[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 952 Reported in Senate (RS)]
Calendar No. 271
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 952
[Report No. 111-125]
To develop and promote a comprehensive plan for a national strategy to
address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia through baseline research,
forecasting and monitoring, and mitigation and control while helping
communities detect, control, and mitigate coastal and Great Lakes
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 1, 2009
Ms. Snowe (for herself, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Levin,
Mr. Vitter, Mr. Cardin, Ms. Landrieu, Mrs. Boxer, Ms. Collins, Mr.
Kerry, Mr. Begich, Mr. Burris, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Mikulski, and Mr.
Feingold) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
February 4, 2010
Reported by Mr. Rockefeller, with an amendment
[Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in
italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To develop and promote a comprehensive plan for a national strategy to
address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia through baseline research,
forecasting and monitoring, and mitigation and control while helping
communities detect, control, and mitigate coastal and Great Lakes
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events.
\\
\\
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Harmful Algal
Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Amendment of Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Act of 1998.
Sec. 3. Findings.
Sec. 4. Purpose.
Sec. 5. Interagency task force on harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
Sec. 6. National harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program.
Sec. 7. Regional research and action plans.
Sec. 8. Reporting.
Sec. 9. Northern Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia.
Sec. 10 Pilot program for freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
Sec. 11. Interagency financing.
Sec. 12. Application with other laws.
Sec. 13. Definitions.
Sec. 14. Authorization of appropriations.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENT OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND
CONTROL ACT OF 1998.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 1451 note).
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
Section 602 is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 602. FINDINGS.
``The Congress finds the following:
``(1) Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia are increasing in
frequency and intensity in the Nation's coastal waters and
Great Lakes and pose a threat to the health of coastal and
Great Lakes ecosystems, are costly to coastal economies, and
threaten the safety of seafood and human health.
``(2) Excessive nutrients in coastal waters have been
linked to the increased intensity and frequency of hypoxia and
some harmful algal blooms and there is a need to identify more
workable and effective actions to reduce the negative impacts
of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia on coastal waters.
``(3) NOAA, through its ongoing research, monitoring,
observing, education, grant, and coastal resource management
programs and in collaboration with the other Federal agencies,
on the Interagency Task Force, along with States, Indian
tribes, and local governments, possesses capabilities necessary
to support a near and long-term comprehensive effort to
prevent, reduce, and control the human and environmental costs
of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
``(4) Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia can be triggered and
exacerbated by increases in nutrient loading from point and
non-point sources, much of which originates in upland areas and
is delivered to marine and freshwater bodies via river
discharge, thereby requiring integrated and landscape-level
research and control strategies.
``(5) Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia affect many sectors
of the coastal economy, including tourism, public health, and
recreational and commercial fisheries; and according to a
recent report produced by NOAA, the United States seafood and
tourism industries suffer annual losses of $82 million due to
economic impacts of harmful algal blooms.
``(6) Global climate change and its effect on oceans and
the Great Lakes may ultimately affect harmful algal bloom and
hypoxic events.
``(7) Proliferations of harmful and nuisance algae can
occur in all United States waters, including coastal areas and
estuaries, the Great Lakes, and inland waterways, crossing
political boundaries and necessitating regional coordination
for research, monitoring, mitigation, response, and prevention
efforts.
``(8) Following passage of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, federally funded and
other research has led to several technological advances,
including remote sensing, molecular and optical tools,
satellite imagery, and coastal and ocean observing systems,
that provide data for forecast models, improve the monitoring
and prediction of these events, and provide essential
decisionmaking tools for managers and stakeholders.''.
SEC. 4. PURPOSES.
The Act is amended by inserting after section 602 the following:
``SEC. 602A. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this title are--
``(1) to provide for the development and coordination of a
comprehensive and integrated national program to address
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia through baseline research,
monitoring, prevention, mitigation, and control;
``(2) to provide for the assessment of environmental,
socio-economic, and human health impacts of harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia on a regional and national scale, and to
integrate that assessment into marine and freshwater resource
decisions; and
``(3) to facilitate regional, State, tribal, and local
efforts to develop and implement appropriate harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia response plans, strategies, and tools
including outreach programs and information dissemination
mechanisms.''.
SEC. 5. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA.
Section 603(a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Task Force shall consist of the
following representatives from--'' and inserting ``The Task
Force shall consist of representatives of the Office of the
Secretary from each of the following departments and of the
office of the head of each of the following Federal
agencies:'';
(2) by striking ``the'' in paragraphs (1) through (11) and
inserting ``The'';
(3) by striking the semicolon in paragraphs (1) through
(10) and inserting a period;
(4) by striking ``Quality; and'' in paragraph (11) and
inserting ``Quality.'';
(5) by redesignating paragraph (12) as paragraph (13) and
inserting after paragraph (11) the following;
``(12) The Centers for Disease Control.''; and
(6) by striking ``such other'' in paragraph (13), as
redesignated, and inserting ``Other''.
SEC. 6. NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA PROGRAM.
The Act is amended by inserting after section 603 the following:
``SEC. 603A. NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--The President, acting through the Committee
on Natural Resources of the National Science and Technology Council,
shall establish and maintain a national program for integrating efforts
to address harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research, monitoring,
prediction, control, mitigation, prevention, and outreach.
``(b) Action Strategy.--
``(1) In general.--The Task Force shall develop a national
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia action strategy that--
``(A) is consistent with the purposes of this
title;
``(B) includes a statement of goals and objectives;
and
``(C) includes an implementation plan.
``(2) Consultation.--In developing the action strategy, the
Task Force shall consult with the HABs and Hypoxia Advisory
Group.
``(3) Publication.--Within 12 months after the date of
enactment of the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and
Control Amendments Act of 2009, the Task Force shall--
``(A) submit the action strategy to the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and
the House of Representatives Committees on Science and
Technology and on Natural Resources; and
``(B) publish the action strategy in the Federal
Register.
``(4) Periodic revision.--The Task Force shall periodically
review and revise the strategy as necessary.
``(c) Task Force Functions.--The Task Force shall be the oversight
body for the development and implementation of the national harmful
algal bloom and hypoxia program and shall--
``(1) coordinate interagency review of plans and policies
of the Program;
``(2) assess interagency work and spending plans for
implementing the activities of the Program;
``(3) review the Program's distribution of Federal grants
and funding to address research priorities;
``(4) support implementation of the actions and strategies
identified in the regional research and action plans under
subsection (d);
``(5) support the development of institutional mechanisms
and financial instruments to further the goals of the program;
``(6) expedite the interagency review process and ensure
timely review and dispersal of required reports and assessments
under this title;
``(7) promote the development of new technologies for
predicting, monitoring, and mitigating harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia conditions; and
``(8) establish such interagency working groups as it deems
necessary.
``(d) Advisory Committee.--
``(1) In general.--The Task Force shall appoint a general
advisory committee--
``(A) consisting of not more than 20 individuals
who shall be representative of the various groups and
regions concerned with harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia, including representatives of nongovernmental
organizations, States, tribes, and educational
institutions; and
``(B) providing, to the maximum extent practicable,
an equitable balance among such groups and regions.
``(2) Function.--The general advisory committee shall
provide recommendations to the Task Force on the development of
the national action strategy, including goals and objectives
and support for regional research and action plans.
``(3) FACA not to apply.--The Federal Advisory Committee
Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the general advisory
committee.
``(e) Lead Federal Agency.--NOAA shall be the lead Federal agency
for administering the National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.
``(f) Program Responsibilities.--The Program shall--
``(1) promote a national strategy to help communities
understand, detect, predict, control, and mitigate freshwater
and marine harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events;
``(2) plan, coordinate, and implement the National Harmful
Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program; and
``(3) report to the Task Force via the Administrator.
``(g) Program Duties.--The Program shall--
``(1) prepare work and spending plans for implementing the
activities of the Program and developing and implementing the
Regional Research and Action Plans;
``(2) administer merit-based, competitive grant funding to
support the projects maintained and established by the Program,
and to address the research and management needs and priorities
identified in the Regional Research and Action Plans;
``(3) coordinate interagency programs that address harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia and other ocean and Great Lakes
science and management programs and centers that address the
chemical, biological, and physical components of harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia;
``(4) coordinate and work cooperatively with other Federal,
State, tribal, and local government agencies and programs that
address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(5) coordinate with the State Department to support
international efforts on harmful algal bloom and hypoxia
information sharing, research, mitigation, and control;
``(6) coordinate an outreach, education, and training
program that integrates and augments existing programs to
improve public education about and awareness of the causes,
impacts, and mitigation efforts for harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia;
``(7) facilitate and provide resources for training of
State, tribal, and local coastal and water resource managers in
the methods and technologies for monitoring, controlling, and
mitigating harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(8) support regional efforts to control and mitigate
outbreaks through--
``(A) communication of the contents of the Regional
Research and Action Plans and maintenance of online
data portals for other information about harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia to State and local stakeholders
within the region for which each plan is developed; and
``(B) overseeing the development, review, and
periodic updating of Regional Research and Action Plans
established under section 602C(b);
``(9) convene at least 1 meeting of the Task Force
annually; and
``(10) perform such other tasks as may be delegated
by the Task Force.
``(h) NOAA Duties.--
``(1) Existing programs.--NOAA shall maintain and enhance
the following existing competitive programs:
``(A) The Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal
Blooms Program.
``(B) The Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful
Algal Blooms Program.
``(C) The Northern Gulf of Mexico Ecosystems and
Hypoxia Assessment Program.
``(D) The Coastal Hypoxia Research Program.
``(E) The Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of
Harmful Algal Blooms Program.
``(2) New programs.--NOAA shall establish--
``(A) an Event Response Program to coordinate and
enhance event response activities;
``(B) an Infrastructure Program to develop and
enhance the critical observations, monitoring,
modeling, data management, information dissemination,
and operational forecasts required to meet the purposes
of this title; and
``(C) such other programs as may be necessary.
``(3) Cooperative efforts.--NOAA shall work cooperatively
with other offices, centers, and programs within NOAA and other
agencies represented on the Task Force, States, tribes, and
nongovernmental organizations concerned with marine and aquatic
issues to coordinate Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia and
related issues, including management of data, products, for--
``(A) compiling, managing, and archiving data from
relevant programs in Task Force member agencies;
``(B) creating data portals for general education
and data dissemination on centralized, publicly
available databases; and
``(C) establishing communication routes for data,
predictions, and management tools both to and from the
regions, States, and local communities.''.
SEC. 7. REGIONAL RESEARCH AND ACTION PLANS.
The Act, as amended by section 4, is amended by inserting after
section 602A the following:
``SEC. 602B. REGIONAL RESEARCH AND ACTION PLANS.
``(a) In General.--The Program shall--
``(1) oversee the development and implementation of
Regional Research and Action Plans; and
``(2) identify appropriate regions and sub-regions to be
addressed by each Regional Research and Action Plan.
``(b) Regional Panels of Experts.--
``(1) In general.--In accordance with the schedule set
forth in paragraph (2), the Program shall convene a panel of
experts for each region identified under subsection (a)(2) from
among--
``(A) State coastal management and planning
officials;
``(B) tribal resource management officials;
``(C) water management and watershed officials from
both coastal states and noncoastal states with water
sources that drain into water bodies affected by
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(D) public health officials;
``(E) emergency management officials;
``(F) nongovernmental organizations concerned with
marine and aquatic issues;
``(G) science and technology development
institutions;
``(H) economists;
``(I) industries and businesses affected by coastal
and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(J) scientists, with expertise concerning harmful
algal blooms or hypoxia, from academic or research
institutions; and
``(K) other stakeholders as appropriate.
``(2) Schedule.--The Program shall--
``(A) convene panels in at least \1/3\ of the
regions within 9 months after the date of enactment of
the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and
Control Amendments Act of 2009;
``(B) convene panels in at least \2/3\ of the
regions within 21 months after such date;
``(C) convene panels in the remaining regions
within 33 months after such date; and
``(D) reconvene each panel at least every 5 years
after the date on which it was initially convened.
``(c) Plan Development.--Each regional panel of experts shall
develop a Regional Research and Action Plan for its respective region
and submit it to the Task Force for approval. The Plan shall identify
appropriate elements for the region, including--
``(1) baseline ecological, social, and economic research
needed to understand the biological, physical, and chemical
conditions that cause, exacerbate, and result from harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(2) regional priorities for ecological and socio-economic
research on issues related to, and impacts of, harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia;
``(3) research needed to develop and advance technologies
for improving capabilities to predict, monitor, prevent,
control, and mitigate harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(4) State, tribal, and local government actions that may
be implemented--
``(A) to support long-term monitoring efforts and
emergency monitoring as needed;
``(B) to minimize the occurrence of harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia;
``(C) to reduce the duration and intensity of
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in times of emergency;
``(D) to address human health dimensions of harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia; and
``(E) to identify and protect vulnerable ecosystems
that could be, or have been, affected by harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia;
``(5) mechanisms by which data and products are transferred
between the Program and State and local governments and
research entities;
``(6) communication, outreach and information dissemination
efforts that State and local governments and nongovernmental
organizations can undertake to educate and inform the public
concerning harmful algal blooms and hypoxia and alternative
coastal resource-utilization opportunities that are available;
and
``(7) pilot projects, if appropriate, that may be
implemented on local, State, and regional scales to address the
research priorities and response actions identified in the
Plan.
``(d) Plan Timelines; Updates.--The Program shall ensure that
Regional Research and Action Plans developed under this section are--
``(1) completed and approved by the Program within 12
months after the date on which a regional panel is convened or
reconvened under subsection (b)(2); and
``(2) updated no less frequently than once every 5 years.
``(e) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to available appropriations, the
Program shall make funding available to eligible organizations
to implement the research, monitoring, forecasting, modeling,
and response actions included under each approved Regional
Research and Action Plan. The Program shall select recipients
through a merit-based, competitive process and seek to fund
research proposals that most effectively align with the
research priorities identified in the relevant Regional
Research and Action Plan.
``(2) Application; assurances.--Any organization seeking
funding under this subsection shall submit an application to
the Program at such time, in such form and manner, and
containing such information and assurances as the Program may
require. The Program shall require any organization receiving
funds under this subsection to utilize the mechanisms described
in subsection (c)(5) to ensure the transfer of data and
products developed under the Plan.
``(3) Eligible organization.--In this subsection, the term
`eligible organization' means--
``(A) an institution of higher education, other
non-profit organization, State, tribal, and local
government, commercial organization, or Federal agency
that meets the requirements of this section and such
other requirements as are established by the Secretary;
and
``(B) with respect to nongovernmental
organizations, an organization that is subject to
regulations promulgated or guidelines issued to carry
out this section, including United States audit
requirements that are applicable to nongovernmental
organizations.
``(f) Intermediate Reviews.--If the Program determines that an
intermediate review is necessary to address emergent needs in harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia under a Regional Research and Action Plan, it
shall notify the Task Force and reconvene the relevant regional panel
of experts for the purpose of revising the Regional Research and Action
Plan so as to address the emergent threat or need.''.
SEC. 8. REPORTING.
Section 603 is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
``(j) Biennial Reports.--Every 2 years the Program shall prepare a
report for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the House of Representatives Committees on Science
and Technology and on Natural Resources that describe--
``(1) activities, budgets, and progress on implementing the
national harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program;
``(2) the proceedings of the annual Task Force meetings;
and
``(3) the status, activities, and funding for
implementation of the Regional Research and Action Plans,
including a description of research funded under the program
and actions and outcomes of Plan response strategies carried
out by States.
``(k) Quinquennial Reports.--Not less than once every 5 years after
the date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research
and Control Amendments Act of 2009, the Task Force shall complete and
submit a report on harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in marine and
freshwater systems to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the House of Representatives Committees on Science
and Technology and on Natural Resources. The report shall--
``(1) evaluate the state of scientific knowledge of harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia in marine and freshwater systems,
including their causes and ecological consequences;
``(2) evaluate the social and economic impacts of harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia, including their impacts on coastal
communities, and review those communities' efforts and
associated economic costs related to event forecasting,
planning, mitigation, response, and public outreach and
education;
``(3) examine and evaluate the human health impacts of
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, including any gaps in
existing research;
``(4) describe advances in capabilities for monitoring,
forecasting, modeling, control, mitigation, and prevention of
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, including techniques for,
integrating landscape- and watershed-level water quality
information into marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and
hypoxia prevention and mitigation strategies at Federal and
regional levels;
``(5) evaluate progress made by, and the needs of, Federal,
regional, State, tribal, and local policies and strategies for
forecasting, planning, mitigating, preventing, and responding
to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, including the economic
costs and benefits of such policies and strategies;
``(6) make recommendations for integrating, improving, and
funding future Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local
policies and strategies for preventing and mitigating the
occurrence and impacts of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia; and
``(7) describe communication, outreach, and education
efforts to raise public awareness of harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia, their impacts, and the methods for mitigation and
prevention.''.
SEC. 9. NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO HYPOXIA.
Section 604 is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 604. NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO HYPOXIA.
``(a) Task Force Annual Progress Reports.--For each of the years
from 2009 through 2013, the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed
Nutrient Task Force shall complete and submit to the Congress and the
President an annual report on the progress made by Task Force-directed
activities toward attainment of the Coastal Goal of the Gulf Hypoxia
Action Plan 2008.
``(b) Task Force 5-Year Progress Report.--In 2013, that Task Force
shall complete and submit to Congress and the President a 5-year report
on the progress made by Task Force-directed activities toward
attainment of the Coastal Goal of the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 2008.
The report shall assess progress made toward nutrient load reductions,
the response of the hypoxic zone and water quality throughout the
Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin, and the economic and social
effects. The report shall include an evaluation of how current policies
and programs affect management decisions, including those made by
municipalities and industrial and agricultural producers, evaluate
lessons learned, and recommend appropriate actions to continue to
implement or, if necessary, revise this strategy.''.
SEC. 10. PILOT PROGRAM FOR FRESHWATER HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA.
The Act, as amended by section 6, is amended by inserting after
section 603B the following:
``SEC. 603B. PILOT PROGRAM FOR FRESHWATER HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND
HYPOXIA.
``(a) Pilot Program.--The Task Force shall establish a
collaborative pilot program to examine harmful algal blooms and hypoxia
occurring in freshwater systems, including the Great Lakes. The pilot
program shall--
``(1) assess the issues associated with, and impacts of,
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in freshwater ecosystems;
``(2) research the efficacy of prevention, control, and
mitigation measures, including measures to reduce nutrient
loading; and
``(3) recommend potential management solutions.
``(b) Report.--The Task Force, in consultation with other
participating Federal agencies, shall conduct an assessment of the
effectiveness of the pilot program in improving freshwater habitat
quality and publish a report, available to the public, of the results
of the assessment.''.
SEC. 11. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.
The Act is amended by inserting after section 604 the following:
``SEC. 604A. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.
``The departments and agencies represented on the Task Force are
authorized to participate in interagency financing and share, transfer,
receive, obligate, and expend funds appropriated to any member of the
Task Force for the purposes of carrying out any administrative or
programmatic project or activity under this title, including support
for the Program, a common infrastructure, information sharing, and
system integration for harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research,
monitoring, forecasting, prevention, and control. Funds may be
transferred among such departments and agencies through an appropriate
instrument that specifies the goods, services, or space being acquired
from another Task Force member and the costs of the same. The amount of
funds transferrable under this section for any fiscal year may not
exceed 5 percent of the account from which such transfer is to be
made.''.
SEC. 12. APPLICATION WITH OTHER LAWS.
The Act is amended by inserting after section 606 the following:
``SEC. 607. EFFECT ON OTHER FEDERAL AUTHORITY.
``Nothing in this title supersedes or limits the authority of any
agency to carry out its responsibilities and missions under other
laws.''.
SEC. 13. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General.--The Act is amended by inserting after section 605
the following:
``SEC. 605A. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the NOAA.
``(2) Harmful algal bloom.--The term `harmful algal bloom'
means marine and freshwater phytoplankton that proliferate to
high concentrations, resulting in nuisance conditions or
harmful impacts on marine and aquatic ecosystems, coastal
communities, and human health through the production of toxic
compounds or other biological, chemical, and physical impacts
of the algae outbreak.
``(3) Hypoxia.--The term `hypoxia' means a condition where
low dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems causes stress or death
to resident organisms.
``(4) NOAA.--The term `NOAA' means the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
``(5) Program.--The term `Program' means the Integrated
Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program established under
section 603A.
``(6) Regional research and action plan.--The term
`Regional Research and Action Plan' means a plan established
under section 602B.
``(7) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Commerce, acting through NOAA.''.
``(8) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the
Interagency Task Force established by section 603(a).
``(9) United states coastal waters.--The term `United
States coastal waters' includes the Great Lakes.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 603(a) is amended by striking
``Hypoxia (hereinafter referred to as the `Task force').'' and
inserting ``Hypoxia.''.
SEC. 14. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 605 is amended to read as follows:--
``SEC. 605. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to NOAA
to implement the Program under this title $40,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2010 through 2014, of which up to $10,000,000 shall be
allocated each fiscal year to the creation of Regional Research and
Action Plans required by section 602B.
``(b) Interagency Coordination.--The Administrator of NOAA, and the
head of any Federal agency engaged in interagency coordination
activities under this title, is authorized to use appropriated funds
for such activities.
``(c) Extramural Research Activities.--The Secretary shall ensure
that a substantial portion of funds appropriated pursuant to subsection
(a) that are used for research purposes are allocated to extramural
research activities.
``(d) Pilot Program.--In addition to any amounts appropriated
pursuant to subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to
NOAA such sums as may be necessary to carry out the pilot program
established under section 603B.''.
Calendar No. 271
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 952
[Report No. 111-125]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To develop and promote a comprehensive plan for a national strategy to
address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia through baseline research,
forecasting and monitoring, and mitigation and control while helping
communities detect, control, and mitigate coastal and Great Lakes
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events.
_______________________________________________________________________
February 4, 2010
Reported with an amendment