II
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2545
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 5, 2006
Mr. DeWine (for himself, Mr. Levin, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Voinovich, Mrs. Clinton, and Mr. Schumer) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
A BILL
To establish a collaborative program to protect the Great Lakes, and for other purposes.
Short title; table of contents
Short title
This Act may be cited
as the Great Lakes Collaboration
Implementation Act of 2006
.
Table of contents
The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I—Invasive species
Subtitle A—Aquatic invasive species
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Sec. 103. Prevention of introduction of aquatic invasive species into waters of the United States by vessels.
Sec. 104. Armed services whole vessel management program.
Sec. 105. Priority pathway management program.
Sec. 106. Screening process for planned importations of live aquatic organisms.
Sec. 107. Early detection.
Sec. 108. Rapid response.
Sec. 109. Environmental soundness.
Sec. 110. Information, education, and outreach.
Sec. 111. Ecological and pathway research.
Sec. 112. Analysis.
Sec. 113. Dissemination.
Sec. 114. Technology development, demonstration, and verification.
Sec. 115. Research to support the setting and implementation of ship pathway standards.
Sec. 116. Research in systematics and taxonomy.
Sec. 117. State programs.
Sec. 118. Program coordination.
Sec. 119. International coordination.
Sec. 120. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 121. Conforming amendments.
Subtitle B—Asian carp prevention and control
Sec. 125. Addition of species of carp to the list of injurious species that are prohibited from being imported or shipped.
Sec. 126. Dispersal barriers.
Subtitle C—National Invasive Species Council
Sec. 131. Definitions.
Sec. 132. Limitation on Federal actions.
Sec. 133. National Invasive Species Council.
Sec. 134. Duties.
Sec. 135. National Invasive Species Management Plan.
Sec. 136. Invasive Species Advisory Committee.
Sec. 137. Budget analysis and summary.
Sec. 138. Existing executive order.
Sec. 139. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II—Habitat and species
Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings.
Sec. 203. Definitions.
Sec. 204. Identification, review, and implementation of proposals.
Sec. 205. Goals of United States Fish and Wildlife Service Programs related to Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources.
Sec. 206. Establishment of offices.
Sec. 207. Reports.
Sec. 208. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III—Coastal health
Sec. 301. Technical assistance.
Sec. 302. Sewer overflow control grants.
Sec. 303. Water pollution control revolving loan funds.
Sec. 304. Allotment of funds.
Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE IV—Areas of concern
Sec. 401. Great Lakes.
TITLE V—Toxic substances
Sec. 501. Mercury reduction grants.
TITLE VI—Indicators and information
Subtitle A—Research program
Sec. 601. Research reauthorizations.
Sec. 602. Great Lakes Science Center.
Sec. 603. Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.
Subtitle B—Ocean and coastal observation system
Sec. 611. Definitions.
Sec. 612. Integrated ocean and coastal observing system.
Sec. 613. Research, development, and education.
Sec. 614. Interagency financing.
Sec. 615. Application with Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
Sec. 616. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 617. Reporting requirement.
Subtitle C—Great lakes water quality indicators and monitoring
Sec. 621. Great Lakes water quality indicators and monitoring.
TITLE VII—Sustainable development
Sec. 701. Waterfront restoration and remediation projects.
Sec. 702. Authority of Secretary to restore and remediate waterfront and related areas.
Sec. 703. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE VIII—Coordination and oversight
Sec. 801. Definitions.
Sec. 802. Great Lakes Interagency Task Force.
Sec. 803. Executive Committee.
Sec. 804. Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.
Findings
Congress finds that—
the Great Lakes, containing approximately 20 percent of the Earth's fresh surface water, are a treasure of global significance;
the Great Lakes provide drinking water for millions of people, facilitate commerce, and provide recreational opportunities for people from across the United States and around the world;
renewed efforts and investments are critical to aid in meeting the goals and objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada;
in a report issued in December 2005, a group of leading scientists from top institutions in the Great Lakes area found that—
the Great Lakes are on the brink of an ecologic catastrophe;
the primary stressors straining the health of the Great Lakes are—
toxic chemicals;
overloading of human waste and urban and agricultural runoff;
physical changes to the shorelines and wetlands;
invasive plant and animal species;
changes in water patterns; and
overfishing;
the deterioration of the Great Lakes ecosystem is accelerating dramatically; and
if the pattern of deterioration is not reversed immediately, the damage could be irreparable;
as a result of the stressors described in paragraph (4)(B)—
over 1,800 beaches were closed in 2003;
Lake Erie has developed a 6,300 square mile dead zone that forms every summer;
zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species, cause $500,000,000 per year in economic and environmental damage in the Great Lakes;
there is no appreciable natural reproduction of lake trout in the lower 4 Great Lakes; and
wildlife habitats have been destroyed, which has diminished fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in the Great Lakes;
because of the patchwork approach to fixing the problems facing the Great Lakes, the problems have not only persisted in, but have also gotten worse in some areas of, the Great Lakes;
rather than dealing with 1 problem or location of the Great Lakes at a time, a comprehensive restoration of the system is needed to prevent the Great Lakes from collapsing;
in December 2004, work began on the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration, a unique partnership that was—
formed for the purpose of developing a strategic action plan for Great Lakes restoration; and
composed of—
key members from the Federal Government, State and local governments, and Indian tribes; and
other stakeholders;
over 1,500 people throughout the Great Lakes region participated in this collaborative process, with participants working on 1 or more of the 8 strategy teams that focused on different issues affecting the Great Lakes basin;
the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration, which was released on December 12, 2005, identify actions to address the issues affecting the Great Lake basin on the Federal, State, local, and tribal level; and
comprehensive restoration must be adaptive, and ongoing efforts will be required to continually implement the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration as the recommendations relate to buffers, river restoration, wetlands, emerging toxic pollutants, and other issues affecting the Great Lakes basin.
Definitions
In this Act:
Administering agencies
The term administering agencies means—
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (including the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory);
the Smithsonian Institution (acting through the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center); and
the United States Geological Survey.
Administrator
The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Aquatic ecosystem
The term aquatic ecosystem means a freshwater, marine, or estuarine environment (including inland waters, riparian areas, and wetlands) located in the United States.
Ballast water
The term ballast water means any water (with its suspended matter) used to maintain the trim and stability of a vessel.
Invasion
The term invasion means the introduction and establishment of an invasive species into an ecosystem beyond its historic range.
Invasive species
The term invasive species means a species—
that is nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration; and
whose introduction causes or may cause harm to the economy, the environment, or human health.
Invasive species council
The term Invasive Species Council means the council established by section 3 of Executive Order No. 13112 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note).
Pathway
The term pathway means 1 or more routes by which an invasive species is transferred from 1 ecosystem to another.
Species
The term species means any fundamental category of taxonomic classification or any viable biological material ranking below a genus or subgenus.
Task force
The term Task Force means the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force established by section 1201(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721(a)).
Type approval
The term type approval means an approval procedure under which a type of system is certified as meeting a standard established pursuant to Federal law (including a regulation) for a particular application.
Invasive species
Aquatic invasive species
Short title
This subtitle may be
cited as the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of
2006
.
Definitions
Section 1003 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4702) is amended to read as follows:
Definitions
In this Act:
Administrator
The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Aquatic ecosystem
The term aquatic ecosystem means a freshwater, marine, or estuarine environment (including inland waters, riparian areas, and wetlands), located in the United States.
Assistant secretary
The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
Ballast water
The term ballast water means any water (with its suspended matter) used to maintain the trim and stability of a vessel.
Best performing treatment technology
The term best performing treatment technology means the ballast water treatment technology that is, as determined by the Secretary—
the most biologically effective;
the most environmentally sound; and
suitable, available, and economically practicable.
Coastal voyage
The term coastal voyage means a voyage conducted entirely within the exclusive economic zone.
Director
The term Director means the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Environmentally sound
The term environmentally sound, refers to an activity that prevents or reduces introductions, or controls infestations, of aquatic invasive species in a manner that minimizes adverse effects on—
the structure and function of an ecosystem; and
nontarget organisms and ecosystems.
Exclusive economic zone
The term exclusive economic zone means the area comprised of—
the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States established by Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983; and
the equivalent zones of Canada and Mexico.
Existing vessel
The term existing vessel means any vessel that enters service on or before December 31, 2007.
Great lakes
The term Great Lakes means—
Lake Erie;
Lake Huron (including Lake Saint Clair);
Lake Michigan;
Lake Ontario;
Lake Superior;
the connecting channels of those Lakes, including—
the Saint Mary’s River;
the Saint Clair River;
the Detroit River;
the Niagara River; and
the Saint Lawrence River to the Canadian border; and
any other body of water located within the drainage basin of a Lake, River, or connecting channel described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (F).
Great lakes region
The term Great Lakes region means the region comprised of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Indian tribe
The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
Interbasin waterway
The term interbasin waterway means a waterway that connects 2 distinct water basins.
International joint commission
The term International Joint Commission means the commission established by article VII of the Treaty relating to boundary waters and questions arising along the boundary between the United States and Canada, signed at Washington on January 11, 1909 (36 Stat. 2448; TS 548).
Introduction
The term introduction means the transfer of an organism to an ecosystem outside the historic range of the species of which the organism is a member.
Invasion
The term invasion means the introduction and establishment of an invasive species into an ecosystem beyond its historic range.
Invasive species
The term invasive species means a species—
that is nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration; and
whose introduction causes or may cause harm to the economy, the environment, or human health.
Invasive species council
The term Invasive Species Council means the interagency council established by section 3 of Executive Order No. 13112 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note).
New vessel
The term new vessel means any vessel that enters service on or after January 1, 2008.
Nonindigenous species
The term nonindigenous species means any species in an ecosystem the range of which exceeds the historic range of the species in that ecosystem.
Organism transfer
The term organism transfer means the movement of an organism of any species from 1 ecosystem to another ecosystem outside the historic range of the species.
Pathway
The term pathway means 1 or more routes by which an invasive species is transferred from 1 ecosystem to another.
Planned importation
The term planned importation means the purposeful movement of 1 or more nonindigenous organisms for use in the territorial limits of the United States.
Regional panel
The term regional panel means a panel convened in accordance with section 1203.
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Species
The term species means any fundamental category of taxonomic classification or any viable biological material ranking below a genus or subgenus.
Species in trade
The term species in trade means a species that has a documented history of being commercially imported into the United States in the period beginning on January 1, 1990, and ending on January 1, 2002.
Task force
The term Task Force means the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force established by section 1201(a).
Territorial sea
The term territorial sea means the belt of the sea measured from the baseline of the United States determined in accordance with international law, as set forth in Presidential Proclamation Number 5928, dated December 27, 1988.
Treatment
The term treatment means a mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, or other process or method of killing, removing, or rendering inviable organisms.
Type approval
The term type approval means an approval procedure under which a type of system is certified as meeting a standard established pursuant to Federal law (including a regulation) for a particular application.
Under secretary
The term Under Secretary means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
Undesirable impact
The term undesirable impact means economic, human health, aesthetic, or environmental degradation that is not necessary for, and is not clearly outweighed by, public health, environmental, or welfare benefits.
Waters of the united states
In general
The term waters of the United States means the navigable waters and territorial sea of the United States.
Inclusion
The term waters of the United States includes the Great Lakes.
.
Prevention of introduction of aquatic invasive species into waters of the United States by vessels
In general
Section 1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711) is amended to read as follows:
Prevention of introduction of aquatic Invasive Species into waters of the United States by vessels
Requirements for vessels operating in waters of the United States
Invasive Species management plan
In general
Effective beginning on the date that is 180 days after the issuance of guidelines pursuant to subparagraph (D) and promulgation of any regulations under this section, each vessel that is equipped with a ballast tank, and any towed vessel or structure, operating in waters of the United States shall have in effect, and have available for inspection, an aquatic invasive species management plan that prescribes safe and effective means by which the master of the vessel shall minimize introductions and transfers of invasive species by any part of the vessel, pursuant to the guidelines or regulations applicable to that vessel.
Specificity
The management plan shall be specific to the vessel (or group of vessels with characteristics similar to that of the vessel, as determined by the Secretary).
Requirements
The management plan shall include, at a minimum, such information as is requested by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (D), including—
operational requirements to safely and effectively comply with the applicable ballast water management requirements under paragraph (4);
operational requirements to safely and effectively carry out any actions consistent with a rapid response contingency strategy required by States and approved by the Secretary under section 1211;
at the discretion of the Secretary, other operational requirements that are specified in guidelines adopted by the International Maritime Organization;
a description of all reporting requirements and a copy of each form necessary to meet those requirements;
the position of the officer responsible for implementation of ballast water management and reporting procedures on board;
documents relevant to aquatic invasive species management equipment or procedures;
a description of the location of access points for sampling ballast or sediments pursuant to paragraph (3)(B)(vi);
a description of requirements relating to compliance with any approved rapid response strategy relevant to the voyage of the vessel;
a contingency strategy applicable under section 1211, if appropriate; and
such requirements described in subsection (b) as are applicable to the vessel.
Guidelines
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Secretary shall issue final guidelines for the development of invasive species management plans, including guidelines that—
identify types of vessels for which plans are required;
establish processes for updating and revising the plans; and
establish criteria for compliance with this subsection.
Records
The master of a vessel shall—
maintain records of all ballast operations, for such period of time and including such information as the Secretary may specify;
permit inspection of the records by representatives of the Secretary and of the State in which the port is located; and
transmit records to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse established under section 1102(f).
Best management practices
In general
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Secretary shall issue guidelines on best management practices to eliminate or minimize and monitor organism transfer by vessels.
Practices to be included
The best management practices shall include—
sediment management in transoceanic vessels;
minimization of ballast water uptake in areas in which there is a greater risk of harmful organisms entering ballast tanks (such as areas with toxic algal blooms or known outbreaks of aquatic invasive species);
avoidance of unnecessary discharge of ballast water in a port that was taken up in another port;
to the maximum extent practicable, collection and the proper disposal of debris from the cleaning of the hull;
proper use of anti-fouling coating; and
provision of sample access ports in ballast piping for sampling of ballast intake and discharge.
Ballast water management
In general
Effective beginning on the date that is 180 days after the Secretary promulgates regulations pursuant to subsection (d), and except as provided in subparagraph (B), each vessel equipped with a ballast water tank that enters a United States port shall comply with the regulations relating to ballast water management.
Exceptions
Vessels operating entirely within exclusive economic zone
Beginning on December 31, 2011, a vessel equipped with a ballast tank, and any towed vessel or structure, that operates entirely within the exclusive economic zone shall comply with the regulations described in subsection (b)(3).
Vessels operating in enclosed aquatic ecosystems
In general
Subject to subclause (II), an existing vessel equipped with a ballast tank, and any towed vessel or structure, that operates exclusively in the upper 4 Great Lakes (Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie, and the connecting channels), or in another enclosed aquatic ecosystem shall not be required to comply with the regulations described in subsection (b)(1).
Additional enclosed aquatic ecosystems
The Administrator and the Under Secretary, in consultation with regional panels of the Task Force, may determine additional enclosed aquatic ecosystems in which the potential for movement of organisms by natural and anthropogenic means is not significantly altered by the movement of the vessels equipped with ballast tanks.
Invasive species management regulations and certification procedures
Regulations
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Administrator and in consultation with the Task Force, shall promulgate final regulations establishing performance requirements for vessels to reduce or eliminate introduction by the vessels of invasive species to waters of the United States, including—
ballast water management operations (including relevant contingency procedures in instances in which a safety exemption is used pursuant to subsection (j)); and
management of other vessel pathways, including the hull and sea chest of a vessel.
Ballast water exchange
The regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (1)—
shall apply only to existing vessels;
shall expire not later than December 31, 2011; and
shall include—
a provision for ballast water exchange that requires—
at least 1 empty-and-refill cycle, on the high sea or in an alternative exchange area designated by the Secretary, of each ballast tank that contains ballast water to be discharged into waters of the United States; or
for a case in which the master of a vessel determines that compliance with the requirement under subclause (I) is impracticable, a sufficient number of flow-through exchanges of ballast water, on the high sea or in an alternative exchange area designated by the Secretary, to achieve replacement of at least 95 percent of ballast water in ballast tanks of the vessel, as determined by a certification dye study conducted or model developed in accordance with protocols developed under paragraph (5)(B) and recorded in the management plan of a vessel pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(C)(i); and
if a ballast water exchange is not undertaken pursuant to subsection (j), a contingency procedure that requires the master of a vessel to use the best practicable technology or practice to treat ballast discharge.
Ballast water treatment
In general
The regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall—
establish a numeric ballast water discharge standard at a level that ensures that there is no measurable risk that any viable organisms of nonindigenous species entrained in ballast water that meets the standard will be established in waters of the United States; and
require that a vessel discharge ballast water the characteristics of which are consistent with clause (i), unless no technology exists to enable a vessel to discharge such ballast water.
Best performing treatment
If no technology exists to enable a vessel to discharge ballast water in accordance with the discharge standard established under subparagraph (A)(i), the regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall require the vessel to discharge ballast water that—
has been treated with the best performing treatment technology; and
for existing vessels, has a concentration of viable biological material that contains 99 percent fewer near-coastal plankton than the concentration of viable biological material of the intake water of the vessel, as estimated under the certification process described in paragraph (5)(C); or
for new vessels, has a concentration of viable biological material that contains 99.9 percent fewer near-coastal plankton than the concentration of viable biological material of the intake water of the vessel, as estimated under the certification process described in paragraph (5)(C).
Review and revision
The Secretary, with the concurrence of the Administrator, shall review and revise—
not less frequently than every 3 years, any determination relating to best performing treatment technology under paragraph (3)(B)(i); and
not less frequently than every 6 years, the regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (1).
Certification of treatments and practices
In general
Not later than the date on which regulations are promulgated pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary shall, with the concurrence of the Administrator, promulgate regulations for—
the certification of treatments or practices the performances of which comply with the regulations; and
on-going enforcement of the effective use of the certified treatments or practices.
Certification of ballast water exchange procedures
The certification of ballast water exchange procedures in compliance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (2) shall be based on a qualified type-approval process, including a protocol involving dye studies or models detailing flow dynamics of a vessel or class of vessels described in paragraph (2)(A)(ii) for demonstrating the number of flow-through exchanges necessary for such a vessel to meet the percentage purge requirements associated with the flow-through technique for ballast water exchange.
Certification of all other ballast water discharge
The certification of treatments in compliance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) shall be based on a qualified type-approval process that—
is capable of estimating the extent to which ballast water discharge treated by a ballast water treatment system is likely to comply with applicable standards, including any restrictions relating to—
biological, chemical, or physical conditions of water taken into ballast; and
conditions encountered during a voyage;
is capable of determining the extent to which a ballast water treatment method—
is environmentally sound, based on criteria promulgated by the Administrator under paragraph (8)(A); and
is safe for vessel and crew;
may be used in estimating the expected useful life of the ballast water treatment system, as determined on the basis of voyage patterns and normal use conditions;
includes a ship-boarding testing component (and may include a shore-based testing component);
provides for appropriate monitoring, as determined by the Administrator;
provides for revocation by the Administrator of approval pending the results of the monitoring; and
is cost-effective.
Expiration of ballast water exchange option
On the date of expiration of the ballast water exchange option under paragraph (2), the certification process shall apply to all methods of ballast water management, treatment, and system design.
Review and revision
Not less frequently than every 3 years, the Secretary, in conjunction with the Administrator, shall review and, if necessary, revise the certification process pursuant to subsection (e)(1).
Application for approval
In general
The Secretary and the Administrator shall approve an application for certification of a ballast water treatment system only if the application is in such form and contains such information as the Secretary and Administrator may require.
Approval and disapproval
In general
On receipt of an application under clause (i)—
the Administrator shall, not later than 90 days after the date of receipt of the application—
review the application for compliance and consistency with environmental soundness criteria promulgated under paragraph (8)(A); and
approve those ballast water treatment systems that meet those criteria; and
the Secretary, in consultation with the Task Force, shall, not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the application—
determine whether the ballast water treatment system covered by the application meets the requirements of this subsection, as appropriate;
approve or disapprove the application; and
provide the applicant written notice of approval or disapproval.
Limitations
An application approved under subclause (I) shall—
be qualified with any limitations relating to voyage pattern, duration, or any other characteristic that may affect the effectiveness or environmental soundness of the ballast water treatment system covered by the application, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Administrator;
be applicable to a specific vessel or group of vessels, as determined by the Secretary;
be valid for the least of—
the expected useful life of the ballast water treatment system;
10 years; or
such period of time for which the Secretary or Administrator (as appropriate) determines that (based on available information, including information developed pursuant to paragraph (6)(B)(iii)) there exists a serious deficiency in performance or environmental soundness of the system relative to anticipated performance or environmental soundness; and
be renewed if—
the Secretary determines that the ballast water treatment system remains in compliance with applicable standards as of the date of application for renewal; or
the remaining useful life of the vessel is less than 10 years.
Experimental approval for ballast water treatment
In general
The owner or operator of a vessel may submit to the Secretary an application to test or evaluate a promising ballast water treatment technology that—
has the potential to achieve the standard set forth under subsection (b)(3)(A); and
is likely to achieve a minimum performance that is the same as or more stringent than the best available performance that applies to a vessel under subsection (b)(3)(B).
Approval
The Secretary shall approve an application under subparagraph (A) if—
the Secretary and the Administrator, in consultation with the Task Force (including relevant regional panels, and the Prevention Committee, of the Task Force), determine that the treatment technologies meet the requirements in paragraph (3)(B)(ii); and
the Administrator determines, based on independent and peer-reviewed information provided to the Secretary by the owner or operator of the vessel or other applicable parties, that the treatment technologies—
comply with environmental requirements (including regulations); and
have the potential to meet environmental soundness criteria established under paragraph (8)(A)(i).
Waiver
If the Secretary approves an application under subparagraph (B), the Secretary and the Administrator may waive the requirements under subsection (a)(4)(A) with respect to the vessel that is subject to the application approved.
Limitations
Period of testing
Testing of the treatment system approved under this section may cease prior to the termination of the approval period described in clause (ii).
Period of approval
Approval granted under subparagraph (B) shall be for the least of—
the expected useful life of the ballast water treatment system;
a period of 10 years; or
a period ending on the date that the Secretary and Administrator (as appropriate) determines that there exists a serious deficiency in performance or human safety or environmental soundness of the system relative to anticipated performance or environmental soundness.
Information
As a condition of receiving experimental approval for a treatment under subparagraph (B), the owner or operator of a vessel shall agree to collect and report such information regarding the operational and biological effectiveness of the treatment through sampling of the intake and discharge ballast as the Secretary may request.
Renewal
An experimental approval may be renewed in accordance with paragraph (5)(F)(ii).
Incentives for use of treatment systems
In general
The Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator shall assist owners or operators of vessels that seek to obtain experimental approval for installation of ballast water treatment systems, including through providing guidance on—
a sampling protocol and test program for cost effective treatment evaluation;
sources of sampling equipment and field biological expertise; and
examples of shipboard evaluation studies.
Selection of technologies and practices
In selecting technologies and practices for shipboard demonstration under section 1104(b), the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall give priority consideration to technologies and practices that have received or are in the process of receiving certification under paragraph (5).
Annual summaries
The Secretary shall annually summarize, and make available to interested parties, all available information on the performance of technologies proposed for ballast treatment to facilitate the application process for experimental approval for ballast water treatment under paragraph (6).
Environmental soundness criteria for ballast treatments
In general
The Administrator shall include in criteria promulgated under section 1202(j)(1)(A) specific criteria—
to ensure environmental soundness of ballast treatment systems; and
to grant environmental soundness exceptions under subparagraph (B).
Exceptions
In general
In reviewing applications under paragraph (5)(F)(ii)(I)(aa) in an emergency situation to achieve reductions in significant and acute risk of transfers of invasive species by vessels, the Secretary and the Administrator may jointly determine to make an exception to criteria described in subparagraph (A)(i).
Qualification of approvals
To be eligible for an exception under clause (i), an approval under paragraph (5)(F)(ii)(I)(aa) shall be qualified under paragraph (5)(F)(ii)(II).
Great Lakes Program
Regulations
Until such time as regulations are promulgated to implement the amendments made by the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, regulations promulgated to carry out this Act shall remain in effect until revised or replaced pursuant to the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006.
Relationship to other programs
On implementation of a national mandatory ballast management program that is at least as comprehensive as the Great Lakes program (as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Governors of Great Lakes States)—
the program regulating vessels and ballast water in Great Lakes under this section shall terminate; and
the national program shall apply to such vessels and ballast water.
Review and revision
In general
Not later than the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Secretary shall—
review and revise regulations promulgated under this section to ensure the regulations provide the maximum practicable protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem from introduction by vessels (including vessels in the unballasted condition) of aquatic invasive species; and
promulgate the revised regulations.
Contents
The revised regulations shall include, at a minimum, requirements under subsections (a) and (b) (as amended by that Act).
Authority of the Secretary
In general
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, with the concurrence of the Administrator, promulgate regulations in accordance with subsection (b).
Program components
In general
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promulgate a separate set of regulations for—
ships that enter the Great Lakes after operating outside the exclusive economic zone; and
ships that enter United States ports after operating outside the exclusive economic zone, excluding United States ports on the Great Lakes.
Duration
Regulations promulgated under subparagraph (A)(i) shall remain in effect until the Great Lakes program is terminated pursuant to subsection (c).
Requirements
The regulations promulgated under paragraph (1) shall—
protect the safety of—
each vessel; and
the crew and passengers of each vessel;
provide for sampling of ballast intake and discharge flows through ballast piping to monitor for compliance with the regulations;
take into consideration—
vessel types;
variations in the ecological conditions of waters and coastal areas of the United States; and
different operating conditions;
be based on the best scientific information available;
not affect or supersede any requirements or prohibitions pertaining to the discharge of ballast water into waters of the United States under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); and
include a list of the best performing treatment technologies that is reviewed and updated under subsection (b)(4)(A).
Education and technical assistance programs
The Secretary may carry out education and technical assistance programs and other measures to promote compliance with the regulations promulgated under this subsection.
Periodic review and revision of regulations
In general
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, and not less often than every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall (with the concurrence of the Administrator, based on recommendations of the Task Force, and information collected and analyzed under this title and in accordance with criteria developed by the Task Force under paragraph (3))—
assess the compliance by vessels with regulations promulgated under this section;
assess the effectiveness of the regulations referred to in subparagraph (A) in reducing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by vessels; and
as necessary, on the basis of the best scientific information available—
revise the regulations referred to in subparagraph (A); and
promulgate additional regulations.
Special review and revision
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Task Force makes a request to the Secretary for a special review and revision of the Program, the Secretary shall (with the concurrence of the Administrator)—
conduct a special review of regulations in accordance with paragraph (1); and
as necessary, in the same manner as provided under paragraph (1)(C)—
revise those guidelines; or
promulgate additional regulations.
Criteria for effectiveness
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, and every 3 years thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to the Secretary criteria for determining the adequacy and effectiveness of all regulations promulgated under this section.
Sanctions
Civil penalties
In general
Any person that violates a regulation promulgated under this section shall be liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
Separate violations
Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation.
Liability of vessels
A vessel operated in violation of a regulation promulgated under this Act shall be liable in rem for any civil penalty assessed under this subsection for that violation.
Criminal penalties
Any person that knowingly violates the regulations promulgated under subsection (b) is guilty of a class C felony.
Revocation of clearance
On request of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shall withhold or revoke the clearance of a vessel required by section 4197 of the Revised Statutes (46 U.S.C. App. 91), if the owner or operator of that vessel is in violation of the regulations promulgated under subsection (b).
Exception to sanctions
This subsection does not apply to a failure to exchange ballast water if—
the master of a vessel, acting in good faith, decides that the exchange of ballast water will threaten the safety or stability of the vessel or the crew or passengers of the vessel; and
the vessel complies with—
recordkeeping requirements of this Act;
contingency requirements of section 1211; and
reporting requirements of this Act.
Coordination with other agencies
The Secretary is encouraged to use (with consent) the expertise, facilities, members, or personnel of, appropriate Federal and State agencies and organizations that have routine contact with vessels, as determined by the Secretary.
Consultation with Canada, Mexico, and other foreign governments
In developing the guidelines issued and regulations promulgated under this section, the Secretary is encouraged to consult with the Government of Canada, the Government of Mexico, and any other government of a foreign country that the Secretary, in consultation with the Task Force, determines to be necessary to develop and implement an effective international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of nonindigenous species.
International cooperation
The Secretary, in cooperation with the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations and the Commission on Environmental Cooperation established pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement, is encouraged to enter into negotiations with the governments of foreign countries to develop and implement an effective international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of nonindigenous species.
Safety exemption
Master discretion
The Master of a vessel is not required to conduct a ballast water exchange if the Master determines that the exchange would threaten the safety or stability of the vessel, or the crew or passengers of the vessel, because of adverse weather, vessel architectural design, equipment failure, or any other extraordinary conditions.
Other requirements
A vessel that does not exchange ballast water on the high seas under paragraph (1) shall not discharge ballast water in any harbor, except in accordance with a contingency strategy approved by the Secretary (and included in the invasive species management plan of the vessel) to reduce the risk of organism transfer by the discharge (using the best practicable technology and practices pursuant to regulations promulgated under subsection (b)(1)).
Non-discrimination
The Secretary shall ensure that vessels registered outside of the United States do not receive more favorable treatment than vessels registered in the United States in any case in which the Secretary performs studies, reviews compliance, determines effectiveness, establishes requirements, or performs any other responsibilities under this Act.
Effect on other law
Nothing in this section or any regulation promulgated under this section supersedes or otherwise affects any requirement or prohibition relating to the discharge of ballast water under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.).
.
Conforming amendments
Section 1102(c)(1) of the Nonindigenous
Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C.
4712(c)(1)) is amended by striking issued under section
1101(b)
and inserting promulgated under section
1101(e)
.
Section 1102(f)(1)(B) of the Nonindigenous
Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C.
4712(f)(1)(B)) is amended by striking guidelines issued
pursuant to section 1101(c)
and inserting regulations
promulgated under section 1101(e)
.
Armed services whole vessel management program
Section 1103 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4713) is amended—
by striking the section heading and inserting the following:
Armed services whole vessel management program
;
and
in subsection (a)—
by striking Subject to
and
inserting the following:
Ballast water
Subject to
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Towed vessel management Program
In general
Subject to operational conditions, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary, the Task Force, and the International Maritime Organization, shall implement a towed vessel management program for Department of Defense vessels to minimize the risk of introductions of aquatic invasive species through hull and associated hull aperture transfers by towed vessels.
Current ballast Program
Except as provided in subparagraph (A), this Act does not affect the ballast program for Department of Defense vessels in effect on the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006.
Reports
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report that includes a summary and analysis of the program carried out under this section.
.
Priority pathway management program
Subtitle C of title I of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Priority pathway management program
Identification of high priority pathways
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, and every 3 years thereafter, the Task Force, in coordination with the Invasive Species Council and in consultation with representatives of States, industry, and other interested parties, shall, based on pathway surveys conducted under this title and other available research relating to the rates of introductions in waters of the United States—
identify those pathways that pose the highest risk for introductions of invasive species, both nationally and on a region-by-region basis;
develop recommendations for management strategies for those high-risk pathways;
include in the report to Congress required under section 1201(f)(2)(B) a description of the identifications, strategies, and recommendations based on research collected under this title; and
identify invasive species not yet introduced into waters of the United States that are likely to be introduced into waters of the United States unless preventative measures are taken.
Management of high priority pathways
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Task Force or agencies of jurisdiction shall, to the maximum extent practicable, implement the strategies described in subsection (a)(2), considering appropriate periodic updates to the strategies.
.
Screening process for planned importations of live aquatic organisms
Subtitle B of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Screening process for planned importations of live aquatic organisms
In general
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, no live aquatic organism of a species not in trade shall be imported into the United States without screening and approval in accordance with subsections (c) and (d).
Guidelines
In general
Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, in consultation with regional panels convened under section 1203, States, tribes, and other stakeholders, the Invasive Species Council (in conjunction with the Task Force) shall promulgate guidelines for screening proposed planned importations of live aquatic organisms into the United States that include—
guidelines for minimum information requirements for determinations under subsection (c); and
guidelines for a simplified notification procedure for any additional shipments of organisms that may occur after completion of an initial screening process and determination under subsection (c).
Purpose
The purpose of the screening process shall be to prevent the introduction or establishment of aquatic invasive species (including pathogens and parasites of the species) in waters of the United States and contiguous waters of Canada and Mexico.
Factors
In developing guidelines under this subsection and reviewing and revising the guidelines under subsection (j), the Invasive Species Council and the Task Force shall consider—
the likelihood of the spread of species by human or natural means;
species that may occur in association with the species planned for importation including pathogens, parasites, and free-living organisms;
regional differences in probability of invasion and associated impacts;
the difficulty of controlling an established population of an aquatic invasive species in the wild; and
the profile established under section 1108(b).
Categories
The screening process shall—
require the identification, to the maximum extent practicable, to the species level and, at a minimum, to the genus level, of live aquatic organisms proposed for importation; and
designate—
species with high or moderate probability of undesirable impacts to areas within the boundaries of the United States and contiguous areas of neighboring countries, to which the species is likely to be spread by human or natural means; and
species with respect to which there is insufficient information to determine the risk category based on guidelines issued pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(B).
Evaluation
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of promulgation of guidelines under subsection (b), in consultation with regional panels convened under section 1203, States, tribes, and other stakeholders, a Federal agency with authority over an importation into the United States of a live organism of a species not in trade and proposed for importation into the United States shall screen the species in accordance with guidelines promulgated under subsection (b).
Delegation and authority
In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), if no agency has authority described in paragraph (1) or an agency delegates the screening to the Director under subsection (h), the Director shall screen the organisms in accordance with subsections (a) and (b).
United states fish and wildlife service
The Director may restrict or prohibit the importation of an organism of a species not in trade if—
no other Federal agency has authority to regulate the importation of the species in trade; and
the Director determines, based on an evaluation that is consistent with the screening requirements promulgated under subsection (g), that the species in trade has a high or moderate probability of an undesirable impact to an area within the boundaries of the United States or a contiguous area of a neighboring country, to which the species may be spread by human or natural means.
Multiple jurisdiction
In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), if more than 1 agency has jurisdiction over the importation of a live organism, the agencies shall conduct only 1 screening process in accordance with the memorandum of understanding described in subsection (f) (in consultation with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrator).
Cultured aquatic organisms
The Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct screening of organisms imported to be cultured.
Requirements
A Federal agency of jurisdiction, or the Director shall—
restrict or prohibit the importation into the United States from outside the United States of any species that is described in subsection (c)(2)(A);
prohibit the importation of any species described in subsection (c)(2)(B), unless the importation is for the sole purpose of research that is conducted in accordance with section 1202(f)(2); and
make a determination under this subsection not later than 180 days after receiving a complete request for permission to import a live aquatic species.
Memorandum of understanding
In general
The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the agencies of jurisdiction regarding the screening requirements of this section.
Contents
The memorandum of understanding shall contain, at a minimum—
a description of the relationship between and responsibilities of the agencies of jurisdiction, including a process designating a lead agency in cases in which multiple agencies may have jurisdiction over the screening of an aquatic species;
the process by which the Director will delegate screening duties to and receive delegation from other agencies of jurisdiction; and
the process by which agencies of jurisdiction and the Invasive Species Council will coordinate and share information required for the screening of species.
Screening requirements
The Director shall promulgate screening requirements consistent with the guidelines promulgated under subsection (b) to evaluate any planned live aquatic species importation (including an importation carried out by a Federal agency) from outside the borders of the United States into waters of the United States that is—
not otherwise subject to Federal authority to permit the importation; or
delegated to the Director by another agency of jurisdiction under subsection (h).
Delegation to Director
Any agency with authority over the planned importation of a live aquatic organism may delegate to the Director the screening process carried out under this section.
Catalog of species in trade
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Director of the United States Geological Survey and the Director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, in cooperation with agencies with jurisdiction over planned importations of live organisms, shall—
develop and, as necessary, update a catalog of species in trade; and
include the list in the information provided to the public pursuant to section 1102(f).
Review and revision
In general
At least once every 3 years, the Council, in conjunction with the Task Force, shall use research on early detection and monitoring under section 1106, among other information sources, to review and revise to the screening, guidelines, and process carried out under this section.
Report
The Invasive Species Council shall include in its report to Congress required pursuant to section 1201(f)(2)(B)—
an evaluation of the effectiveness of the screening processes carried out under this section;
the consistency of the application of the screening process by agencies; and
recommendations for revisions of the processes.
Prohibitions
In general
Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful to import a live aquatic organism of a species not in trade.
Penalties
Civil penalty
Any person that violates paragraph (1) shall be liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
Criminal penalties
Any person that knowingly violates paragraph (1) is guilty of a class C felony.
Fees
The head of any agency that has jurisdiction over a planned importation of a species subject to screening under this Act may increase the amount of any appropriate fee that is charged under an authority of law to offset the cost of any screening process carried out under this section.
Information
A Federal agency conducting a screening process under this section shall make the results of the process available to the public (including international organizations).
Effect on other laws
In general
Nothing in this section repeals, supercedes, or modifies any provision of Federal or State law relating to the screening process for aquatic species importation.
More protective laws
A State, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States may adopt an aquatic plant or animal importation law, regulation, or policy that requires a more protective screening process for aquatic species importation than the regulations and policies of this section.
.
Early detection
Subtitle B of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711 et seq.) (as amended by section 106) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Early detection and monitoring
In general
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, in conjunction with the Council, the Task Force shall (based on the standard protocol for early detection surveys developed under this title), promulgate a set of sampling protocols, a geographic plan, and budget to support a national system of ecological surveys to rapidly detect recently-established aquatic invasive species in waters of the United States.
Contents
The protocols, plan, and budget shall, at a minimum—
address a diversity of aquatic ecosystems of the United States (including inland and coastal waters);
encourage State, local, port, and tribal participation in monitoring;
balance scientific rigor with practicability, timeliness, and breadth of sampling activity;
considers the pathways and organisms identified under section 1210;
include a capacity to evaluate the impacts of permitted importations screened by the processes established under section 1105; and
include clear lines of communication with appropriate Federal, State, and regional rapid response authorities.
Implementation
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Director of the United States Geological Survey, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Administrator (in consultation with the Invasive Species Council and in coordination with other agencies and organizations) shall implement a national system of ecological surveys that is—
carried out in cooperation with State, local, port, tribal authorities, and other non-Federal entities (such as colleges and universities); and
based on the protocols, plan, and budget published under subsection (a) and any public comment.
.
Rapid response
Subtitle C of title I of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721 et seq.) (as amended by section 105) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Rapid response
Emergency Rapid Response Fund
Establishment
There is established in the Treasury of the
United States a revolving fund to assist States in implementing rapid response
measures for aquatic invasive species, to be known as the Emergency
Rapid Response Fund
(referred to in this subsection as the
Fund
), consisting of—
such amounts as are appropriated to the Fund under section 1301(g)(2)(A); and
any interest earned on investment of amounts in the Fund under paragraph (3).
Expenditures from fund
In general
Subject to subparagraph (C), on request by the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from the Fund to the Secretary of the Interior such amounts as the Secretary of the Interior determines are necessary to provide financial assistance to a State or the Federal rapid response team under subparagraph (B) to assist in implementing rapid response measures for aquatic invasive species.
State assistance
In general
A State may submit to the Secretary of the Interior an application for emergency response assistance from the Fund.
Approval
If the Secretary of the Interior approves an application submitted under clause (i), the Secretary shall use amounts provided to the Secretary under subparagraph (A)—
in a case in which a State has in effect a rapid response contingency strategy that is approved under subsection (b), to provide emergency response assistance to the State; and
in a case in which the State does not have a rapid response contingency strategy approved under subsection (b) in effect, to provide emergency response assistance to the Federal rapid response team established under subsection (f).
Additional funds
If additional amounts are needed for the conduct of emergency response activities in the State, the Secretary of the Interior may provide additional assistance to the State or Federal rapid response team under this paragraph.
Administrative expenses
An amount not to exceed 10 percent of the amounts in the Fund shall be available for each fiscal year to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this Act.
Investment of amounts
In general
The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current withdrawals.
Interest-bearing obligations
Investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States.
Acquisition of obligations
For the purpose of investments under subparagraph (A), obligations may be acquired—
on original issue at the issue price; or
by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market price.
Sale of obligations
Any obligation acquired by the Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at the market price.
Credits to Fund
The interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
Transfers of amounts
In general
The amounts required to be transferred to the Fund under this section shall be transferred at least monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Fund on the basis of estimates made by the Secretary of the Treasury.
Adjustments
Proper adjustment shall be made in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred.
State rapid response contingency strategies
The Task Force, in consultation with the Invasive Species Council, shall approve a rapid response contingency strategy of a State if the strategy—
identifies all key governmental and nongovernmental partners to be involved in carrying out the strategy;
clearly designates the authorities and responsibilities of each partner, including the authority of any State or government of an Indian tribe to distribute emergency funds;
specifies criteria for rapid response measures, including a diagnostic system that—
distinguishes cases in which rapid response has a likelihood of success and cases in which rapid response has no likelihood of success;
distinguishes rapid response measures from ongoing management and control of established populations of aquatic invasive species; and
distinguishes instances in which the rate and probability of organism dispersal is significantly altered by vessel movements;
includes an early detection strategy that supports or complements the early detection and monitoring system developed under section 1108;
provides for a monitoring capability to assess—
the extent of infestations; and
the effectiveness of rapid response efforts;
to the maximum extent practicable, is integrated into the State aquatic invasive species management plan approved under section 1204;
to the maximum extent practicable, includes rapid response tools that meet environmental criteria developed under subsection (f)(4);
includes a public education and outreach component directed at—
potential pathways for spread of aquatic invasive species; and
persons involved in industries and recreational activities associated with those pathways; and
to the extent that the strategy involves vessels, conforms with guidelines issued by the Secretary under subsection (d)(2).
Regional Rapid Response Contingency Strategies
The Task Force, with the concurrence of the Invasive Species Council and in consultation with the regional panels of the Task Force established under section 1203, shall encourage the development of regional rapid response contingency strategies that—
provide a consistent and coordinated approach to rapid response; and
are approved by—
the Secretary; and
the Governors and Indian tribes having jurisdiction over areas within a region.
Model Rapid Response Contingency Strategies
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006—
the Task Force, with the concurrence of the Invasive Species Council and the regional panels of the Task Force established under section 1203, shall develop—
a model State rapid response contingency strategy (including rapid assessment capability) for aquatic invasive species that meets, to the maximum extent practicable, the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (9) of subsection (b); and
a model regional rapid response contingency strategy (including rapid assessment capability) for aquatic invasive species; and
the Secretary, in concurrence with the Task Force and the regional panels of the Task Force, shall issue guidelines that describe vessel-related requirements that may be used in a rapid response contingency strategy approved under this section.
Cost sharing
State rapid response contingency strategies
The Federal share of the cost of activities carried out under a State rapid response contingency strategy approved under subsection (b) shall be not less than 50 percent.
Regional rapid response contingency strategies
The Federal share of the cost of activities carried out under a regional rapid response contingency strategy approved under subsection (c) shall be not less than 75 percent.
Form of non-federal share
The non-Federal share required under paragraph (1) or (2) may be in the form of in-kind contributions.
Federal rapid response teams
Establishment of teams
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Invasive Species Council, in coordination with the Task Force and the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, shall establish a Federal rapid response team for each of the 10 Federal regions that comprise the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System.
Duties of teams
Each Federal rapid response team shall, at a minimum—
implement rapid eradication or control responses for newly detected aquatic invasive species on Federal and tribal land;
carry out, or assist in carrying out, rapid responses for newly detected aquatic invasive species on non-Federal land at the request of a State, Indian tribe, or group of States or Indian tribes;
provide training and expertise for State, tribal, or regional rapid responders;
provide central sources of information for rapid responders;
maintain a list of researchers and rapid response volunteers; and
in carrying out any rapid response activity with respect to an aquatic noxious weed listed under section 412(f) of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7712(f)), include representatives of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Criteria for identifying cases of rapid response warranting federal assistance
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Task Force, with the concurrence of the Invasive Species Council, shall develop criteria to identify cases warranting Federal assistance for rapid assessment and response under this subsection, including indicative criteria relating to, at a minimum—
the extent to which infestations of aquatic invasive species may be managed successfully by rapid response;
the extent to which rapid response efforts may differ from ongoing management and control; and
the extent to which infestations of nonindigenous aquatic invasive species are considered to be an acute or chronic threat to—
biodiversity of native aquatic organisms;
habitats of native fish and wildlife; or
human health.
Environmental criteria
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Administrator, in consultation with the Invasive Species Council, the Secretary of Transportation, the Task Force (including regional panels of the Task Force established under section 1203), the Director, and the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service, shall develop environmental criteria to minimize nontarget environmental impacts of rapid responses carried out pursuant to this section.
.
Environmental soundness
Section 1202 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4722) is amended—
by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as subsections (l) and (m), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (i) the following:
Improvement of treatment methods for aquatic Invasive Species
Criteria to evaluate environmental soundness of treatment methods
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, the Invasive Species Council, and the Task Force (including any regional panels of the Task Force) shall promulgate criteria to evaluate the treatment methods described in subparagraph (B) for the purpose of ensuring that the treatment methods pose no significant threat of adverse effect on human health, public safety, or the environment (including air quality and the aquatic environment) that is acute, chronic, cumulative, or collective.
Treatment methods
The treatment methods referred to in subparagraph (A) are all mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, and other treatment methods used in bodies of water of the United States (regardless of whether the bodies of water are navigable and regardless of the origin of the waters), to prevent, treat, or respond to the introduction of aquatic invasive species.
Consultation
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall consult with—
the Secretary of Transportation;
the Task Force (including the regional panels of the Task Force established under section 1203);
the Director;
the Assistant Secretary;
the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service; and
relevant State agencies.
Publication of information on environmentally sound treatment methods
The Administrator, in consultation with the Invasive Species Council, shall publish (not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006) and update annually—
a list of environmentally sound treatment methods that may apply to a potential aquatic invasive species response effort;
accompanying research that supports the environmental soundness of each approved treatment method; and
explicit guidelines under which each treatment method can be used in an environmentally sound manner.
Reports
The Invasive Species Council and Task Force shall include the information described in paragraph (2) in the reports submitted under section 1201(f)(2)(B).
.
Information, education, and outreach
Section 1202(h) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4722(h)) is amended—
by striking (h)
Education.—The
Task Force
and inserting the following:
Information, education, and outreach
In general
The Task Force
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Activities
In general
The programs carried out under paragraph (1) shall include the activities described in this paragraph.
Public outreach
Public warnings
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act of 2006, each Federal officer of an agency that provides Federal funds to States for building or maintaining public access points to United States water bodies shall amend the guidelines of the agency, in consultation with relevant State agencies, to encourage the posting of regionally-specific public warnings or other suitable informational and educational materials at the access points regarding—
the danger of spread of aquatic invasive species through the transport of recreational watercraft; and
methods for removing organisms prior to transporting a watercraft.
Cleaning of watercraft at marinas
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act of 2006, the Under Secretary and the Director (in cooperation with the Task Force and in consultation with the States, relevant industry groups, and Indian tribes) shall develop an education, outreach, and training program directed toward marinas and marina operators regarding—
checking watercraft for live organisms;
removing live organisms from the watercraft before the watercraft are commercially or recreationally trailered;
encouraging regular hull cleaning and maintenance, avoiding in-water hull cleaning; and
other activities, as identified by the Secretary.
Proper disposal of nonindigenous live aquatic organisms in trade
The Task Force shall—
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act of 2006, develop (in consultation with industry and other affected parties) guidelines for proper disposal of live nonindigenous aquatic organisms in trade; and
use the guidelines in appropriate public information and outreach efforts.
100th meridian program
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act of 2006, the Task Force shall expand the information and education program directed at recreational boaters in States from which watercraft are transported westward across the 100th meridian.
Activities
In carrying out the program, the task force shall—
survey owners of watercraft transported westward across the 100th meridian to determine the States of origin of most such owners;
provide information directly to watercraft owners concerning the importance of cleaning watercraft carrying live organisms before transporting the watercraft; and
support education and information programs of the States of origin to ensure that the State programs address westward spread.
Information and education program by national park service
The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, shall develop a program to provide public outreach and other educational activities to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by recreational watercraft in parkland or through events sponsored by the National Park Service.
Outreach to industry
The Task Force, in conjunction with the Invasive Species Council, shall carry out activities to inform and promote voluntary cooperation and regulatory compliance by members of the national and international maritime, horticultural, aquarium, aquaculture, pet trade, and other appropriate industries with screening, monitoring, and control of the transportation of aquatic invasive species.
Public access to monitoring information
The Task Force, the Invasive Species Council, and other relevant agencies, shall maintain information on the Internet regarding—
the best approaches for the public and private interests to use in assisting with national early detection and monitoring of aquatic invasive species in waters of the United States;
contact locations for joining a national network of monitoring stations;
approved State Management Plans under section 1204(a) and Rapid Response Contingency Strategies under subsections (b) and (c) of section 1211; and
the list of potential invaders under section 1201(a)(4).
.
Ecological and pathway research
In general
The administering agencies shall develop and conduct a marine and fresh-water research program which shall include ecological and pathway surveys and experimentation to detect nonnative aquatic species in aquatic ecosystems and to assess rates and patterns of introductions of nonnative aquatic species in aquatic ecosystems. The goal of this marine and freshwater research program shall be to support efforts to prevent the introduction of, detect, and eradicate invasive species through informing early detection and rapid response efforts, informing relevant policy decisions, and assessing the effectiveness of implemented policies to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. Surveys and experiments under this subsection shall be commenced not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
Protocol development
The administering agencies shall establish standardized protocols for conducting ecological and pathway surveys of nonnative aquatic species under subsection (a) that are integrated and produce comparable data. Protocols shall, as practicable, be integrated with existing protocols and data collection methods. In developing the protocols under this subsection, the administering agencies shall draw on the recommendations gathered at the workshop under subsection (g). The protocols shall be peer reviewed, and revised as necessary. Protocols shall be completed within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
Ecological and pathway survey requirements
Each ecological survey conducted under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum—
document baseline ecological information of the aquatic ecosystem including, to the extent practicable, a comprehensive inventory of native species, nonnative species, and species of unknown origin present in the ecosystem, as well as the chemical and physical characteristics of the water and underlying substrate;
for nonnative species, gather information to assist in identifying their life history, environmental requirements and tolerances, the historic range of their native ecosystems, and their history of spreading from their native ecosystems;
track the establishment of nonnative species including information about the estimated abundance of nonnative organisms in order to allow an analysis of the probable date of introduction of the species; and
identify the likely pathway of entry of nonnative species.
Each pathway survey conducted under this section shall, at a minimum—
identify what nonnative aquatic species are being introduced or may be introduced through the pathways under consideration;
determine the quantities of organisms being introduced through the pathways under consideration; and
determine the practices that contributed to or could contribute to the introduction of nonnative aquatic species through the pathway under consideration.
Number and location of survey sites
The administering agencies shall designate the number and location of survey sites necessary to carry out marine and freshwater research required under this section. In establishing sites under this subsection or subsection (e), emphasis shall be on the geographic diversity of sites, as well as the diversity of the human uses and biological characteristics of sites.
Competitive grant program
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Geological Survey shall jointly administer a program to award competitive, peer-reviewed grants to academic institutions, State agencies, and other appropriate groups, in order to assist in carrying out subsection (a), and shall include to the maximum extent practicable diverse institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and those serving large proportions of Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, or other underrepresented populations.
Ship pathway surveys
Section 1102(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4712(b)(2)(B)(ii)) is amended to read as follows:
examine other potential modes for the introduction of nonnative aquatic species by ship, including hull fouling.
.
Workshop
In order to support the development of the protocols and design for the surveys under subsections (b) and (c), and to determine how to obtain consistent, comparable data across a range of ecosystems, the administering agencies shall convene at least 1 workshop with appropriate researchers and representatives involved in the management of aquatic invasive species from Federal and State agencies and academic institutions to gather recommendations. The administering agencies shall make the results of the workshop widely available to the public. The workshop shall be held within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Experimentation
The administering agencies shall conduct research to identify the relationship between the introduction and establishment of nonnative aquatic species, including those legally introduced, and the circumstances necessary for those species to become invasive.
National pathway and ecological surveys database
In general
The United States Geological Survey shall develop, maintain, and update, in consultation and cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution (acting through the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Task Force, a central, national database of information concerning information collected under this section.
Requirements
The database shall—
be widely available to the public;
be updated not less than once a quarter;
be coordinated with existing databases, both domestic and foreign, collecting similar information; and
be, to the maximum extent practicable, formatted such that the data is useful for both researchers and Federal and State employees managing relevant invasive species programs.
Analysis
Invasion analysis
In general
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every year thereafter, the administering agencies shall analyze data collected under section 5 and other relevant research on the rates and patterns of invasions by aquatic invasive species in waters of the United States. The purpose of this analysis shall be to use the data collected under section 5 and other relevant research to support efforts to prevent the introduction of, detect, and eradicate invasive species through informing early detection and rapid response efforts, informing relevant policy decisions, and assessing the effectiveness of implemented policies to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.
Contents
The analysis required under paragraph (1) shall include with respect to aquatic invasive species—
an analysis of pathways, including—
identifying, and characterizing as high, medium, or low risk, pathways regionally and nationally;
identifying new and expanding pathways;
identifying handling practices that contribute to the introduction of species in pathways; and
assessing the risk that species legally introduced into the United States pose for introduction into aquatic ecosystems;
patterns and rates of invasion and susceptibility to invasion of various bodies of water;
how the risk of establishment through a pathway is related to the identity and number of organisms transported;
rates of spread and numbers and types of pathways of spread of new populations of the aquatic invasive species and an estimation of the potential spread and distribution of newly introduced invasive species based on their environmental requirements and historical distribution;
documentation of factors that influence an ecosystem’s vulnerability to a nonnative aquatic species becoming invasive;
a description of the potential for, and impacts of, pathway management programs on invasion rates;
recommendations for improvements in the effectiveness of pathway management;
to the extent practical, a determination of the level of reduction in live organisms of various taxonomic groups required to reduce the risk of establishment to receiving aquatic ecosystems to an acceptable level; and
an evaluation of the effectiveness of management actions (including any standard) at preventing nonnative species introductions and establishment.
Research to assess the potential of the establishment of introduced species
Within 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the administering agencies shall develop a profile, based on the general characteristics of invasive species and vulnerable ecosystems, in order to predict, to the extent practical, whether a species planned for importation is likely to invade a particular aquatic ecosystem if introduced. In developing the profile, the above agencies shall analyze the research conducted under section 5, and other research as necessary, to determine general species and ecosystem characteristics (taking into account the opportunity for introduction into any ecosystem) and circumstances that can lead to establishment. Based on the profile, the Task Force shall make recommendations to the Invasive Species Council as to what planned importations of nonnative aquatic organisms should be restricted. This profile shall be peer-reviewed.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated for carrying out this section and section 5 of this Act, and section 1102(b)(2) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4712(b)(2)) for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010—
$4,000,000 for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center;
$11,000,000 for the United States Geological Survey (including activities through the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Program), of which $6,500,000 shall be for the grant program under section 5(e), and of which $500,000 shall be for developing, maintaining, and updating the database under section 5(i); and
$10,500,000 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, of which $6,500,000 shall be for the grant program under section 5(e).
Dissemination
In general
The Invasive Species Council, in coordination with the Task Force and the administering agencies, shall be responsible for disseminating the information collected under this Act to the public, including Federal, State, and local entities, relevant policymakers, and private researchers with responsibility over or interest in aquatic invasive species.
Report to Congress
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Invasive Species Council shall report actions and findings under section 6 to the Congress, and shall update this report once every 3 years thereafter, or more often as necessary.
Response strategy
The Invasive Species Council, in coordination with the Task Force, the administering agencies, and other appropriate Federal and State agencies, shall develop and implement a national strategy for how information collected under this Act will be shared with Federal, State, and local entities with responsibility for determining response to the introduction of potentially invasive aquatic species, to enable those entities to better and more rapidly respond to such introductions.
Pathway practices
The Invasive Species Council, in coordination with the Task Force and the administering agencies, shall disseminate information to, and develop an ongoing educational program for, pathway users (including vendors and customers) on how their practices could be modified to prevent the intentional or unintentional introduction of nonnative aquatic species into aquatic ecosystems.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010 $500,000 for the Invasive Species Council for carrying out this section.
Technology development, demonstration, and verification
Environmentally sound technology development, demonstration, and verification
Grant program
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, acting through the Office of Research and Development, in consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers, the administering agencies, and the Task Force, shall develop and begin administering a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration, and verification of environmentally sound cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate aquatic invasive species.
Purposes
Proposals funded under this subsection shall—
seek to support Federal, State, or local officials’ ongoing efforts to control and eradicate aquatic invasive species in an environmentally sound manner;
increase the number of environmentally sound technologies or methods Federal, State, or local officials may use to control or eradicate aquatic invasive species;
provide for demonstration or dissemination of the technology or method to potential end-users; and
verify that any technology or method meets any appropriate criteria developed for effectiveness and environmental soundness by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Preference
The Administrator shall give preference to proposals that will likely meet any appropriate criteria developed for environmental soundness by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Merit review
Grants shall be awarded under this subsection through a competitive, peer-reviewed process.
Report
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall prepare and submit a report to Congress on the program conducted under this subsection. The report shall include findings and recommendations of the Administrator with regard to technologies and methods.
Ship pathway technology demonstration
Reauthorization of program
Section 1301(e) of
the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16
U.S.C. 4741(e)) is amended by striking $2,500,000
and inserting
$7,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through
2010
.
Expansion of program
Section 1104(b) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4714(b)) is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:
Additional purposes
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce may also demonstrate and verify technologies under this subsection to monitor and control pathways of organism transport on ships other than through ballast water.
.
Criteria and workshop
Section 1104 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4714) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
Criteria
When issuing grants under this section, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall give preference to those technologies that will likely meet the criteria laid out in any testing protocol developed by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development’s Environmental Technology Verification Program.
Workshop
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall hold an annual workshop of principal investigators funded under this section and researchers conducting research directly related to ship pathway technology development, for information exchange, and shall make the proceedings widely available to the public.
.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010 $2,500,000 for the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out subsection (a).
Research to support the setting and implementation of ship pathway standards
Research program
The Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Task Force, and other appropriate Federal agencies and academic researchers, shall develop a coordinated research program to support the promulgation and implementation of standards to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by ships that shall include—
characterizing physical, chemical, and biological harbor conditions relevant to ballast discharge into United States waters to inform the design and implementation of ship vector control technologies and practices;
developing testing protocols for determining the effectiveness of vector monitoring and control technologies and practices;
researching and demonstrating methods for mitigating the spread of invasive species by coastal voyages, including exploring the effectiveness of alternative exchange zones in the near coastal areas and other methods proposed to reduce transfers of organisms;
verifying the practical effectiveness of any type approval process to ensure that the process produces repeatable and accurate assessments of treatment effectiveness; and
evaluating the effectiveness and residual risk and environmental impacts associated with any standard set with respect to the ship pathway through experimental research.
Working group
Not later than 2 years after the issuance by the Coast Guard of any standard relating to the introduction by ships of invasive species, the Coast Guard shall convene a working group including the Environmental Protection Agency, the administering agencies, and other appropriate Federal and State agencies and academic researchers, to evaluate the effectiveness of that standard and accompanying implementation protocols. The duties of the working group shall, at a minimum, include—
reviewing the effectiveness of the standard in reducing the establishment of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems, taking into consideration the data collected under section 5; and
developing recommendations to the Coast Guard for the revision of such standard and type approval process to ensure effectiveness in reducing introductions and accurate shipboard monitoring of treatment performance that is simple and streamlined, which shall be made widely available to the public.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010 $1,500,000 for the Coast Guard and $1,500,000 for the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out subsection (a).
Research in systematics and taxonomy
In general
The National Science Foundation shall establish a program to award grants to researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry out research programs in systematics and taxonomy.
Goals
The goals of the program under this section are to—
encourage scientists to pursue careers in systematics and taxonomy to ensure a continuing knowledge base in these disciplines;
ensure that there will be adequate expertise in systematics and taxonomy to support Federal, State, and local needs to identify species;
develop this expertise throughout the United States with an emphasis on regional diversity; and
draw on existing expertise in systematics and taxonomy at institutions of higher education and museums to train the next generation of systematists and taxonomists.
Criteria
Grants shall be awarded under this section on a merit-reviewed competitive basis. Emphasis shall be placed on funding proposals in a diverse set of ecosystems and geographic locations, and, when applicable, integrated with the United States Long Term Ecological Research Network. Preference shall be given to proposals that will include student participation, and to institutions and museums that actively train students to become experts in taxonomy and systematics.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation for carrying out this section $2,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010.
State programs
Plan
The administering agencies, in cooperation with the appropriate State agencies, shall develop a plan to—
conduct a survey of methods States and Federal agencies are using to control or eradicate aquatic invasive species;
facilitate the exchange of information among States and Federal agencies on methods States or Federal agencies have found to be effective at controlling or eradicating aquatic invasive species and the costs of those methods; and
evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the various methods States and Federal agencies are using to control or eradicate aquatic invasive species.
Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the administering agencies shall jointly transmit to the Congress the plan described in subsection (a) and the expected costs of carrying out the plan.
Program coordination
Membership of Task Force
Section 1201(b) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721) is amended—
in paragraph (6), by striking
and
at the end;
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (12); and
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
the Director of the United States Geological Survey;
the Director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center;
the Secretary of State;
the Secretary of Transportation;
the Secretary of Homeland Security; and
.
Coordination with Invasive Species Council
Section 1201(f) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721(f)) is amended—
by striking Each Task Force
member
and inserting the following:
In general
Each member of the Task Force
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Invasive Species Council
The Invasive Species Council shall—
coordinate and cooperate with the Task Force in carrying out the duties of the Invasive Species Council relating to aquatic invasive species;
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, and every 3 years thereafter, submit to Congress a report that summarizes the status of the conduct of activities authorized by and required under this Act; and
establish any regional panels or task forces in coordination with the regional panels of the Task Force convened under section 1203.
.
Coordination with other programs
Section 1202(c) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4722(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Recommendations for lists
In general
The Task Force shall annually recommend to Federal agencies of jurisdiction such additions of aquatic invasive species as the Task Force determines to be appropriate for inclusion on—
any list of species of wildlife covered by section 42 of title 18, United States Code (including regulations); or
any list of noxious weeds under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) (including regulations promulgated under that Act contained in part 360 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations)).
Process
The Task Force may use the screening process developed pursuant to section 1105 to identify species pursuant to subparagraph (A).
.
Regional coordination
Section 1203 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4723) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Annual Inter-Regional meeting
The Task Force shall annually convene all regional panels established pursuant to this Act for the purpose of information transfer between and among panels, and between the panels and the Task Force, regarding aquatic invasive species management.
Organizations
In general
An interstate organization that has a Federal charter authorized by law or executive order for purposes of fisheries or natural resource management may develop and implement—
regional aquatic invasive species management plans; and
rapid response activities that are—
requested by the Governors of the member States of the organization; and
consistent with any relevant State aquatic invasive species management plans.
Funds
The interstate organization may receive funds under this Act to implement activities under the regional aquatic invasive species management plan of the organization.
.
State aquatic Invasive Species management plans
Section 1204(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4724(a)) is amended—
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following:
, including, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Task Force under paragraph (5)—
rapid assessment and response contingency strategies under section 1211;
early detection strategies under section 1211(b)(4);
aquatic plant control programs conducted pursuant to other laws; and
screening of planned introductions pursuant to section 1105
; and
in subparagraph (D), by inserting
include
after (D)
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Guidelines
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Task Force shall amend the guidelines of the Task Force for the development of plans under this subsection, including guidelines for reporting progress in implementing the plans, to encourage consistency in implementation of and reporting under those plans.
Guidelines
The guidelines published under subparagraph (A) shall include, for the purpose of paragraph (2)(A), guidelines concerning—
rapid response contingency strategies under section 1211;
early detection strategies under section 1211(b)(4);
aquatic plant control programs conducted pursuant to other laws;
screening of planned introductions pursuant to section 1105; and
the review and revision of requirements of this subsection and the reapproval process under this subsection.
Relationship to other plans
In general
A plan approved under paragraph (4) shall be deemed to meet any State planning requirement of the program established under section 104 of the River and Harbor Act of 1958 (33 U.S.C. 610) for a plan to control noxious aquatic plant growths.
Enforcement
Funds provided to States for implementation of plans pursuant to section 1204 may be used by States to enforce requirements relating to aquatic invasive species under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) (including regulations promulgated under that Act contained in part 360 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations)).
Eligibility of existing plans
A plan approved under this section as of the day immediately before the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006 shall be eligible to receive a grant awarded under this section.
Review and revision
In general
Each State shall periodically review and, as necessary, revise the management plan of the State in accordance with guidelines of the Task Force.
Update of existing plans
A plan approved under this section as of the day immediately before the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006 shall be updated after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006 to conform to the guidelines published under paragraph (5).
Other State Management Plans
In addition to the management plans required under this subsection, the Director shall encourage each State to develop and implement new, and expand existing, State management plans to improve State actions to prevent and control aquatic invasive species.
.
Grant Program
Section 1204(b)(1) of
the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990
(16 U.S.C.
4724(b)(1)) is amended by striking subsection (a) for
the implementation of those plans.
and inserting the
following:
subsection (a)—
to develop those plans with a total amount that does not exceed 10 percent of the amounts made available for grants under this section for each fiscal year; and
to implement those plans.
.
International coordination
In general
Subtitle E of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4751 et seq.) is amended—
by striking the subtitle heading and inserting the following:
Administration
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
International coordination
In general
The Task Force, the Invasive Species Council, and the Secretary of State shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that international efforts to prevent, detect, monitor, assess, and control aquatic invasive species (including through the International Maritime Organization, the International Convention on the Exploration of the Sea, the Global Invasive Species Program, and other appropriate programs) are coordinated with policies of the United States established by this Act.
Coordination with neighboring countries
In general
The Task Force, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall include in the report required by section 1202(m) a description of the means by which international agreements and regulations with countries that share a border with the United States will be implemented and enforced by Federal agencies (including a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of those agencies).
Negotiations
As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Secretary of State may enter into negotiations with—
Canada to issue a request that the International Joint Commission, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of that Act, review, research, conduct hearings on, and submit to the parties represented on the International Joint Commission a report that describes the success of current policies of governments in the United States and Canada having jurisdiction over the Great Lakes in anticipating and preventing biological invasions of the aquatic ecosystem in the Great Lakes, including—
an analysis of current Federal, State or Provincial, local, and international laws, enforcement practices, and agreements;
an analysis of prevention efforts relating to all likely pathways for biological invasions of the aquatic ecosystem in the Great Lakes; and
recommendations of the International Joint Commission for means by which to improve and harmonize the policies and enforcement practices referred to in clause (i); and
Mexico, to ensure coordination of efforts of the United States with efforts of Mexico to manage invasive species established in the United States-Mexico border region.
.
Authorization of appropriations
Section 1301 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4741) is amended to read as follows:
Authorization of appropriations
In general
Except as otherwise provided in this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
Task Force and aquatic Invasive Species Program
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011—
$8,000,000, to carry out activities of the Task Force under section 1202, of which—
$4,000,000 shall be used by the Director;
$3,000,000 shall be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
$1,000,000 shall be used by the Invasive Species Council;
$30,000,000, to provide grants under section 1204(b);
$3,000,000, to provide assistance to the regional panels of the Task Force; and
$1,000,000, to be used by the Director to carry out section 1105(g).
International coordination
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of State to carry out section 1403 $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
Prevention of introduction by vessels of aquatic Invasive Species into waters of the United States
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011—
$6,000,000, to be used by the Secretary to carry out section 1101;
$2,500,000, to be used by the Administrator to carry out section 1101; and
$2,750,000, to be used by the Task Force to carry out section 1101, of which—
$1,500,000 shall be used by the Director; and
$1,250,000 shall be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Prevention of the introduction by nonvessel pathways of aquatic Invasive Species into waters of the United States
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011—
$5,000,000, to carry out the priority pathway management program under section 1210, of which—
$2,000,000 shall be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
$3,000,000 shall be used by the Director;
$1,000,000, to be used by the Invasive Species Council to establish screening guidelines under section 1105(b); and
$3,500,000, to be used by the Director to promulgate and implement screening requirements under section 1105(g).
Early detection and monitoring
There is authorized to be appropriated, to carry out early detection, monitoring, and survey planning and implementation under section 1106, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 and 2008 and $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, of which—
for each of fiscal years 2007 and 2008—
$1,000,000 shall be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
$1,000,000 shall be used by the Director; and
for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011—
$5,000,000 shall be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
$5,000,000 shall be used by the Director.
Containment and control
Rapid response
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011—
$25,000,000, to the Emergency Rapid Response Fund established under section 1211(a), to remain available until expended;
$1,000,000, to be used by the Invasive Species Council in developing the State and regional rapid response contingency strategy under section 1211; and
$1,500,000, to be used for Federal rapid response teams under section 1211(f), of which—
$500,000 shall be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
$1,000,000 shall be used by the Director.
Environmental soundness
There is authorized to be appropriated for establishment under section 1202(j) of criteria for the improvement of treatment methods for aquatic invasive species $600,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
Information, education and outreach
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011—
$500,000, to be used by the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the information and education program under section 1202(h)(2)(D);
$750,000, to be used by the Director in carrying out the 100th meridian program under section 1202(h)(2)(C);
$2,000,000, to be used to carry out informational and educational activities of the Task Force under section 1202(h), of which—
$1,000,000 shall be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
$1,000,000 shall be used by the Director; and
$500,000, to be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out section 1202(h)(2)(B)(ii).
.
Conforming amendments
In general
The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 is amended—
in section 1102 (16 U.S.C. 4712)—
in subsection (a), by striking the subsection heading and inserting the following:
Studies on introduction of aquatic Invasive Species by vessels
; and
in subsection (b)—
by striking paragraph (1); and
by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively;
in subtitle C (16 U.S.C. 4721 et seq.), by striking the subtitle heading and inserting the following:
Prevention and control of aquatic Invasive Species dispersal
;
in section 1201(a) (16 U.S.C.
4721(a)), by striking Nuisance Species
and
inserting Invasive Species
;
in section 1202 (16 U.S.C. 4722), by striking the section heading and inserting the following:
Aquatic Invasive Species Program
;
in section 1204 (16 U.S.C. 4724), by striking the section heading and inserting the following:
State aquatic Invasive Species management plans
;
and
by striking aquatic nuisance
species
each place it appears and inserting aquatic invasive
species
.
Short title
Section 1001 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701) is amended by
striking Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance
and inserting
Nonindigenous Aquatic Invasive Species
.
References
Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 shall be deemed to be a reference to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Control Act of 1990.
Asian carp prevention and control
Addition of species of carp to the list of injurious species that are prohibited from being imported or shipped
Section
42(a)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
Dreissena polymorpha;
the following: of the black carp of
the species Mylopharyngodon piceus; of the bighead carp of the species
Hypophthalmichthys nobilis; of the silver carp of the species
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix; of the largescale silver carp of the species
Hypophthalmichthys harmandi;
.
Dispersal barriers
Section 1202 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4722) (as amended by section 109) is amended—
in subsection (i)(3)(C), by striking
, to carry out this paragraph, $750,000
and inserting
such sums as are necessary to carry out this paragraph
;
and
by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
National dispersal barrier Program
Chicago river ship and sanitary canal dispersal barrier project
Existing barrier
The Assistant Secretary shall upgrade and make permanent, at full Federal expense, the existing Chicago sanitary and ship canal dispersal barrier in Chicago, Illinois, constructed as a demonstration project under subsection (i)(3).
New barrier
Notwithstanding the project cooperation agreement with the State of Illinois dated November 21, 2003, the Secretary shall construct, at full Federal expense, the Chicago sanitary and ship canal dispersal barrier authorized by section 345 of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108–335; 118 Stat. 1352).
Operation and maintenance
The Chicago sanitary and ship canal dispersal barriers described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be operated and maintained as a system by the Corps of Engineers, at full Federal expense, in such a manner as the Chief Engineer determines optimizes the effectiveness of the barriers.
Credit
In general
The Assistant Secretary shall provide to each State a credit in an amount equal to the amount of funds contributed by the State toward the authorized dispersal barriers described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
Use of credit
A State may apply a credit received under clause (i) to any existing or future project of the Corps of Engineers in that State.
Feasibility study of chicago river ship and sanitary canal
In general
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with appropriate Federal, State, local, and non-governmental entities, shall conduct a feasibility study of the full range of options available to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species through the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal dispersal barrier.
Matters to be studied
The study shall—
provide recommendations concerning additional measures and long-term measures necessary to improve the performance of the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal dispersal barrier; and
examine methods and measures necessary to achieve—
100 percent efficacy of the barrier with respect to aquatic invasive species of fish; and
maximum efficacy of the barrier with respect to other taxa of aquatic invasive species.
Monitoring Program
Establishment
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Secretary of the Interior shall establish an interbasin and intrabasin monitoring program.
Required elements
The monitoring program shall—
track aquatic invasive species moving through—
the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal;
the Lake Champlain Canal;
other interbasin waterways; and
major river systems (such as the Mississippi River), as recommended by regional panels convened under section 1203, in which interbasin transfers of aquatic invasive species have been shown to pose a significant threat to fish and wildlife resources;
assess the efficacy of dispersal barriers and other measures in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through the waterways; and
identify waterways suitable for dispersal barrier demonstration projects, in addition to the waterways at which dispersal barrier demonstration projects were carried out before the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006.
Reports
The Secretary of the Interior shall issue biennial reports describing the findings of the monitoring program.
Prevention and mitigation plans for corps projects
In developing projects involving interbasin waterways or other hydrologic alterations that could create pathways for aquatic invasive species, the Assistant Secretary shall develop adequate prevention and mitigation plans for controlling the dispersal of the aquatic invasive species.
Technical assistance
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, acting through the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, shall provide technical assistance to appropriate entities to assist in the research conducted under this subsection.
Additional waterways
The Assistant Secretary, with the concurrence of the Administrator, and other relevant Federal agencies, shall—
identify additional waterways suitable for the construction of new dispersal barriers (based on the monitoring program established under paragraph (2));
determine the feasibility of a dispersal barrier project at the Lake Champlain Canal and in the Upper Mississippi River and, if feasible, establish a plan for a dispersal barrier at the Lake Champlain Canal and in the Upper Mississippi River; and
construct, maintain, and operate such dispersal barriers as necessary.
Reports
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2006, the Assistant Secretary and the Director shall jointly submit to Congress a report that describes—
the efficacy of the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal dispersal barrier project; and
a plan to provide for additional dispersal barrier demonstration projects and related research projects.
.
National Invasive Species Council
Definitions
In this subtitle:
Council
The term Council means the National Invasive Species Council established by section 133(a).
Invasive species
The term invasive species means a species—
that is nonnative to an ecosystem; and
the introduction of which to that ecosystem causes or may cause harm to the environment, the economy, or human health.
National Management Plan
The term National Management Plan means the National Invasive Species Management Plan developed by the Council under section 135(a).
Species
The term species means a category of taxonomic classification that—
ranks below a genus or subgenus; and
consists of related organisms capable of interbreeding.
Limitation on Federal actions
In general
No Federal agency may authorize, fund, or carry out any action that would likely cause or promote the introduction or spread of an invasive species in the United States or any other location, unless the head of the Federal agency, at the sole discretion of the head of the agency and in accordance with guidelines developed under subsection (b), determines that—
the benefits of the action under consideration clearly outweigh the potential harm to the environment, the economy, and human health caused by the introduction or spread of the invasive species; and
all feasible and practical measures to minimize risk of harm to the environment, the economy, and human health will be taken in carrying out the action.
Guidelines
The Council on Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the Council, shall develop guidelines for Federal agencies to use in analyzing actions under subsection (a).
National Invasive Species Council
Establishment
In general
There is established, as an independent entity in the executive branch, the National Invasive Species Council.
Duties
The Council shall provide leadership and coordination among Federal agencies and between the Federal Government and State and local governments, with respect to efforts—
to minimize the environmental, economic, and human health effects caused by invasive species; and
to reduce the threat of further invasions of invasive species.
Membership
In general
The Council shall consist of—
the Secretary of the Interior;
the Secretary of Agriculture;
the Secretary of Commerce;
the Secretary of State;
the Secretary of the Treasury;
the Secretary of Defense;
the Secretary of Transportation;
the Secretary of Health and Human Services;
the Administrator;
the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development; and
such additional members as are appointed under paragraph (2).
Additional members
With the concurrence of a majority of the members of the Council, the chairperson of the Council may appoint additional members to the Council from among individuals who are officers or employees of the Federal Government with significant responsibilities concerning invasive species.
Chairperson
Initial chairperson
The Secretary of the Interior shall serve as chairperson of the Council for the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.
Subsequent chairpersons
After the initial 3-year period described in paragraph (1), the chairperson shall rotate every 3 years among the following members, in the following order:
The Secretary of Agriculture.
The Secretary of Commerce.
The Secretary of the Interior.
Meetings
The Council shall meet at the call of the chairperson, but not less often than semiannually.
Executive Director
Appointment
The President shall appoint the Executive Director of the Council, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Consultation
Before appointing an individual under paragraph (1), the President shall consult with—
the Secretary of the Interior;
the Secretary of Agriculture; and
the Secretary of Commerce.
Qualifications
An individual appointed as Executive Director of the Council shall have—
legal or scientific experience and training in the area of natural resources, ecology, or agriculture; and
experience in dealing with public policy matters concerning aquatic and terrestrial invasive species.
Term
The Executive Director of the Council shall serve for a term of 6 years.
Compensation
The Executive Director shall be paid at the maximum rate of basic pay prescribed for level GS–15 of the General Schedule.
Duties
In general
The Council shall ensure that the efforts of Federal agencies concerning invasive species are coordinated, effective, complementary, and cost-efficient.
Duties
To carry out subsection (a), the Council shall—
coordinate with other organizations addressing invasive species (such as the Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds, the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force established under section 1201 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721), regional panels established under that Act, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) to implement the National Management Plan;
develop recommendations for international cooperation between the Federal Government, State governments, and foreign countries on tools, policies, and methods to prevent the introduction and export of invasive species into and from, respectively, the United States;
develop guidelines for Federal agency efforts to ensure that Federal programs concerning invasive species, including outreach programs, are coordinated with State, local, and tribal governments;
develop, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), guidance for Federal agencies on prevention, control, and eradication of invasive species;
establish and maintain a publicly accessible, coordinated, up-to-date information sharing system on invasive species that—
allows the access to and exchange of information among Federal agencies and the public; and
uses the Internet to the maximum extent practicable;
ensure that Federal agencies implement the plans, programs, and policies adopted by the Council in the National Management Plan through appropriate actions, including working in cooperation with Federal agencies on development of budgets for the annual submission by the President to Congress of the budget of the Federal Government under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code;
evaluate Federal programs that are likely to cause or promote the introduction or spread of invasive species in the United States; and
recommend actions Federal agencies can take to minimize the risk of introductions or further spread of invasive species; and
develop and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget an annual list of priorities, ranked in high, medium, and low categories, of Federal efforts and programs in prevention, eradication, control, and monitoring of, and research and outreach concerning, invasive species.
National Invasive Species Management Plan
Development
In general
The Council shall develop a National Invasive Species Management Plan that details and recommends performance-oriented goals and specific measures of success for carrying out activities by Federal agencies relating to invasive species.
Development process
The National Management Plan shall be developed through a public process and in consultation with Federal agencies, appropriate State and local entities, and other appropriate stakeholders.
Contents
The National Management Plan shall include recommendations of effective, cost-efficient, environmentally sound, and science-based approaches for—
preventing the introduction of invasive species, including approaches for identifying pathways by which invasive species are introduced and for minimizing the risk of introductions via those pathways, which recommended approaches shall provide for—
a process to evaluate risks associated with the introduction and spread of invasive species; and
a coordinated and systematic risk-based process to identify, monitor, and interdict pathways that may be involved in the introduction of invasive species;
cooperating with other countries to increase their capacity—
to control invasive species; and
to prevent the spread of invasive species across international borders;
rapidly detecting and responding to incipient invasions of invasive species;
managing new and established populations of invasive species by—
eradicating the invasive species; or
controlling the spread of the invasive species;
accurately and reliably monitoring new and established populations of invasive species;
restoring native species and habitat conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded by invasive species;
conducting research on the matters referred to in subparagraphs (A) through (F);
evaluating and documenting the effects of invasive species on the environment, the economy, and human health;
developing technologies to prevent the introduction and provide for the management of invasive species; and
promoting public education on invasive species and the means to address invasive species.
Identification of needed resources
The National Management Plan shall identify the personnel, other resources, and additional levels of coordination needed to achieve the goals included in the National Management Plan.
Existing plan
The National Invasive Species Management Plan of the Invasive Species Council adopted in 2001 shall be treated as the National Management Plan required under subsection (a) until the date of issuance of the National Management Plan under subsection (c)(1).
Issuance and updating of National Management Plan
The Council shall—
not later than December 31, 2006, issue the National Management Plan;
not later than December 31, 2008, and biennially thereafter, update the National Management Plan; and
concurrently with the process of updating the National Management Plan, evaluate and report to Congress on success in achieving the goals included in the National Management Plan.
Agency reports
Not later than 18 months after the date of issuance of any update of the National Management Plan that recommends action by a Federal agency, the head of the Federal agency shall submit to Congress a report that—
describes each of the recommended actions that the agency has not taken; and
provides an explanation of why the action is not feasible.
Invasive Species Advisory Committee
Establishment
In general
The Council shall
maintain an advisory committee, to be known as the Invasive Species
Advisory Committee
, to provide information and advice for consideration
by the Council.
Organization, functions, and authorities
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the advisory committee shall be organized, perform the functions, and have the authorities specified in the charter for the advisory committee signed by the Secretary of the Interior on October 30, 2001.
Appointment
Members of the advisory committee shall be appointed by the chairperson of the Council, after consultation with the other members of the Council, from among individuals representing stakeholders with respect to Federal programs for minimizing the environmental, economic, and human health impacts caused by invasive species.
Functions
In addition to the functions specified in the charter referred to in subsection (a), the advisory committee shall recommend to the Council plans and actions at the regional, State, local, tribal, and ecosystem-based levels to achieve the goals of the National Management Plan.
Continuing operation of existing committee
Any advisory committee appointed before the date of enactment of this Act in accordance with the charter referred to in subsection (a)(2) may continue in effect under this section.
Budget analysis and summary
Not later than March 31, 2006, and March 31 of each year thereafter, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall prepare, and submit to Congress and the Council, a budget analysis and summary of all Federal programs relating to invasive species.
Existing executive order
Executive Order No. 13112, dated February 3, 1999 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to invasive species), shall be of no effect.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.
Habitat and species
Short title
This title may be cited
as the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of
2006
.
Findings
Congress finds that—
the Great Lakes have fish and wildlife communities that are structurally and functionally changing;
successful fish and wildlife management focuses on the lakes as ecosystems, and effective management requires the coordination and integration of efforts of many partners;
it is in the national interest to undertake activities in the Great Lakes Basin that support sustainable fish and wildlife resources of common concern provided under the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration authorized under Executive Order 13340 (69 Fed. Reg. 29043; relating to the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force);
additional actions and better coordination are needed to protect and effectively manage the fish and wildlife resources, and the habitats upon which the resources depend, in the Great Lakes Basin;
as of the date of enactment of this Act, actions are not funded that are considered essential to meet the goals and objectives in managing the fish and wildlife resources, and the habitats upon which the resources depend, in the Great Lakes Basin; and
the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 941 et seq.) allows Federal agencies, States, and tribes to work in an effective partnership by providing the funding for restoration work.
Definitions
Section 1004 of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 941b) is amended—
by striking paragraphs (1), (4), and (12);
by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (13), and (14) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (9), (10), (11), and (12), respectively;
in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following:
, and that has Great Lakes fish and wildlife management authority in the
Great Lakes Basin
; and
by inserting after paragraph (7) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) the following:
the term regional project means authorized activities of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service related to fish and wildlife resource protection, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement that benefit the Great Lakes basin;
.
Identification, review, and implementation of proposals
Section 1005 of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 941c) is amended to read as follows:
Identification, review, and implementation of proposals and regional projects
In general
Subject to subsection (b)(2), the Director—
shall encourage the development and, subject to the availability of appropriations, the implementation of fish and wildlife restoration proposals and regional projects; and
in cooperation with the State Directors and Indian Tribes, shall identify, develop, and, subject to the availability of appropriations, implement regional projects in the Great Lakes Basin to be administered by Director in accordance with this section.
Identification of proposals and regional projects
Request by the Director
The Director shall annually request that State Directors and Indian Tribes, in cooperation or partnership with other interested entities and in accordance with subsection (a), submit proposals or regional projects for the restoration of fish and wildlife resources.
Requirements for proposals and regional projects
A proposal or regional project under paragraph (1) shall be—
submitted in the manner and form prescribed by the Director; and
consistent with—
the goals of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, as amended;
the 1954 Great Lakes Fisheries Convention;
the 1980 Joint Strategic Plan for Management of Great Lakes Fisheries, as revised in 1997, and Fish Community Objectives for each Great Lake and connecting water as established under the Joint Strategic Plan;
the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.);
the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and joint ventures established under the plan; and
the strategies outlined through the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration authorized under Executive Order 13340 (69 Fed. Reg. 29043; relating to the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force).
Sea lamprey authority
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission shall retain authority and responsibility to formulate and implement a comprehensive program to eradicate or minimize sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes Basin.
Review of proposals
Establishment of committee
There is established the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Proposal Review Committee, which shall operate under the guidance of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Membership and appointment
In general
The Committee shall consist of 2 representatives of each of the State Directors and Indian Tribes, of whom—
1 representative shall be the individual appointed by the State Director or Indian Tribe to the Council of Lake Committees of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission; and
1 representative shall have expertise in wildlife management.
Appointments
Each representative shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing State Director or Tribal Chair.
Observer
The Great Lakes Coordinator of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall participate as an observer of the Committee.
Recusal
A member of the Committee shall recuse himself or herself from consideration of proposals that the member, or the entity that the member represents, has submitted.
Functions
The Committee shall—
meet at least annually;
review proposals and special projects developed in accordance with subsection (b) to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of the proposals and special projects in fulfilling the purposes of this title; and
recommend to the Director any of those proposals and special projects that should be funded and implemented under this section.
Implementation of proposals and regional projects
In general
After considering recommendations of the Committee and the goals specified in section 1006, the Director shall—
select proposals and regional projects to be implemented; and
subject to the availability of appropriations and subsection (e), fund implementation of the proposals and regional projects.
Selection criteria
In selecting and funding proposals and regional projects, the Director shall take into account the effectiveness and appropriateness of the proposals and regional projects in fulfilling the purposes of other laws applicable to restoration of the fish and wildlife resources and habitat of the Great Lakes Basin.
Cost sharing
In general
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (4), not less than 25 percent of the cost of implementing a proposal selected under subsection (d) (excluding the cost of establishing sea lamprey barriers) shall be paid in cash or in-kind contributions by non-Federal sources.
Regional projects
Regional projects selected under subsection (d) shall be exempt from cost sharing if the Director determines that the authorization for the project does not require a non-Federal cost-share.
Exclusion of Federal funds from non-federal share
The Director may not consider the expenditure, directly or indirectly, of Federal funds received by any entity to be a contribution by a non-Federal source for purposes of this subsection.
Effect on certain Indian tribes
Nothing in this subsection affects an Indian tribe affected by an alternative applicable cost sharing requirement under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
.
Goals of United States Fish and Wildlife Service programs related to Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources
Section 1006 of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 941d) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
Restoring and maintaining self-sustaining fish and wildlife resources.
.
Establishment of offices
Section 1007 of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 941e) is amended—
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
Great Lakes Coordination Office
In general
The Director shall
establish a centrally located facility for the coordination of all United
States Fish and Wildlife Service activities in the Great Lakes Basin, to be
known as the Great Lakes Coordination Office
.
Functional responsibilities
The functional responsibilities of the Great Lakes Coordination Office shall include—
intra- and interagency coordination;
information distribution; and
public outreach.
Requirements
The Great Lakes Coordination Office shall—
ensure that information acquired under this Act is made available to the public; and
report to the Director of Region 3, Great Lakes Big Rivers.
;
in subsection (b)—
in the first sentence, by striking
The Director
and inserting the following:
In general
The Director
;.
in the second sentence, by striking
The office
and inserting the following:
Name and location
The office
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office shall include operational activities of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service related to fishery resource protection, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement in the Lower Great Lakes.
; and
in subsection (c)—
in the first sentence, by striking
The Director
and inserting the following:
In general
The Director
;.
in the second sentence, by striking
The office
and inserting the following:
Name and location
The office
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Upper Great Lakes Fishery Resources Offices shall include operational activities of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service related to fishery resource protection, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement in the Upper Great Lakes.
.
Reports
Section 1008 of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 941f) is amended to read as follows:
Reports
In general
Not later than December 31, 2011, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that describes—
actions taken to solicit and review proposals under section 1005;
the results of proposals implemented under section 1005; and
progress toward the accomplishment of the goals specified in section 1006.
Annual reports
Not later than December 31 of each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012, the Director shall submit to the 8 Great Lakes States and Indian Tribes a report that describes—
actions taken to solicit and review proposals under section 1005;
the results of proposals implemented under section 1005;
progress toward the accomplishment of the goals specified in section 1006;
the priorities proposed for funding in the annual budget process under this title; and
actions taken in support of the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration authorized under Executive Order 13340 (69 Fed. Reg. 29043; relating to the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force).
Study
In general
Not later than December 16, 2009, the Director, in consultation with State fish and wildlife resource management agencies, Indian Tribes, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, shall—
conduct a comprehensive study of the status, and the assessment, management, and restoration needs, of the fish and wildlife resources of the Great Lakes Basin, including a comprehensive review of the accomplishments that have been achieved under this title through fiscal year 2008; and
submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives—
the study described in subparagraph (A); and
a comprehensive report on the findings of the study.
Report
Not later than June 30, 2006, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives the 2002 report required under this section as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2006.
.
Authorization of appropriations
Section 1009 of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 941g) is amended to read as follows:
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012—
$12,000,000, of which—
$11,400,000 shall be allocated to implement fish and wildlife restoration proposals as selected by the Director under section 1005(e); and
the lesser of 5 percent or $600,000 shall be allocated to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to cover costs incurred in administering the proposals by any entity;
$6,000,000, which shall be allocated to implement regional projects by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as selected by the Director under section 1005(e); and
$2,000,000, which shall be allocated for the activities of the Great Lake Coordination Office in East Lansing, Michigan, of the Upper Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office, and the Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office under section 1007.
.
Coastal health
Technical assistance
Technical assistance for rural and small treatment works
Section 104(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(b)) is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as subparagraphs (A) through (G), respectively, and indenting the subparagraphs appropriately;
by striking (b) In carrying
out
and inserting the following:
Authorized activities
In general
In carrying out
;
in paragraph (1) (as designated by paragraph (2))—
by striking paragraph (1) of
subsection (a)
each place it appears and inserting subsection
(a)(1)
;
in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by
paragraph (1)), by striking of this section
;
in subparagraph (F) (as redesignated by
paragraph (1)), by striking thereof; and
and inserting of
the effects;
;
in subparagraph (G) (as redesignated by
paragraph (1)), by striking the period at the end and inserting ;
and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
make grants to nonprofit organizations—
to provide technical assistance to rural and small municipalities for the purpose of assisting, in consultation with the State in which the assistance is provided, the municipalities in the planning, development, and acquisition of financing for wastewater infrastructure assistance;
to capitalize revolving loan funds for the purpose of providing loans, in consultation with the State in which the assistance is provided and in accordance with paragraph (2), to rural and small municipalities for—
predevelopment costs associated with wastewater infrastructure projects; and
short-term costs incurred for the replacement of equipment that is not part of a regular operation or maintenance activity for an existing wastewater system;
to provide technical assistance and training for rural and small publicly-owned treatment works and decentralized wastewater treatment systems to enable the treatment works and systems to—
protect water quality; and
achieve and maintain compliance with the requirements of this Act; and
to disseminate information to rural and small municipalities and municipalities that meet the affordability criteria established by the State in which the municipality is located under section 603(i)(2) with respect to planning, design, construction, and operation of publicly-owned treatment works and decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Loan conditions
In general
A loan provided under paragraph (1)(H)(ii) shall—
be provided at a below-market interest rate;
be provided in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and
extend for a term of not more than 10 years.
Repayment
Repayment of a loan provided under paragraph (1)(H)(ii) shall be credited to the water pollution control revolving loan fund of the appropriate State under section 603.
.
Authorization of appropriations
Section 104(u) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(u)) is amended—
by striking (u) There is authorized
to be appropriated (1) not
and inserting the following:
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated—
not
;
in paragraph (1), by striking
provisions; (2) not
and inserting the
following:
provisions;
not
;
in paragraph (2), by striking
subsection (g)(1); (3) not
and inserting the
following:
subsection (g)(1);
not
;
in paragraph (3), by striking
subsection (g)(2); (4) not
and inserting the
following:
subsection (g)(2);
not
;
in paragraph (4), by striking
subsection (p); (5) not
and inserting the
following:
subsection (p);
not
;
in paragraph (5), by striking
subsection (r); and (6) not
and inserting the
following:
subsection (r);
not
;
in paragraph (6), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ; and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011, not more than $75,000,000 to carry out subparagraphs (C) and (H) of subsection (b)(1), of which, during any fiscal year—
not less than 20 percent shall be used to carry out subsection (b)(1)(H); and
not more than 1/3 of the amount used under subparagraph (A) shall be used to carry out subsection (b)(1)(H)(ii).
.
Competitive procedures for awarding grants
Section 104 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Competitive procedures for awarding grants
The Administrator shall establish procedures that promote competition and openness, to the maximum extent practicable, in the award of grants to nonprofit private agencies, institutions, and organizations under this section.
.
Sewer overflow control grants
Section 221 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1301) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
Definition of financially distressed community
A financially distressed community referred to in subsection (b) is a community that meets the affordability criteria established by the State in which the community is located under section 603(i)(2).
.
Water pollution control revolving loan funds
Extended payment period
Section 603(d)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(d)(1)) is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking 20
years;
and inserting the following:
the lesser of—
the design life of the project to be financed using the proceeds of the loan; or
30 years;
; and
in subparagraph (B), by striking not
later than 20 years after project completion
and inserting on
the expiration of the term of the loan
.
Technical and planning assistance for small systems
Section 603(d) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(d)) is amended—
in paragraph (6), by striking
and
at the end;
in paragraph (7), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ; and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
with respect to municipalities and intermunicipal, interstate, and State agencies seeking assistance under this title that serve a population of 20,000 or fewer, to provide to owners and operators of small treatment works, in an amount not to exceed 2 percent of the amount of total grant awards made under this title—
technical and planning assistance; and
assistance relating to—
financial management;
user fee analysis;
budgeting;
capital improvement planning;
facility operation and maintenance;
repair schedules; and
other activities to improve wastewater treatment plant management and operations.
.
Additional subsidization
Section 603 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Additional subsidization
In general
In any case in which a State provides assistance to a municipality or an intermunicipal, interstate, or State agency under subsection (d), the State may provide additional subsidization, including forgiveness of principal and negative interest loans—
to benefit a municipality that—
meets the affordability criteria of the State established under paragraph (2); or
does not meet the criteria established under paragraph (2), if the municipality—
seeks additional subsidization to benefit individual ratepayers in the residential user rate class;
demonstrates to the State that the ratepayers described in subclause (I) will experience a significant hardship on the increase in rates required to finance the project or activity for which the assistance is sought; and
ensures, as part of an agreement between the State and the recipient, that the additional subsidization provided under this paragraph will be directed to those ratepayers through a user charge rate system (or another appropriate method); and
to implement alternative processes, materials, and techniques (including nonstructural protection of surface waters, new or improved methods of waste treatment, and pollutant trading) that may result in cost savings or increased environmental benefit when compared to standard processes, materials, and techniques.
Affordability criteria
Establishment
In general
Not later than September 30, 2006, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, a State shall establish affordability criteria to assist the State in identifying municipalities that would experience a significant hardship on the increase in rates required to finance a project or activity that is eligible for assistance under subsection (c)(1) if additional subsidization under paragraph (1) is not provided.
Factors for consideration
In establishing criteria under clause (i), a State shall take into consideration—
income data;
population trends; and
any other data the State determines to be relevant.
Existing criteria
If a State has established, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, criteria in accordance with subparagraph (A) before the date of enactment of this subsection, the criteria shall be considered to be affordability criteria established under that subparagraph.
Information to assist states
The Administrator may publish information to assist States in establishing affordability criteria under subparagraph (A).
Priority
In providing assistance under this subsection, a State may give priority to any owner or operator of a project or activity that—
is eligible to receive funding under subsection (c)(1); and
is located in a municipality that meets the affordability criteria established under paragraph (2).
Set-aside
In general
For any fiscal year during which more than $1,400,000,000 is made available to the Administrator to carry out this title, a State shall provide additional subsidization under this subsection in the amount described in subparagraph (B) to entities described in paragraph (1) for projects and activities identified in the intended use plan of the State under section 606(c) on receipt of an application for additional subsidization.
Amount
The amount referred to in subparagraph (A) is an amount not less than 25 percent of the difference between—
the total amount that would have been allotted to the State under section 604 during the appropriate fiscal year, if the amount made available to the Administrator to carry out this title during that fiscal year was equal to $1,400,000,000; and
the total amount allotted to the State under section 604 for that fiscal year.
Limitation
The total amount of additional subsidization provided by a State under this subsection shall not exceed 30 percent of the total amount of capitalization grants received by the State under this title for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2005.
.
Allotment of funds
In general
Section 604 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1384) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
Allotments
Fiscal years 2007 and 2008
Amounts made available to carry out this title for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 shall be allotted by the Administrator in accordance with the formula used to calculate allotments for fiscal year 2006.
Fiscal year 2009 and thereafter
Amounts made available to carry out this title for fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter shall be allotted by the Administrator during each fiscal year—
for amounts up to $1,350,000,000, in accordance with the formula used to calculate allotments for fiscal year 2006; and
for any amount in excess of $1,350,000,000, in accordance with the formula developed by the Administrator under subsection (d).
.
Planning assistance
Section 604(b) of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1384(b)) is amended by
striking 1 percent
and inserting 2
percent
.
Formula
Section 604 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1384) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Formula based on water quality needs
Not later than September 30, 2006, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, the Administrator shall publish an allotment formula for purposes of subsection (a)(2)(B) based on water quality needs, to be determined by the Administrator in accordance with the most recent survey of needs developed by the Administrator under section 516.
.
Authorization of appropriations
Section 607 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1387) is amended to read as follows:
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title—
$2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$6,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
.
Areas of concern
Great Lakes
Remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern
Section 118(c)(12)(H) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(c)(12)(H)) is amended by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
In general
In addition to other amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012.
.
Non-Federal share
Section 118(c)(12) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(c)(12)) is amended—
in subparagraph (E), by adding at the end the following:
Payment and retention of non-Federal share
The non-Federal sponsor for a project under this paragraph may pay to the Administrator, for retention and use by the Administrator in carrying out the project, the non-Federal share of the cost of the project.
;
by redesignating subparagraph (H) (as amended by subsection (a)) as subparagraph (I); and
by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
Advance payment and reimbursement of costs
The Administrator, acting through the Program Office, may enter into an agreement with a non-Federal sponsor to carry out a project under this paragraph under which the non-Federal sponsor may, as appropriate—
pay in advance the non-Federal share of the cost of the project; and
receive from the Administrator reimbursement for amounts (other than the non-Federal share) expended by the non-Federal sponsor for the project.
.
Toxic substances
Mercury reduction grants
Section 118(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Mercury reduction grants
In general
The Program Office shall provide grants to Great Lakes States and Indian tribes in Great Lakes States to carry out projects to reduce the quantity of mercury in the Great Lakes.
Application
Each Great Lake State or Indian tribe that seeks a grant under this paragraph shall submit an application to the Program Office at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by or containing any information that the Program Office may require.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
.
Indicators and information
Research program
Research reauthorizations
Section 118 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268) is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
Research and management coordination
Joint plan
In general
Not later than September 30 of each year, the Program Office, the Research Office, and the Great Lakes Science Center shall prepare and submit to the Executive Committee of the Regional Collaboration a joint research plan for the fiscal year that begins in the following calendar year.
Submission to Congress
The President shall include the plan described in subparagraph (A) in the annual budget of the United States Government submitted to Congress by the President.
Contents of plan
Each plan prepared under paragraph (1) shall—
identify all proposed research dedicated to activities carried out under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and any other applicable agreements and amendments;
include the assessment of the Regional Collaboration of priorities for research needed to fulfill the terms of those agreements; and
identify all proposed research that may be used to develop a comprehensive environmental data base for the Great Lakes System and establish priorities for development of the data base.
.
Great Lakes Science Center
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the United States Geological Survey, for use by the Great Lakes Science Center, to carry out research activities that advance scientific knowledge and provide scientific information for restoring, enhancing, managing, and protecting the living marine resources and habitats in the Great Lakes basin ecosystem $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
Grants
Section 118(d)(6) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(d)(6)) is amended—
striking The Research Office
and inserting the following:
In general
The Research Office
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Grants
In general
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, acting through the Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, shall carry out a program to provide competitive grants to academic institutions, State agencies, and other appropriate entities to carry out research and monitoring activities described in subparagraph (A).
Requirements
The program under this subparagraph shall be peer-reviewed and merit-based.
.
Authorizations of appropriations
Section 118 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268) is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
Authorizations of Appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $105,000,0000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011, of which, for each fiscal year—
$40,000,000 shall be made available to the Program Office;
$15,000,000 shall be made available to the Research Office to provide research grants to academic institutions, State agencies, and other appropriate entities; and
$25,000,000 shall be made available to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory to provide grants under subsection (d)(6)(B).
.
Ocean and coastal observation system
Definitions
In this Act:
Council
The term Council means the National Ocean Research Leadership Council.
Great Lake
The term Great Lake means—
Lake Erie;
Lake Huron (including Lake Saint Clair);
Lake Michigan;
Lake Ontario;
Lake Superior; and
the connecting channels of those Lakes, including—
the Saint Marys River;
the Saint Clair River;
the Detroit River;
the Niagara River; and
the Saint Lawrence River to the Canadian border.
Observing system
The term observing system means the integrated coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes observing system to be established by the Committee under section 612(a).
Interagency program office
The term interagency program office means the office established under section 612(d).
Integrated ocean and coastal observing system
Establishment
In general
The President, acting through the Council, shall establish and maintain an integrated system of ocean and coastal observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, research, education, and outreach designed to provide data and information for the timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes environment that impact the social, economic, and ecological systems of the United States.
Purposes
The observing system shall provide for long-term, continuous, and quality-controlled observations of the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes so as to—
improve the health of the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes of the United States;
protect human lives and livelihoods from hazards, including tsunamis, hurricanes, coastal erosion, and fluctuating Great Lakes water levels;
understand the effects of human activities and natural variability on the state of the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes and the socioeconomic well-being of the United States;
provide for the sustainable use, protection, and enjoyment of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources;
provide information that can support the eventual implementation and refinement of ecosystem-based management;
supply critical information to marine-related businesses, including aquaculture and fisheries; and
support research and development to—
ensure continuous improvement to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observation measurements; and
enhance understanding of the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources of the United States.
System Elements
To carry out the purposes of this subtitle, the observing system shall consist of—
a national program to fulfill national observation priorities, including the ocean contribution of the United States to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems and the Global Ocean Observing System;
a network of regional associations to manage the regional ocean and coastal observing and information programs that collect, measure, and disseminate data and information products to meet regional needs;
a data management and dissemination system for the timely integration and dissemination of data and information products from the national and regional systems;
a research and development program conducted under the guidance of the Council; and
an outreach, education, and training program that augments existing programs, including the National Sea Grant College Program, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence program, and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, to ensure the use of the data and information for—
improving public education and awareness of the oceans of the United States; and
building the technical expertise required to operate and improve the observing system.
Council Functions
In carrying out this section, the Council shall—
serve as the oversight body for the design and implementation of all aspects of the observing system;
adopt plans, budgets, and standards that are developed and maintained by the interagency program office in consultation with the regional associations;
coordinate the observing system with other earth observing activities, including the Global Ocean Observing System and the Global Earth Observing System of Systems;
coordinate and administer programs of research, development, education, and outreach to—
support improvements to, and the operation of, an integrated ocean and coastal observing system; and
advance the understanding of the oceans;
establish pilot projects to develop technology and methods for advancing the development of the observing system;
provide, as appropriate, support for and representation on United States delegations to international meetings on ocean and coastal observing programs; and
in consultation with the Secretary of State, coordinate relevant Federal activities with those of other nations.
Interagency Program Office
In general
The Council shall
establish an interagency program office to be known as
OceanUS
.
Responsibilities
The interagency program office shall be responsible for program planning and coordination of the observing system.
Requirements
The interagency program office shall—
prepare annual and long-term plans for consideration by the Council for the design and implementation of the observing system that promote collaboration among Federal agencies and regional associations in developing the global and national observing systems, including identification and refinement of a core set of variables to be measured by all systems;
coordinate the development of agency priorities and budgets for implementation of the observing system, including budgets for the regional associations;
establish and refine standards and protocols for data management and communications, including quality standards, in consultation with participating Federal agencies and regional associations;
develop a process for the certification and periodic review and recertification of the regional associations;
establish an external technical committee to provide biennial review of the observing system; and
provide for opportunities to partner or contract with private sector companies in deploying ocean observation system elements.
Lead Federal agency
In general
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be the lead Federal agency for implementation and operation of the observing system.
Requirements
Based on the plans prepared by the interagency program office and adopted by the Council, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall—
coordinate implementation, operation, and improvement of the observing system;
establish efficient and effective administrative procedures for allocation of funds among Federal agencies and regional associations in a timely manner and according to the budget adopted by the Council;
implement and maintain appropriate elements of the observing system;
provide for the migration of scientific and technological advances from research and development to operational deployment;
integrate and extend existing programs and pilot projects into the operational observation system;
certify regional associations that meet the requirements of subsection (f); and
integrate the capabilities of the National Coastal Data Development Center and the Coastal Services Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other appropriate centers, into the observing system to assimilate, manage, disseminate, and archive data from regional observation systems and other observation systems.
Regional Associations of Ocean and Coastal Observing Systems
In general
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may certify 1 or more regional associations to be responsible for the development and operation of regional ocean and coastal observing systems to meet the information needs of user groups in the region while adhering to national standards.
Requirements
To be certifiable by the Administrator, a regional association shall—
demonstrate an organizational structure capable of supporting and integrating all aspects of ocean and coastal observing and information programs within a region;
operate under a strategic operations and business plan that details the operation and support of regional ocean and coastal observing systems in accordance with the standards established by the Council;
provide information products for multiple users in the region;
work with governmental entities and programs at all levels within the region to provide timely warnings and outreach to protect the public; and
meet certification standards developed by the interagency program office in conjunction with the regional associations and approved by the Council.
Prohibition on lobbying
Nothing in this Act authorizes a regional association to engage in lobbying activities (as defined in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602)).
Civil Liability
For purposes of section 1346(b)(1) and chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, the Suits in Admiralty Act (46 U.S.C. App. 741 et seq.), and the Public Vessels Act (46 U.S.C. App. 781 et seq.)—
any regional ocean and coastal observing system that is a designated part of a regional association certified under this section shall, in carrying out the purposes of this Act, be considered to be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
any employee of that system, while acting within the scope of the employment of the employee, carrying out those purposes, shall be considered to be an employee of the Government.
Research, development, and education
The Council shall establish programs for research, development, education, and outreach for the ocean and coastal observing system, including projects under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, consisting of—
basic research to advance knowledge of ocean and coastal systems and ensure continued improvement of operational products, including related infrastructure and observing technology;
focused research projects to improve understanding of the relationship between the coasts and oceans and human activities;
large-scale computing resources and research to advance modeling of ocean and coastal processes; and
a coordinated effort to build public education and awareness of the ocean and coastal environment and functions that integrates ongoing activities, including the National Sea Grant College Program, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence, and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.
Interagency financing
In general
The departments and agencies represented on the Council may participate in interagency financing and share, transfer, receive, obligate, and expend funds appropriated to any member of the Council to carry out any administrative or programmatic project or activity under this Act or under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, including support for the interagency program office, a common infrastructure, and system integration for a ocean and coastal observing system.
Transfer of funds
Funds may be transferred among the departments and agencies described in subsection (a) through an appropriate instrument that specifies the goods, services, or space being acquired from another Council member and the costs of the same.
Application with Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
Nothing in this Act supersedes, or limits the authority of the Secretary of the Interior under, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).
Authorization of appropriations
In general
There is authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the observing system under section 612 and the research and development program under section 613 (including financial assistance to the interagency program office, the regional associations for the implementation of regional ocean and coastal observing systems, and the departments and agencies represented on the Council) $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011, to remain available until expended.
Allocation of funds
At least 50 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out the observing system under section 612 shall be allocated to the regional associations certified under section 612(f) to carry out regional ocean and coastal observing systems.
Reporting requirement
In general
Not later than March 31, 2010, the President, acting through the Council, shall submit to Congress a report on the programs established under sections 612 and 613.
Requirements
The report shall include—
a description of activities carried out under the programs;
an evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs; and
recommendations concerning reauthorization of the programs and funding levels for the programs in succeeding fiscal years.
Great lakes water quality indicators and monitoring
Great Lakes water quality indicators and monitoring
Section 118(c)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(c)(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this clause, in cooperation with Canada and appropriate Federal agencies (including the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service), develop and implement a set of science-based indicators of water quality and related environmental factors in the Great Lakes, including, at a minimum, measures of toxic pollutants that have accumulated in the Great Lakes for a substantial period of time, as determined by the Program Office;
not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this clause—
establish a Federal network for the regular monitoring of, and collection of data throughout, the Great Lakes basin with respect to the indicators described in clause (i); and
collect an initial set of benchmark data from the network; and
not later than 2 years after the date of collection of the data described in clause (ii)(II), and biennially thereafter, in addition to the report required under paragraph (10), submit to Congress, and make available to the public, a report that—
describes the water quality and related environmental factors of the Great Lakes (including any changes in those factors), including a description of ways in which the factors relate to restoration priorities provided by the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Executive Committee, as determined through the regular monitoring of indicators under clause (ii)(I) for the period covered by the report; and
identifies any emerging problems in the water quality or related environmental factors of the Great Lakes;
.
Sustainable development
Waterfront restoration and remediation projects
Definitions
In this section:
Related area
The term related
area
means land—
located adjacent to, or in close proximity of, a waterfront area; and
that impacts or influences a waterfront area or an aquatic habitat.
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere.
Waterfront area
The term
waterfront area
means a site located adjacent to a lake, river,
stream, wetland, or floodplain of the United States.
Application
An individual or entity that seeks to receive assistance under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application for the assistance in such form, by such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
Justification and purpose
Justification
The Secretary may provide assistance to eligible recipients in financing a restoration or remediation project only if the Secretary finds that the proposed project addresses concerns relating to—
public health;
public safety;
environmental improvements; or
economic improvements.
Purpose
An eligible recipient of assistance may use assistance made available under this section to complete a restoration or remediation project for the purpose of—
improving the surrounding ecosystem; or
preparing land for redevelopment by Federal, State, or local agencies, or private entities.
Cost sharing
General assistance
In general
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Federal share of the cost of carrying out a restoration or remediation project under this section shall not exceed 65 percent, as determined by the Secretary.
Innovative technology
The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a restoration or remediation project under this section that involves conducting a pilot project to test a demonstration or innovative technology shall not exceed 85 percent, as determined by the Secretary.
Operation and maintenance
The non-Federal share of operation and maintenance costs for a restoration or remediation project under this section shall be 100 percent.
Credit for work-in-kind considerations
In determining the amount of a contribution made by a non-Federal interest under this section, the non-Federal interest shall receive credit equal to 100 percent of the value of any land, easements, rights-of-way, and relocations, and the reasonable cost of services, studies, and supplies, contributed toward the non-Federal share of project costs.
Liability of Federal Government
The eligible recipient shall hold the United States harmless from any claim or damage that may arise from carrying out the restoration or remediation project under this section, except any claim or damage that may arise from the negligence of the Federal Government or a contractor of the Federal Government.
Funding limitation per project
Of the funds provided under this section, not more than $5,000,000 may be allocated for an individual restoration or rehabilitation project.
Authority of Secretary to restore and remediate waterfront and related areas
The Secretary, in consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, is authorized to restore and remediate waterfront and related areas, including site characterization, planning, design, construction, and monitoring.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and each subsequent fiscal year.
Coordination and oversight
Definitions
In this title:
Collaboration
The term Collaboration means the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration established by section 804(a).
Executive Committee
The term Executive Committee means the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Executive Committee established by section 803(a).
Executive Order
The term Executive Order means Executive Order 13340 (33 U.S.C. 1268 note; relating to establishment of Great Lakes Interagency Task Force and promotion of regional collaboration of national significance for Great Lakes).
Great Lake
The term Great Lake means—
Lake Erie;
Lake Huron (including Lake Saint Clair);
Lake Michigan;
Lake Ontario;
Lake Superior; and
the connecting channels of those Lakes, including—
the Saint Marys River;
the Saint Clair River;
the Detroit River;
the Niagara River; and
the Saint Lawrence River to the Canadian border.
Great Lakes city
The term Great Lakes city means a city located in the watershed basin of a Great Lake.
Great lakes tribe
The term Great Lakes Tribe means any Indian tribe, band, village, nation, or other organized group or community in the watershed basin of a Great Lake that is recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
Saint Lawrence city
The term Saint Lawrence city means a city located in the watershed basin of the Saint Lawrence River.
Task force
The term Task Force means the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force established by section 802(a).
Great Lakes Interagency Task Force
Interagency coordination
The Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, as established by the Executive Order for administrative purposes, is established as a task force within the Environmental Protection Agency.
Duties
In addition to the duties described in the Executive Order, the Task Force shall—
ensure that implementation of programs and projects under the authority of Task Force members is coordinated, effective, and cost-efficient;
work in cooperation with Federal agencies on the development of budgets and financial plans regarding the Great Lakes for inclusion in annual submissions by the President to Congress of the budget of the United States; and
submit to Congress a biennial report that describes the projects and activities carried out by the Collaboration during the 2-year period covered by the report, including a description of—
any actions that Federal agencies can take to address the biennial restoration goals;
Federal expenditures to meet the restoration goals and the amount of non-Federal funding leveraged by those Federal expenditures; and
the indicators and monitoring used to determine whether the goals will be met.
Executive Committee
In general
There is established a Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Executive Committee.
Composition
The Executive Committee shall be composed of—
the Chairperson of the Task Force;
a representative of the Governors of the Great Lakes States, as agreed upon by the Governors;
a representative of the Great Lakes cities and Saint Lawrence cities, as agreed upon by the majority of mayors of those cities; and
a designated representative for the Great Lakes Tribes, as agreed upon by those Tribes.
Duties
The Executive Committee shall—
hold semiannual public meetings to discuss Great Lakes restoration goals and progress;
receive input and consider recommendations from interested parties, including nongovernmental organizations, industry, and academia, with respect to proposed recommendations of the Executive Committee for restoration of the Great Lakes; and
submit to Congress and the Task Force a biennial report that includes—
an analysis of progress in—
carrying out restoration of the Great Lakes; and
meeting the goals and recommendations in the restoration and protection strategy developed by the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration and under this Act; and
recommendations on future priorities and actions with respect to that restoration.
Subcommittees
The members of the Executive Committee may designate representatives to work as 1 or more subcommittees to provide staff support and otherwise assist in carrying out responsibilities of the Executive Committee relating to the Collaboration.
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration
In general
There is established the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.
Composition
The Collaboration shall be composed of—
the members of the Executive Committee; and
each other individual and entity that notifies the Executive Committee, in writing, of the desire and intent of the individual or entity to participate in the Collaboration.
Duties
The Collaboration shall—
develop and maintain as current a restoration and protection strategy to provide information for use in future Great Lakes program implementation and funding decisions;
serve as a forum for addressing near-term regional issues relating to ecosystem restoration and protection of the Great Lakes; and
establish an oversight forum to coordinate and enhance implementation of Great Lakes programs.