosystem services' means the attributes and benefits provided
by coral reef ecosystems including--
``(A) protection of coastal beaches, structures,
and infrastructure;
``(B) habitat for organisms of economic,
ecological, biomedical, medicinal, and cultural value;
``(C) serving as centers for the promulgation,
performance, and training of cultural practices
representative of traditional ecological knowledge; and
``(D) aesthetic value.
``(9) Covered reef manager.--
``(A) In general.--The term `covered reef manager'
means a management unit of a Federal agency specified
in subparagraph (B) with jurisdiction over a coral reef
ecosystem, covered State, or coral reef stewardship
partnership.
``(B) Federal agencies specified.--A Federal agency
specified in this subparagraph is one of the following:
``(i) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(ii) The National Park Service.
``(iii) The United States Fish and Wildlife
Service.
``(iv) The Office of Insular Affairs.
``(10) Covered state.--The term `covered State' means
Florida, Hawaii, and the territories of American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto
Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
``(11) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(12) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given that
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
``(13) Interested stakeholder groups.--The term `interested
stakeholder groups' includes community members such as
businesses, commercial and recreational fishermen, other
recreationalists, Federal, State, Tribal, and local government
units with related jurisdiction, institutions of higher
education, and nongovernmental organizations.
``(14) 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.
``(15) Restoration.--The term `restoration' means the use
of methods and procedures necessary to enhance, rehabilitate,
recreate, or create a functioning coral reef or coral reef
ecosystem, in whole or in part, within suitable waters of the
historical geographic range of such ecosystems, to provide
ecological, economic, cultural, or coastal resiliency services
associated with healthy coral reefs and benefit native
populations of coral reef organisms.
``(16) Resilience.--The term `resilience' means the
capacity for corals within their native range, coral reefs, or
coral reef ecosystems to resist and recover from natural and
human disturbances, and maintain structure and function to
provide coral reef ecosystem services as determined by clearly
identifiable, measurable, and science-based standards.
``(17) State.--The term `State' means--
``(A) any State of the United States that contains
a coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries;
``(B) American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the
United States Virgin Islands; or
``(C) any other territory or possession of the
United States or separate sovereign in free association
with the United States that contains a coral reef
ecosystem within its seaward boundaries.
``(18) Stewardship.--The term `stewardship', with respect
to a coral reef, includes conservation, restoration, and public
outreach and education.
``(19) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the United
States Coral Reef Task Force established under section 201 of
the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021.
``(20) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
has the meaning given the term `tribal organization' in section
3765 of title 38, United States Code.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment to National Oceans and Coastal Security
Act.--Section 905(a) of the National Oceans and Coastal Security Act
(16 U.S.C. 7504(a)) is amended by striking ``and coastal
infrastructure'' and inserting ``, coastal infrastructure, and
ecosystem services provided by natural systems such as coral reefs''.
SEC. 102. MODIFICATION TO SECTION 204 OF THE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION
ACT OF 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403).
Section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C.
6403) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``section 213''; and
(2) by striking subsections (c) through (j).
TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a task force to lead, coordinate, and
strengthen Federal Government actions to better preserve, conserve, and
restore coral reef ecosystems, to be known as the ``United States Coral
Reef Task Force'' (in this title referred to as the ``Task Force'').
SEC. 202. DUTIES.
The duties of the Task Force shall be--
(1) to coordinate, in cooperation with State, Tribal, and
local government partners, coral reef research centers
designated under section 215(c) of the Coral Reef Conservation
Act of 2000 (as amended by section 101), and other
nongovernmental and academic partners as appropriate,
activities regarding the mapping, monitoring, research,
conservation, mitigation, and restoration of coral reefs and
coral reef ecosystems;
(2) to monitor and advise regarding implementation of the
policy and Federal agency responsibilities set forth in--
(A) Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701;
relating to coral reef protection); and
(B) the national coral reef resilience strategy
developed under section 204A of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101;
(3) to work with the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, and in coordination with the other members of the
Task Force--
(A) to assess the United States role in
international trade and protection of coral species;
(B) to encourage implementation of appropriate
strategies and actions to promote conservation and
sustainable use of coral reef resources worldwide; and
(C) to collaborate with international communities
successful in managing coral reefs;
(4) to provide technical assistance for the development and
implementation, as appropriate, of--
(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy
under section 204A of the Coral Reef Conservation Act
of 2000, as amended by section 101;
(B) coral reef action plans under section 205 of
that Act; and
(C) coral reef emergency plans under section 209 of
that Act; and
(5) to produce a report each year, for submission to the
appropriate congressional committees and publication on a
publicly available internet website of the Task Force,
highlighting the status of the coral reef equities of a covered
State on a rotating basis, including--
(A) a summary of recent coral reef management and
restoration activities undertaken in that State; and
(B) updated estimates of the direct and indirect
economic activity supported by, and other benefits
associated with, those coral reef equities.
SEC. 203. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Voting Membership.--The Task Force shall have the following
voting members:
(1) The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and the Secretary of the Interior, who shall be
co-chairs of the Task Force.
(2) The Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development.
(3) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(4) The Secretary of Defense.
(5) The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Assistant
Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
(6) The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(7) The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
(8) The Attorney General.
(9) The Secretary of State.
(10) The Secretary of Transportation.
(11) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
(12) The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
(13) The Director of the National Science Foundation.
(14) The Governor, or a representative of the Governor, of
each covered State.
(b) Nonvoting Members.--The Task Force shall have the following
nonvoting members:
(1) A member appointed by the President of the Federated
States of Micronesia.
(2) A member appointed by the President of the Republic of
the Marshall Islands.
(3) A member appointed by the President of the Republic of
Palau.
SEC. 204. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCY MEMBERS.
(a) In General.--A member of the Task Force specified in paragraphs
(1) through (14) of section 203(a) shall--
(1) identify the actions of the agency that member
represents that may affect coral reef ecosystems;
(2) utilize the programs and authorities of that agency to
protect and enhance the conditions of such ecosystems,
including through the promotion of basic and applied scientific
research;
(3) collaborate with the Task Force to appropriately
reflect budgetary needs for coral reef conservation and
restoration activities in all agency budget planning and
justification documents and processes; and
(4) engage in any other coordinated efforts approved by the
Task Force.
(b) Co-Chairs.--In addition to their responsibilities under
subsection (a), the co-chairs of the Task Force shall administer
performance of the functions of the Task Force and facilitate the
coordination of the members of the Task Force specified in paragraphs
(1) through (14) of section 203(a).
SEC. 205. WORKING GROUPS.
(a) In General.--The co-chairs of the Task Force may establish
working groups as necessary to meet the goals and carry out the duties
of the Task Force.
(b) Requests From Members.--The members of the Task Force may
request that the co-chairs establish a working group under subsection
(a).
(c) Participation by Nongovernmental Organizations.--The co-chairs
may allow nongovernmental organizations as appropriate, including
academic institutions, conservation groups, and commercial and
recreational fishing associations, to participate in a working group
established under subsection (a).
(d) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to
working groups established under this section.
SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
(2) Conservation, coral, coral reef, etc.--The terms
``conservation'', ``coral'', ``coral reef'', ``coral reef
ecosystem'', ``covered State'', ``restoration'',
``resilience'', and ``State'' have the meaning given those
terms in section 218 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of
2000, as amended by section 101.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES
SEC. 301. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior, in addition to
activities authorized under section 203 of the Coral Reef Conservation
Act of 2000, as amended by section 101, may provide scientific
expertise, technical assistance, and financial assistance for the
conservation and restoration of coral reefs consistent with all
applicable laws governing resource management in Federal, State, and
Tribal waters, including--
(1) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000,
as amended by section 101;
(2) coral reef action plans in effect under section 205 of
that Act, as applicable; and
(3) coral reef emergency plans in effect under section 209
of that Act, as applicable.
(b) Office of Insular Affairs Coral Reef Initiative.--The Secretary
may establish within the Office of Insular Affairs a Coral Reef
Initiative Program--
(1) to provide grant funding to support local management,
conservation, and protection of coral reef ecosystems in--
(A) insular areas of covered States; and
(B) Freely Associated States;
(2) to complement the other conservation and assistance
activities conducted under this Act; and
(3) to provide other technical, scientific, and financial
assistance and conduct conservation activities that advance the
purpose of this Act.
(c) Consultation With the Department of Commerce.--The Secretary of
the Interior may consult with the Secretary of Commerce regarding the
conduct of any activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral
reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of the Federal
agencies specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 203(c) of the
Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101.
(d) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior may
enter into cooperative agreements with covered reef managers to fund
coral reef conservation and restoration activities in waters managed
under the jurisdiction of such managers that--
(1) are consistent with the national coral reef resilience
strategy in effect under section 204A of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101; and
(2) support and enhance the success of--
(A) coral reef action plans in effect under section
205 of that Act; and
(B) coral reef emergency plans in effect under
section 209 of that Act.
(e) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``conservation'',
``coral reef'', ``covered reef manager'', ``covered State'',
``restoration'', and ``State'' have the meaning given those terms in
section 218 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by
section 101.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title for each of
fiscal years 2022 to 2026, $4,000,000.
TITLE IV--SUSAN L. WILLIAMS NATIONAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Susan L. Williams National Coral
Reef Management Fellowship Act of 2021''.
SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(2) Fellow.--The term ``fellow'' means a National Coral
Reef Management Fellow.
(3) Fellowship.--The term ``fellowship'' means the National
Coral Reef Management Fellowship established in section 403.
(4) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms ``Indian
Tribe'' and ``Tribal organization'' have the meanings given
those terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
SEC. 403. ESTABLISHMENT OF FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--There is established a National Coral Reef
Management Fellowship Program.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the fellowship are--
(1) to encourage future leaders of the United States to
develop additional coral reef management capacity in States and
local communities with coral reefs;
(2) to provide management agencies of States, Tribal
organizations, and Freely Associated States with highly
qualified candidates whose education and work experience meet
the specific needs of each State, Indian Tribe, and Freely
Associated State; and
(3) to provide fellows with professional experience in
management of coastal and coral reef resources.
SEC. 404. FELLOWSHIP AWARDS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in coordination with the
Secretary of the Interior, shall award the fellowship in accordance
with this section.
(b) Term of Fellowship.--A fellowship awarded under this section
shall be for a term of not more than 24 months.
(c) Qualifications.--The Administrator, in coordination with the
Secretary of the Interior, shall award the fellowship to individuals
who have demonstrated--
(1) an intent to pursue a career in marine services and
outstanding potential for such a career;
(2) leadership potential, actual leadership experience, or
both;
(3) a college or graduate degree in biological science,
experience that correlates with aptitude and interest for
marine management, or both;
(4) proficient writing and speaking skills; and
(5) such other attributes as the Administrator, in
coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, consider
appropriate.
SEC. 405. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to
carry out this title for each of fiscal years 2022-2026, $1,500,000, to
remain available until expended.
Union Calendar No. 450
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 160
[Report No. 117-626]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish
the United States Coral Reef Task Force, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
December 14, 2022
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed