[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1433 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 172
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1433
[Report No. 119-67]
To reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act
to promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 10, 2025
Mrs. Murray (for herself and Ms. Cantwell) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
September 29, 2025
Reported by Mr. Cruz, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act
to promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE
CONSERVATION INITIATIVE ACT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act
(title IV of Public Law 105-384; 112 Stat. 3458) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in section 402, by striking ``Commission (in
this title referred to as the `Commission').'' and inserting
``Commission.''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) by striking sections 403, 404, and 405 and
inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 403. FINDINGS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``Congress makes the following findings:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) The marine waters and ecosystem of the
Northwest Straits in Puget Sound in the State of Washington
represent a unique resource of enormous environmental and
economic value to the people of the United States.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) During the 20th century, the environmental
health of the Northwest Straits declined dramatically as
indicated by impaired water quality, declines in marine
wildlife, collapse of harvestable marine species, loss of
critical marine habitats, ocean acidification, and sea level
rise.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Increasingly, the Northwest Straits have
been threatened by sea level rise, ocean acidification, and
other effects of climate change.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) This title was enacted to tap the
unprecedented level of citizen stewardship demonstrated in the
Northwest Straits and create a mechanism to mobilize public
support and raise capacity for local efforts to protect and
restore the ecosystem of the Northwest Straits.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Initiative helps the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and other Federal agencies with their marine
missions by fostering local interest in marine issues and
involving diverse communities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(6) The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Initiative shares many of the same goals with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including fostering
citizen stewardship of marine resources, general ecosystem
management, and protecting federally managed marine
species.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(7) Ocean literacy, kelp habitat conservation
and monitoring, Veterans Conservation Corps internships, and
removal of marine debris projects are examples of previous and
ongoing partnerships between the Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Areas of partnership may evolve
with emerging opportunities.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 404. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``In this title:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the
Northwest Straits Advisory Commission established by section
402.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Marine resources committee.--The term
`marine resources committee' means a county government
committee that assists in assessing marine resource and
conservation needs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Northwest straits region.--The term
`Northwest Straits region' means the marine waters of the
Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian
border to the south end of Snohomish County.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal
government' means the recognized governing body of any Indian
or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village,
community, component band, or component reservation
individually identified (including parenthetically) in the list
published most recently as of the date of enactment of the
Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative
Reauthorization Act of 2025 pursuant to section 104 of the
Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C.
5131).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary'
means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 405. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Composition.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall be
composed of 14 members, except as provided in paragraph (2),
who shall be appointed as follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) One member appointed by a consensus
of the members of a marine resources committee for San
Juan County, Washington.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) One member appointed by a consensus
of the members of a marine resources committee for
Island County, Washington.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) One member appointed by a consensus
of the members of a marine resources committee for
Skagit County, Washington.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) One member appointed by a consensus
of the members of a marine resources committee for
Whatcom County, Washington.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(E) One member appointed by a consensus
of the members of a marine resources committee for
Snohomish County, Washington.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(F) One member appointed by a consensus
of the members of a marine resources committee for
Clallam County, Washington.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(G) One member appointed by a consensus
of the members of a marine resources committee for
Jefferson County, Washington.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(H) Two members appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and in
consultation with the Tribal governments affected by
this title, to represent the interests of such Tribal
governments.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(I) One member appointed by the Governor
of the State of Washington to represent the interests
of the Puget Sound Partnership.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(J) Four members appointed by the
Governor of the State of Washington who--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) are residents of the State
of Washington; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) are not employed by a
Federal, State, or local government, excluding
an institution of higher education.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Additional members.--The Commission may, as
determined necessary to improve the ability of the Commission
to perform the duties of the Commission under section 406(b),
appoint members in addition to those appointed under paragraph
(1). Any such additional member shall be appointed by a
consensus of the members of a marine resources committee that
is not described in such paragraph.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be
filled in the manner in which the original appointment was
made.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a
Chairperson from among its members.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Meeting.--The Commission shall meet at the call of
the Chairperson, but not less frequently than quarterly.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(e) Liaison.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in
consultation with the Commission, shall appoint an employee of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) to serve as a liaison between the
Commission and the Department of Commerce;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) to coordinate programs of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with
activities related to the goal of the Commission
described in section 406(a); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) to perform additional liaison
functions benefitting the Commission and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which may
include, as agreed to by the Commission and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
attending meetings and other events of the Commission
as a nonvoting participant.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Limitation.--Service as a member of the
Commission by the employee appointed under paragraph (1)--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) is limited to the employee's service
as a liaison; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) does not obligate the employee to
perform any duty of the Commission under section
406(b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(f) Administration.--The Commission may enter into
cooperative agreements with the State of Washington for staffing and
administrative services for the purposes of supporting the duties of
the Commission under section 406(b).</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 406. GOAL AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Goal.--The goal of the Commission is to protect and
restore the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest
Straits region to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use
by--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) designing and recommending projects that are
driven by the best available science, local priorities,
community-based decisions, and the ability to measure
results;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) building awareness and stewardship and
making recommendations to improve the health of the marine
resources of the Northwest Straits region;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) maintaining and expanding diverse membership
and collaboration with partner organizations, such as the Puget
Sound Partnership;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) expanding partnerships with Tribal
governments and continuing to support Tribal treaties,
cultures, and subsistence and Tribal treaty rights;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) recognizing the importance of economic and
social benefits that are dependent on marine environments and
sustainable marine resources.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) To provide resources and technical support
for marine resources committees.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) To work with such marine resources
committees and appropriate entities of Federal, State, and
local governments and Tribal governments to provide advice in
developing regional programs to monitor the overall health of
the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) To collect marine resources data and
identify factors adversely affecting or preventing the
restoration of the health of the marine ecosystem and coastal
economies of the Northwest Straits region to inform
decisionmakers.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) To develop scientifically sound restoration
and protection recommendations, informed by local priorities,
that address such factors.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) To serve as a public forum for the informal
discussion of policies and actions, with respect to the marine
ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region, of Federal, State,
or local governments, Tribal governments, or the Government of
Canada.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(6) To inform appropriate authorities and local
communities about the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits
region and about issues relating to the marine ecosystem of the
Northwest Straits region.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(7) To consult with all affected Tribal
governments in the Northwest Straits region to ensure that the
work of the Commission does not violate Tribal treaty
rights.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Coordination and Collaboration.--The Commission--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) shall carry out the duties described in
subsection (b) in coordination and collaboration, as
appropriate, with Federal, State, and local governments and
Tribal governments, including by--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) providing technical support and
assistance to any Tribal government seeking
representation and participation on the Commission;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) supporting the work and duties of
the liaison to the Commission under section 405(e);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) may enter into cooperative agreements with
nonprofit entities, such as the Northwest Straits Foundation,
to provide assistance, including financial assistance, in
carrying out the duties described in subsection (b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Limitations.--Nothing in this title provides the
Commission with authority to issue regulations or implement any Federal
law or regulation.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(e) Acceptance of Donations.--For purposes of carrying
out this section, the Commission may solicit, accept, receive, hold,
administer, and use gifts, devises, and bequests without any further
approval or administrative action.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(f) Annual Report.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--Each year, the Commission shall
prepare, submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate, the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Under
Secretary, and make available to the public a report
describing--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) the activities carried out by the
Commission during the preceding year; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) the progress in achieving the
benchmarks described in paragraph (2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Benchmarks.--The benchmarks described in
this paragraph are the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) Protection and restoration of
marine, coastal, and nearshore habitats within the
Northwest Straits region.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) Protection and restoration of marine
resources populations to healthy, sustainable
levels.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) Improvement of the water quality of
the Northwest Straits region.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) Collection of high-quality data and
promotion of the use and dissemination of such data for
the purposes of ecosystem monitoring.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(E) Promotion of stewardship and
understanding of marine resources of the Northwest
Straits region through education and outreach,
including by targeted outreach to underresourced
communities.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 407. FUNDING.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Under Secretary to carry out this
title--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031,
$10,000,000; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) for fiscal year 2032 and each fiscal year
thereafter, such sums as may be necessary.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Assistance.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may, from
amounts made available to the Under Secretary to carry out this
title, provide assistance to the Commission in carrying out the
duties of the Commission under this title.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Provision.--The Under Secretary may provide
the assistance described in paragraph (1), and make available
amounts to the Commission to carry out the duties of the
Commission, through a contract with the Director of the Padilla
Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, unless the Governor of
the State of Washington objects. If such Governor so objects,
the Under Secretary may not provide such assistance and make
available such amounts to the Commission.''.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION
INITIATIVE ACT.
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act (title IV
of Public Law 105-384; 112 Stat. 3458) is amended--
(1) in section 402, by striking ``Commission (in this title
referred to as the `Commission').'' and inserting
``Commission.''; and
(2) by striking sections 403, 404, and 405 and inserting
the following:
``SEC. 403. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the
Northwest Straits Advisory Commission established by section
402.
``(2) Marine resources committee.--The term `marine
resources committee' means a county government committee that
assists in assessing marine resource and conservation needs.
``(3) Northwest straits region.--The term `Northwest
Straits region' means the marine waters of the Strait of Juan
de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the
south end of Snohomish County.
``(4) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal government'
means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska
Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community,
component band, or component reservation individually
identified (including parenthetically) in the list published
most recently as of the date of enactment of the Northwest
Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of
2025 pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian
Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).
``(5) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
``SEC. 404. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.
``(a) Composition.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 14
members, except as provided in paragraph (2), who shall be
appointed as follows:
``(A) One member appointed by a consensus of the
members of a marine resources committee for San Juan
County, Washington.
``(B) One member appointed by a consensus of the
members of a marine resources committee for Island
County, Washington.
``(C) One member appointed by a consensus of the
members of a marine resources committee for Skagit
County, Washington.
``(D) One member appointed by a consensus of the
members of a marine resources committee for Whatcom
County, Washington.
``(E) One member appointed by a consensus of the
members of a marine resources committee for Snohomish
County, Washington.
``(F) One member appointed by a consensus of the
members of a marine resources committee for Clallam
County, Washington.
``(G) One member appointed by a consensus of the
members of a marine resources committee for Jefferson
County, Washington.
``(H) Two members appointed by the Secretary of the
Interior, in coordination with the Northwest Indian
Fisheries Commission and in consultation with the
Tribal governments affected by this title, to represent
the interests of such Tribal governments.
``(I) One member appointed by the Governor of the
State of Washington to represent the interests of the
Puget Sound Partnership.
``(J) Four members appointed by the Governor of the
State of Washington who--
``(i) are residents of the State of
Washington; and
``(ii) are not employed by a Federal,
State, or local government, excluding an
institution of higher education.
``(2) Additional members.--The Commission may, as
determined necessary to improve the ability of the Commission
to perform the duties of the Commission under section 405(b),
appoint members in addition to those appointed under paragraph
(1). Any such additional member shall be appointed by a
consensus of the members of a marine resources committee that
is not described in such paragraph.
``(b) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in
the manner in which the original appointment was made.
``(c) Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a Chairperson from
among its members.
``(d) Meeting.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson, but not less frequently than quarterly.
``(e) Liaison.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in consultation
with the Commission, shall appoint an employee of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--
``(A) to serve as a liaison between the Commission
and the Department of Commerce;
``(B) to coordinate programs of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with activities
related to the goal of the Commission described in
section 405(a); and
``(C) to perform additional liaison functions
benefitting the Commission and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, which may include, as
agreed to by the Commission and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, attending meetings and
other events of the Commission as a nonvoting
participant.
``(2) Limitation.--Service as a member of the Commission by
the employee appointed under paragraph (1)--
``(A) is limited to the employee's service as a
liaison; and
``(B) does not obligate the employee to perform any
duty of the Commission under section 405(b).
``(f) Administration.--The Commission may enter into cooperative
agreements with the State of Washington for staffing and administrative
services for the purposes of supporting the duties of the Commission
under section 405(b).
``SEC. 405. GOAL AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
``(a) Goal.--The goal of the Commission is to protect and restore
the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits
region to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use by--
``(1) designing and recommending projects that are driven
by the best available science, local priorities, community-
based decisions, and the ability to measure results;
``(2) building awareness and stewardship and making
recommendations to improve the health of the marine resources
of the Northwest Straits region;
``(3) maintaining and expanding collaboration with partner
organizations, such as the Puget Sound Partnership;
``(4) expanding partnerships with Tribal governments and
continuing to support Tribal treaties, cultures, and
subsistence and Tribal treaty rights; and
``(5) recognizing the importance of economic and social
benefits that are dependent on marine environments and
sustainable marine resources.
``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are the following:
``(1) To provide resources and technical support for marine
resources committees.
``(2) To work with such marine resources committees and
appropriate entities of Federal, State, and local governments
and Tribal governments to provide advice in developing regional
programs to monitor the overall health of the marine ecosystem
of the Northwest Straits region.
``(3) To collect marine resources data and identify factors
adversely affecting or preventing the restoration of the health
of the marine ecosystem and coastal economies of the Northwest
Straits region to inform decisionmakers.
``(4) To develop scientifically sound restoration and
protection recommendations, informed by local priorities, that
address such factors.
``(5) To serve as a public forum for the informal
discussion of policies and actions, with respect to the marine
ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region, of Federal, State,
or local governments, Tribal governments, or the Government of
Canada.
``(6) To inform appropriate authorities and local
communities about the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits
region and about issues relating to the marine ecosystem of the
Northwest Straits region.
``(7) To consult with all affected Tribal governments in
the Northwest Straits region to ensure that the work of the
Commission does not violate Tribal treaty rights.
``(c) Coordination and Collaboration.--The Commission--
``(1) shall carry out the duties described in subsection
(b) in coordination and collaboration, as appropriate, with
Federal, State, and local governments and Tribal governments,
including by--
``(A) providing technical support and assistance to
any Tribal government seeking representation and
participation on the Commission; and
``(B) supporting the work and duties of the liaison
to the Commission under section 404(e); and
``(2) may enter into cooperative agreements with nonprofit
entities, such as the Northwest Straits Foundation, to provide
assistance, including financial assistance, in carrying out the
duties described in subsection (b).
``(d) Limitations.--Nothing in this title provides the Commission
with authority to issue regulations or implement any Federal law or
regulation.
``(e) Acceptance of Donations.--For purposes of carrying out this
section, the Commission may solicit, accept, receive, hold, administer,
and use gifts, devises, and bequests without any further approval or
administrative action.
``(f) Annual Report.--
``(1) In general.--Each year, the Commission shall prepare,
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Under
Secretary, and make available to the public a report
describing--
``(A) the activities carried out by the Commission
during the preceding year; and
``(B) the progress in achieving the benchmarks
described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Benchmarks.--The benchmarks described in this
paragraph are the following:
``(A) Protection and restoration of marine,
coastal, and nearshore habitats within the Northwest
Straits region.
``(B) Protection and restoration of marine
resources populations to healthy, sustainable levels.
``(C) Improvement of the water quality of the
Northwest Straits region.
``(D) Collection of high-quality data and promotion
of the use and dissemination of such data for the
purposes of ecosystem monitoring.
``(E) Promotion of stewardship and understanding of
marine resources of the Northwest Straits region
through education and outreach.
``SEC. 406. FUNDING.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Under Secretary $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2026 through 2031 to carry out this title.
``(b) Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary may, from amounts
made available to the Under Secretary to carry out this title,
provide assistance to the Commission in carrying out the duties
of the Commission under this title.
``(2) Provision.--The Under Secretary may provide the
assistance described in paragraph (1), and make available
amounts to the Commission to carry out the duties of the
Commission, through a contract with the Director of the Padilla
Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, unless the Governor of
the State of Washington objects. If such Governor so objects,
the Under Secretary may not provide such assistance and make
available such amounts to the Commission.''.
Calendar No. 172
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1433
[Report No. 119-67]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act
to promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
September 29, 2025
Reported with an amendment