(7) PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘Program’’ means 
the Blue Carbon Program required by section 
101(a). 
TITLE II—MARINE PROTECTED 
AREAS 
SEC. 201. POLICY. 
(a) PROTECTION OF HABITAT.—It is the policy of the 
United States— 
(1) to prohibit any commercial extractive or de-
structive human activity in at least 30 percent of the 
ocean under United States jurisdiction by 2030. The 
30 percent shall include existing areas in which com-
mercial extractive and destructive human activities 
are and continue to be prohibited; and 
(2) to support the adoption and implementation 
of a global goal to protect at least 30 percent of land 
and 30 percent of ocean areas by 2030 under the 
Convention on Biological Diversity. 
(b) HABITATS AND ECOSYSTEMS SUBJECT TO PRO-
TECTION.—It is the policy of the United States to protect 
ocean habitats and ecosystems that represent— 
(1) the diversity of the United States ocean; 
(2) areas important for conserving and, where 
appropriate, preserving biodiversity; 
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(3) critical breeding, resting, and feeding habi-
tats for wildlife; 
(4) interconnected networks of marine protected 
areas and wildlife migration corridors; 
(5) areas that will help mitigate the impacts of 
the climate crisis, including those areas that provide 
carbon storage, adaptation, and resilience benefits; 
(6) areas that are relatively pristine and least 
impacted by human activity; and 
(7) areas that help mitigate threats to the 
United States most vulnerable coastal communities, 
including protections for natural resources that sup-
port the economy and health of communities that 
rely on a healthy and clean ocean, in particular com-
munities of color, low-income communities, and 
Tribal and Indigenous communities adversely af-
fected by climate change. 
(c) CONSIDERATIONS IN CARRYING OUT POLICY.— 
A Federal agency carrying out the policies described in 
this section shall seek to carry out such policies in a man-
ner that— 
(1) relies on best available science; 
(2) includes meaningful input from States, local 
communities, and Native American Tribes, and re-
spects Tribal history of sustainable resource man-
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agement, Indigenous sustainable resource manage-
ment, Tribal sovereignty, and the right to Tribal 
self-determination; 
(3) improves access to nature for all people, 
with an emphasis on increasing access for commu-
nities of color and low-income communities; 
(4) provides ecological and geographic represen-
tation, taking into account that some Fishery Man-
agement Councils have taken action to ban the use 
of all bottom-tending fishing gear and all fishing 
gear with bycatch rates that adversely affect marine 
wildlife populations; 
(5) conserves, protects, and restores biodiver-
sity; 
(6) protects ecosystems and the services of eco-
systems, restores degraded ecosystems, and main-
tains ecological functions; 
(7) enhances climate mitigation, adaptation, 
and resilience, including by protecting ecosystems, 
species and genetic diversity; 
(8) supports sustainable economic opportunity 
for people who depend on the ocean for their liveli-
hoods by making the ocean more resilient to climate 
change and enhancing ecosystem functioning; 
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(9) evaluates the negative and positive economic 
impacts of such policies and considers ways to miti-
gate such negative impacts; 
(10) considers local and regional input in the 
design and implementation of protected areas, in-
cluding input from stakeholders, and considers the 
cultural values, including seafaring and maritime 
heritage values, of the United States; and 
(11) provides tools and resources to ensure that 
protected areas are effectively managed. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COMMUNITIES OF COLOR.—The term ‘‘com-
munities of color’’ means a geographically distinct 
area in which the population of any of the following 
categories of individuals is higher than the average 
populations of that category for the State in which 
the community is located: 
(A) Black. 
(B) African American. 
(C) Asian American. 
(D) Pacific Islander. 
(E) Other non-White race. 
(F) Hispanic. 
(G) Latino. 
(H) Linguistically isolated. 
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(2) PROTECT AND PROTECTION.—Each of the 
terms ‘‘protect’’ and ‘‘protection’’ means the estab-
lishment of enduring measures on land, waters, and 
oceans that support thriving biodiversity, contribute 
to climate resilience, and provide ecosystem services, 
such that their natural character, resources, and 
functions are conserved, protected, restored and, 
when shown necessary, enhanced for current and fu-
ture generations. 
SEC. 202. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 45 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall es-
tablish the 30x30 Interagency Task Force. 
(b) CHAIR.—The task force shall be chaired by the 
chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. 
(c) COMPOSITION.—The President shall appoint the 
following individuals as members of the task force: 
(1) The Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency. 
(2) The Administrator. 
(3) The Secretary of the Interior. 
(4) The Secretary of Defense. 
(5) The Secretary of State. 
(6) The Secretary of Energy. 
(7) The Secretary of Homeland Security. 
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(8) The Director of the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy. 
(d) PLAN.—Not later than one year after the date 
on which the task force is established, the task force 
shall— 
(1) develop a plan and schedule consistent with 
the policy of prohibiting any commercial extractive 
or destructive human activity on at least 30 percent 
of the ocean under United States jurisdiction by 
2030 that includes— 
(A) an update to the National Marine Pro-
tected Area Center’s Marine Protected Area In-
ventory; 
(B) the identification of candidate areas 
for protection that meet one or more of the cri-
teria set out in section 201(b); and 
(C) annual benchmarks for achieving the 
policy described in subsection (d)(1); and 
(2) develop a plan to provide technical assist-
ance, data, and other resources for identifying and 
establishing strongly protected areas of the ocean in 
areas beyond national jurisdiction that includes— 
(A) an inventory of areas already protected 
in areas of the ocean beyond the jurisdiction of 
the United States, and a description of any ac-
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tivities that are currently allowed in each of the 
areas; and 
(B) an inventory of areas that other coun-
tries or international governing bodies are con-
sidering making a marine protected area. 
(e) INVENTORY.—The task force shall conduct an in-
ventory of areas under United States jurisdiction that are 
subject to both a prohibition on all bottom-tending fishing 
gear and a prohibition on all fishing gear with bycatch 
rates that adversely affect marine wildlife populations, and 
identify additional prohibitions on nonfishing commercial 
activities in those areas. 
(f) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, 
the task force shall submit a report to Congress on the 
progress of the United States in meeting the policy de-
scribed in subsection (d)(1). 
(g) AGENCY PLANS.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date on which the task force issues a plan under sub-
section (d), each member of the task force shall develop 
and implement an agency plan for actions to be taken to 
implement such task force plan. 
(h) PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSULTATION.—The 
development of a plan under subsection (e) and the devel-
opment of a plan under subsection (g) shall be subject to 
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public comment and carried out in consultation with rel-
evant Regional Fishery Management Councils established 
under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). 
(i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section the term ‘‘task 
force’’ means the 30x30 Interagency Task Force estab-
lished pursuant to subsection (a). 
SEC. 203. INITIATE DESIGNATION PROCESS FOR SUCCESS-
FUL SANCTUARY NOMINATIONS AND TECH-
NICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE NATIONAL MA-
RINE SANCTUARIES ACT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce 
shall initiate the process to designate as a national marine 
sanctuary under section 304 of the National Marine Sanc-
tuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1433) each of the areas identified 
in the Inventory of Successful Nominations of the Na-
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as of Oc-
tober 20, 2020. 
(b) REMOVAL OF LIMITATIONS ON DESIGNATIONS.— 
Section 304 of the Marine Protection, Research, and 
Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1434) is amended by 
striking subsection (f). 
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SEC. 204. INCREASED PROTECTION FOR DEEP SEA CORALS. 
(a) DESIGNATION.—The Administrator shall des-
ignate as a Deep Sea Coral Marine Conservation Area any 
area where deep sea coral is found— 
(1) that is— 
(A) within the waters of the exclusive eco-
nomic zone; or 
(B) on the Outer Continental Shelf; and 
(2) in which the Administrator or a Regional 
Fishery Management Council established under sec-
tion 302 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Con-
servation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852) 
has prohibited the use of gear in contact with the 
ocean bottom, and towed from a vessel, which is 
moved through the water during fishing in order to 
capture fish, including otter trawls, beam trawls, hy-
draulic dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, and seines 
(with the exception of a purse seine). 
(b) PROHIBITIONS.—Except as provided in sub-
section (c), the following activities are prohibited in a 
Deep Sea Coral Marine Conservation Area— 
(1) exploring for, developing, or producing oil, 
gas, or minerals; 
(2) using or attempting to use poisons, elec-
trical charges, or explosives in the collection or har-
vest of any marine resource; 
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(3) intentionally introducing or otherwise re-
leasing any non-native species; 
(4) anchoring on any living or dead coral; 
(5) drilling into, dredging, or otherwise altering 
the seafloor; 
(6) use of bottom trawl nets or other bottom- 
tending fishing gear; and 
(7) deliberate dumping or discharge of noxious 
substances, materials that may cause eutrophication, 
or materials that artificially increase endemic pest 
outbreaks. 
(c) EXCEPTIONS.—Subsection (b) shall not apply 
to— 
(1) otherwise lawful conduct of the armed 
forces (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 
10, United States Code) unless such conduct is 
deemed destructive by the Secretary of Commerce to 
a national marine monument or marine sanctuary; 
(2) an action necessary to respond to an emer-
gency threatening life, property, or the environment, 
or an activity necessary for a national security or 
law enforcement purpose; and 
(3) scientific exploration or research activities, 
subject to such terms and conditions as the Secre-
taries consider necessary for the care and manage-
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ment of the living and nonliving marine resources of 
the Conservation Area. 
(d) ANALYSIS.—The Administrator shall, every two 
years, conduct an analysis and provide recommendations 
to each Regional Fishery Management Council established 
under 302 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852) as to whether any 
additional area should be protected by a prohibition on 
the use of gear in contact with the ocean bottom, and 
towed from a vessel, which is moved through the water 
during fishing in order to capture fish, including otter 
trawls, beam trawls, hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic 
dredges, and seines (with the exception of a purse seine). 
SEC. 205. MARINE BIODIVERSITY GAP ANALYSIS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce 
and the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with rel-
evant Federal and State agencies, shall begin a marine 
biodiversity gap analysis meeting the requirements de-
scribed in subsection (b) to be completed not later than 
18 months after such date. Such Secretaries, in coordina-
tion with relevant Federal and State agencies, shall update 
such analysis not less frequently than every 2 years there-
after. 
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(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The requirements of this sub-
section are that the Marine Biodiversity Gap Analysis 
shall— 
(1) be consistent with the policy set out in sec-
tion 201; 
(2) assess habitats, species, and ecosystems 
across the United States ocean waters and coasts; 
and 
(3) determine what types of habitats, species, 
and ecosystems and the percentage of each type of 
habitat, species, and ecosystem are necessary to pro-
tect in order to— 
(A) protect biodiversity; and 
(B) mitigate and provide resilience to the 
impacts of climate change. 
(c) PUBLICATION.—The Secretary of Commerce shall 
publish the marine biodiversity gap analysis required by 
subsection (a) on a public website. 
(d) REPORT.—Biennially, the Secretary of Commerce 
and Secretary of the Interior shall publish a report on can-
didate areas for protection, and on progress for advancing 
protection of habitats, species, and biodiversity identified 
in the gap analysis required by subsection (a). 
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(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 in each fiscal 
year to carry out this section. 
TITLE III—OFFSHORE ENERGY 
Subtitle A—Oil and Gas Leasing in 
the Outer Continental Shelf 
SEC. 301. PROHIBITION OF OIL AND GAS LEASING IN ALL 
AREAS OF THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any provision of 
law, beginning on the date of enactment of this section, 
with respect to any area on the Outer Continental Shelf, 
no agency of the United States or person may conduct 
or authorize any other person to conduct— 
(1) oil and gas preleasing, leasing and related 
activities; or 
(2) geological or geophysical activities in sup-
port of oil, gas, or methane hydrate exploration or 
development except such activities conducted pursu-
ant to a lease issued before the date of enactment 
of this section. 
(b) BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY.—In addition to 
any other measures required by law, the Secretary of the 
Interior shall require any lessee conducting geophysical ex-
ploration on the Outer Continental Shelf to use the best 
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commercially available technology with respect to reducing 
acoustic pressure levels to conduct such exploration. 
(c) OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘Outer Continental Shelf’’ has the meaning given 
the term ‘‘outer Continental Shelf’’ in Section 2 of the 
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331). 
Subtitle B—Offshore Renewable 
Energy 
SEC. 311. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF 
OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) Rapid decarbonization of the electric sector 
is central to stopping global temperature rise at 1.5 
degrees Celsius. 
(2) The United States can and must address 
this crisis by putting people to work building the 
necessary infrastructure to overcome the climate 
threat. 
(3) The United States offshore wind resources 
must be harnessed in order to both rapidly reduce 
our carbon emissions and put people back to work. 
(4) Deploying 30,000 megawatts of offshore 
wind by 2030 will result in up to 83,000 jobs, 
$57,000,000,000 of cumulative investment in the 
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United States economy, and $25,000,000,000 in an-
nual economic input. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) the United States should rapidly build out 
its offshore wind resources as a key part of achiev-
ing a national goal of net zero emissions; 
(2) offshore wind lease areas should be deter-
mined by a robust and transparent stakeholder proc-
ess that incorporates early engagement and input 
from diverse user groups as well as Federal, State, 
and local governments; 
(3) offshore wind buildout must ensure eco-
system health and the protection of vulnerable and 
endangered species; and 
(4) permitting agencies must have sufficient re-
sources to carry out a robust and efficient permit-
ting process. 
SEC. 312. NATIONAL OFFSHORE WIND GOALS. 
(a) TARGETS.—The Secretary of the Interior shall 
seek to permit— 
(1) not less than 12.5 gigawatts of offshore 
wind energy production on the Outer Continental 
Shelf by January 1, 2025; and 
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(2) not less than 25 gigawatts of offshore wind 
energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf by 
January 1, 2030. 
(b) REPORT.—The Secretary of the Interior shall re-
port to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources of the Senate beginning in December 
2020 and each year thereafter on the Secretary’s progress 
in meeting the targets described in subsection (a). 
SEC. 313. REMOVING ROADBLOCKS FOR DATA SHARING. 
Section 402(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1881a(b)) 
is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) in subparagraph (G), by striking ‘‘or’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (H), by striking the 
period at the end and insert ‘‘; or’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(I) to the Secretary of the Interior for use 
relating to siting, exploration, production, or 
promotion of offshore wind energy on the Outer 
Continental Shelf.’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘(H)’’ and in-
serting ‘‘(I)’’. 
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SEC. 314. INCREASING FUNDING FOR SCIENTIFIC RE-
SEARCH. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts obtained from 
each lease sale beginning on the date that is 60 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, $5,000,000 shall be 
available without subsequent appropriation to Adminis-
trator to fund cooperative research on the interaction be-
tween wind-development, fisheries, protected species, and 
marine species of mammals, birds, and sea turtles, and 
the technologies for data collection and other scientific and 
permitting needs deemed necessary by the Secretary of 
Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Inte-
rior and the Secretary of Energy, to support responsible 
long-term development of offshore wind energy resources 
on the Outer Continental Shelf. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 9 of the 
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1338) is 
amended by striking ‘‘all’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as pro-
vided in section 314 of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions 
Act of 2020, all’’. 
SEC. 315. EXTENDING COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY. 
Section 113 of Division G of Public Law 113–7 is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘CONTRIBUTION AUTHORITY 
‘‘SEC. 113. The Secretary of the Interior may accept 
from public and private sources contributions of money 
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and services for use by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Man-
agement or the Bureau of Safety and Environmental En-
forcement to conduct work in support of the orderly explo-
ration and development of Outer Continental Shelf re-
sources, including preparation of environmental docu-
ments such as impact statements and assessments, stud-
ies, and related research, during fiscal years— 
‘‘(1) 2014 through 2024; or 
‘‘(2) with respect to work supporting offshore wind 
exploration or development, 2014 through 2030.’’. 
SEC. 316. DEVELOPING STRATEGIES TO PROTECT WILD-
LIFE. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the National Academies shall prepare a report 
that reviews, compiles, and synthesizes existing research 
and best practices for offshore wind development that min-
imize effects on wildlife and protected species. The report 
shall— 
(1) provide a quantitative assessment of the 
contributions of offshore wind in reducing carbon 
emissions in the electricity sector and helping to im-
prove human health and wildlife populations along 
the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States; 
and 
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(2) provide a quantitative assessment of effec-
tiveness of methods to measure the effects of off-
shore wind on wildlife and best practices to monitor, 
avoid, minimize, and mitigate harm to wildlife. 
SEC. 317. OFFSHORE WIND FOR THE TERRITORIES. 
(a) APPLICATION OF OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 
LANDS ACT WITH RESPECT TO TERRITORIES OF THE 
UNITED STATES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 2 of the Outer Con-
tinental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331) is 
amended— 
(A) in paragraph (a)— 
(i) by inserting after ‘‘control’’ the fol-
lowing: ‘‘or lying within the exclusive eco-
nomic zone of the United States and the 
outer Continental Shelf adjacent to any 
territory or possession of the United 
States’’; and 
(ii) by adding at the end before the 
semicolon the following: ‘‘, except that such 
term shall not include any area conveyed 
by Congress to a territorial government for 
administration’’; 
(B) in paragraph (p), by striking ‘‘and’’ 
after the semicolon at the end; 
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(C) in paragraph (q), by striking the pe-
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(r) The term ‘State’ means the several States, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, 
the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands.’’. 
(2) EXCLUSIONS.—Section 18 of the Outer 
Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1344) is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(i) This section shall not apply to the scheduling of 
lease sales in the outer Continental Shelf adjacent to the 
Territories and possessions of the United States.’’. 
(b) WIND LEASE SALES FOR AREAS OF OUTER CON-
TINENTAL SHELF.—The Outer Continental Shelf Lands 
Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) is amended by adding at 
the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 33. WIND LEASE SALES FOR AREAS OF OUTER CONTI-
NENTAL SHELF. 
‘‘(a) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary may conduct 
wind lease sales on the outer Continental Shelf. 
‘‘(b) WIND LEASE SALE PROCEDURE.—Any wind 
lease sale conducted under this section shall be considered 
a lease under section 8(p). 
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‘‘(c) WIND LEASE SALES OFF COASTS OF TERRI-
TORIES OF THE UNITED STATES.— 
‘‘(1) STUDY ON FEASIBILITY OF CONDUCTING 
WIND LEASE SALES.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
conduct a study on the feasibility, including the 
technological and long-term economic feasibility, 
and the potential environmental effects of, con-
ducting wind lease sales on an area of the outer 
Continental Shelf within the territorial jurisdic-
tion of American Samoa, Guam, the Common-
wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto 
Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United 
States. 
‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the 
study required in paragraph (A), the Secretary 
shall consult— 
‘‘(i) the National Laboratories, that 
term is defined in section 2(3) of the En-
ergy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
15801(3)); 
‘‘(ii) the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration, including the Office 
of National Marine Sanctuaries and Na-
tional Marine Fisheries Service; and 
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‘‘(iii) the Governor of each of Amer-
ican Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana 
Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Is-
lands of the United States. 
‘‘(C) PUBLICATION.—The study required 
in paragraph (A) shall be published in the Fed-
eral Register for public comment for a period of 
not fewer than 60 days. 
‘‘(D) SUBMISSION OF RESULTS.—Not later 
than 18 months after the date of the enactment 
of this section, the Secretary shall submit the 
results of the study conducted under subpara-
graph (A) to: 
‘‘(i) the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources of the Senate; 
‘‘(ii) the Committee on Natural Re-
sources of the House of Representatives; 
and 
‘‘(iii) each of the delegates or resident 
commissioners to the House of Representa-
tives from American Samoa, Guam, the 
Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, 
and the Virgin Islands of the United 
States. 
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‘‘(E) PUBLIC
AVAILABILITY.—The Sec-
retary shall publish the study required under 
subparagraph (A) and results submitted under 
subparagraph (C) on a public website. 
‘‘(2) CALL
FOR
INFORMATION
AND
NOMINA-
TIONS.—The Secretary shall issue a call for informa-
tion and nominations for proposed wind lease sales 
for areas determined to be feasible under the study 
conducted under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(3) CONDITIONAL WIND LEASE SALES.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—For each territory, 
the Secretary shall conduct not less than 1 wind 
lease sale on an area of the outer Continental 
Shelf within the territorial jurisdiction of such 
territory that meets each of the following cri-
teria: 
‘‘(i) The study required under para-
graph (1)(A) concluded that a wind lease 
sale on the area is feasible. 
‘‘(ii) The Secretary has determined 
that the call for information has generated 
sufficient interest for the area. 
‘‘(iii) The Secretary has consulted 
with the Secretary of Defense and other 
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relevant Federal agencies regarding such a 
sale. 
‘‘(iv) The Secretary has consulted 
with the Governor of the territory regard-
ing the suitability of the area for wind en-
ergy development. 
‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—If no area of the outer 
Continental Shelf within the territorial jurisdic-
tion of a territory meets each of the criteria in 
clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A), 
the requirement under subparagraph (A) shall 
not apply to such territory.’’. 
SEC. 318. MARINE ENERGY RESEARCH. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle C of title VI of the En-
ergy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 
17001 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 631. SHORT TITLE. 
‘‘This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Marine Energy 
Research and Development Act’. 
‘‘SEC. 632. DEFINITIONS. 
‘‘In this subtitle: 
‘‘(1) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligible en-
tity’ means any of the following entities: 
‘‘(A) An institution of higher education. 
‘‘(B) A National Laboratory. 
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‘‘(C) A Federal research agency. 
‘‘(D) A State research agency. 
‘‘(E) A nonprofit research organization. 
‘‘(F) An industrial entity or a multi-insti-
tutional consortium thereof. 
‘‘(2) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.— 
The term ‘institution of higher education’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 101 of the High-
er Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). 
‘‘(3) MARINE ENERGY.—The term ‘marine en-
ergy’ means energy from— 
‘‘(A) waves, tides, and currents in oceans, 
estuaries, and tidal areas; 
‘‘(B) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, 
streams, and man-made channels; 
‘‘(C) differentials in salinity and pressure 
gradients; and 
‘‘(D) differentials in water temperature, in-
cluding ocean thermal energy conversion. 
‘‘(4) NATIONAL LABORATORY.—The term ‘Na-
tional Laboratory’ has the meaning given such term 
in section 2(3) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
U.S.C. 15801(3)). 
‘‘(5) MICROGRID.—The term ‘microgrid’ has 
the meaning given such term in section 641 of the 
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Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 
U.S.C. 17231). 
‘‘SEC. 633. MARINE ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, 
AND DEMONSTRATION. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in consultation 
with the Department of Defense, Secretary of Commerce 
(acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for 
Oceans and Atmosphere), the Secretary of the Interior, 
and other relevant Federal agencies, shall conduct a pro-
gram of research, development, demonstration, and com-
mercial application of marine energy technology, including 
activities to— 
‘‘(1) assist technology development to improve 
the components, processes, and systems used for 
power generation from marine energy resources at a 
variety of scales; 
‘‘(2) establish and expand critical testing infra-
structure and facilities necessary to— 
‘‘(A) demonstrate and prove marine energy 
devices at a range of scales in a manner that 
is cost-effective and efficient; and 
‘‘(B) accelerate the technological readiness 
and commercial application of such devices; 
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‘‘(3) address marine energy resource variability 
issues, including through the application of energy 
storage technologies; 
‘‘(4) advance efficient and reliable integration 
of marine energy with the electric grid, which may 
include smart building systems; 
‘‘(5) identify and study critical short- and long- 
term needs to maintaining a sustainable marine en-
ergy supply chain based in the United States; 
‘‘(6) increase the reliability, security, and resil-
ience of marine energy technologies; 
‘‘(7) validate the performance, reliability, main-
tainability, and cost of marine energy device designs 
and system components in an operating environ-
ment; 
‘‘(8) consider the protection of critical infra-
structure, such as adequate separation between ma-
rine energy devices and projects and submarine tele-
communications cables, including through the devel-
opment of voluntary, consensus-based standards for 
such purposes; 
‘‘(9) identify opportunities for crosscutting re-
search, development, and demonstration programs 
between existing energy research programs; 
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‘‘(10) identify and improve, in conjunction with 
the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the 
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and At-
mosphere, and other relevant Federal Agencies as 
appropriate, the environmental impact, including po-
tential cumulative environmental impacts, of marine 
energy technologies, including— 
‘‘(A) potential impacts on fisheries and 
other marine resources; and 
‘‘(B) developing technologies, including 
mechanisms for self-evaluation, and other 
means available for improving environmental 
impacts, including potential cumulative environ-
mental impacts; 
‘‘(11) identify, in consultation with relevant 
Federal agencies, potential navigational impacts of 
marine energy technologies and strategies to prevent 
possible adverse impacts, in addition to opportunities 
for marine energy systems to aid the United States 
Coast Guard, such as remote sensing for coastal bor-
der security; 
‘‘(12) develop numerical and physical tools, in-
cluding models and monitoring technologies, to as-
sist industry in device and system design, installa-
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tion, operation, and maintenance, including methods 
to validate such tools; 
‘‘(13) support materials science as it relates to 
marine energy technology, such as the development 
of corrosive-resistant materials; 
‘‘(14) improve marine energy resource fore-
casting and general understanding of aquatic system 
behavior, including turbulence and extreme condi-
tions; 
‘‘(15) develop metrics and voluntary consensus- 
based standards in coordination with the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology and appro-
priate standard development organizations for ma-
rine energy components, systems, and projects, in-
cluding— 
‘‘(A) measuring performance of marine en-
ergy technologies; and 
‘‘(B) characterizing environmental condi-
tions; 
‘‘(16) enhance integration with hybrid energy 
systems, including desalination; 
‘‘(17) identify opportunities to integrate marine 
energy technologies into new and existing infrastruc-
ture; and 
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‘‘(18) develop technology necessary to support 
the use of marine energy— 
‘‘(A) for the generation and storage of 
power at sea; and 
‘‘(B) for the generation and storage of 
power to promote the resilience of coastal com-
munities, including in applications relating to— 
‘‘(i) desalination; 
‘‘(ii) disaster recovery and resilience; 
and 
‘‘(iii) community microgrids in iso-
lated power systems. 
‘‘(b) STUDY OF NON-POWER SECTOR APPLICATIONS 
FOR ADVANCED MARINE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in consulta-
tion with the Secretary of Transportation and the 
Secretary of Commerce, shall conduct a study to ex-
amine opportunities for research and development in 
advanced marine energy technologies for non-power 
sector applications, including applications with re-
spect to— 
‘‘(A) the maritime transportation sector; 
‘‘(B) associated maritime energy infra-
structure, including infrastructure that serves 
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ports, to improve system resilience and disaster 
recovery; and 
‘‘(C) enabling scientific missions at sea 
and in extreme environments, including the 
Arctic. 
‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report that describes the results of 
the study conducted under paragraph (1). 
‘‘SEC. 634. NATIONAL MARINE ENERGY CENTERS. 
‘‘(a) CENTERS.—The Secretary shall award grants, 
with each grant up to $10,000,000 per year, to institu-
tions of higher education (or consortia thereof) for— 
‘‘(1) the continuation and expansion of the re-
search, development, demonstration, testing, and 
commercial application activities at the National Ma-
rine Energy Centers (referred to in this section as 
‘Centers’) established as of January 1, 2020; and 
‘‘(2) the establishment of new National Marine 
Energy Centers. 
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‘‘(b) LOCATION SELECTION.—In selecting institu-
tions of higher education for new Centers, the Secretary 
shall consider the following criteria: 
‘‘(1) Whether the institution hosts an existing 
marine energy research and development program. 
‘‘(2) Whether the institution has proven tech-
nical expertise to support marine energy research. 
‘‘(3) Whether the institution has access to ma-
rine resources. 
‘‘(c) PURPOSES.—The Centers shall coordinate 
among themselves, the Department, and the National 
Laboratories to— 
‘‘(1) advance research, development, demonstra-
tion and commercial application of marine energy 
technologies in response to industry and commercial 
needs; 
‘‘(2) support in-water testing and demonstra-
tion of marine energy technologies, including facili-
ties capable of testing— 
‘‘(A) marine energy systems of various 
technology readiness levels and scales; 
‘‘(B) a variety of technologies in multiple 
test berths at a single location; 
‘‘(C) arrays of technology devices; and 
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‘‘(D) interconnectivity to an electrical grid, 
including microgrids; and 
‘‘(3) collect and disseminate information on 
best practices in all areas relating to developing and 
managing marine energy resources and energy sys-
tems. 
‘‘(d) COORDINATION.—To the extent practicable, the 
Centers shall coordinate their activities with the Secretary 
of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Com-
merce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and other relevant 
Federal agencies. 
‘‘(e) TERMINATION.—To the extent otherwise author-
ized by law, the Secretary may terminate funding for a 
Center described in paragraph (a) if such Center is under-
performing. 
‘‘SEC. 635. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF PRO-
GRAMS. 
‘‘(a) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this subtitle, 
the Secretary shall coordinate activities, and effectively 
manage cross-cutting research priorities across programs 
of the Department and other relevant Federal agencies, 
including the National Laboratories and the National Ma-
rine Energy Centers. 
‘‘(b) COLLABORATION.— 
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out this sub-
title, the Secretary shall collaborate with industry, 
National Laboratories, other relevant Federal agen-
cies, institutions of higher education, including Mi-
nority Serving Institutions, National Marine Energy 
Centers, Tribal entities, including Alaska Native 
Corporations, and international bodies with relevant 
scientific and technical expertise. 
‘‘(2) PARTICIPATION.—To the extent prac-
ticable, the Secretary shall encourage research 
projects that promote collaboration between entities 
specified in paragraph (1) and include entities not 
historically associated with National Marine Energy 
Centers, such as Minority Serving Institutions. 
‘‘(3) INTERNATIONAL
COLLABORATION.—The 
Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other ap-
propriate Federal and multilateral agencies (includ-
ing the United States Agency for International De-
velopment) shall support collaborative efforts with 
international partners to promote the research, de-
velopment, and demonstration of technologies used 
to develop marine energy resources. 
‘‘(c) DISSEMINATION
OF RESULTS
AND PUBLIC 
AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary shall— 
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‘‘(1) publish the results of projects supported 
under this subtitle through Department websites, re-
ports, databases, training materials, and industry 
conferences, including information discovered after 
the completion of such projects, withholding any in-
dustrial proprietary information; and 
‘‘(2) share results of such projects with the 
public except to the extent that the information is 
protected from disclosure under section 552(b) of 
title 5, United States Code. 
‘‘(d) AWARD FREQUENCY.—The Secretary shall so-
licit applications for awards under this subtitle no less fre-
quently than once per fiscal year. 
‘‘(e) EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.—In carrying out 
the activities described in this subtitle, the Secretary shall 
support education and outreach activities to disseminate 
information and promote public understanding of marine 
energy technologies and the marine energy workforce, in-
cluding activities at the National Marine Energy Centers. 
‘‘(f) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND WORKFORCE DE-
VELOPMENT.—In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary 
may also conduct, for purposes of supporting technical, 
non-hardware, and information-based advances in marine 
energy development and operations— 
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‘‘(1) technical assistance and analysis activities 
with eligible entities, including activities that sup-
port expanding access to advanced marine energy 
technologies for rural, Tribal, and low-income com-
munities; and 
‘‘(2) workforce development and training activi-
ties, including to support the dissemination of stand-
ards and best practices for enabling marine energy 
production. 
‘‘(g) STRATEGIC PLAN.—In carrying out the activi-
ties described in this subtitle, the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of the Marine Energy Research and 
Development Act, draft a plan, considering input 
from relevant stakeholders such as industry and aca-
demia, to implement the programs described in this 
subtitle and update the plan on an annual basis; and 
‘‘(2) the plan shall address near-term (up to 2 
years), mid-term (up to 7 years), and long-term (up 
to 15 years) challenges to the advancement of ma-
rine energy systems. 
‘‘(h) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, and at least 
once every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall provide, 
and make available to the public and the relevant author-
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izing and appropriations committees of Congress, a report 
on the findings of research conducted and activities car-
ried out pursuant to this subtitle, including the most cur-
rent strategic plan under subsection (g) and the progress 
made in implementing such plan. 
‘‘SEC. 636. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAWS. 
‘‘Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed as 
waiving, modifying, or superseding the applicability of any 
requirement under any environmental or other Federal or 
State law. 
‘‘SEC. 637. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
‘‘There are authorized to be appropriated to the Sec-
retary to carry out this subtitle— 
‘‘(1) $112,580,000 for marine energy research, 
development, and demonstration activities for fiscal 
year 2021; 
‘‘(2) $116,303,200 for marine energy research, 
development, and demonstration activities for fiscal 
year 2022; 
‘‘(3) $120,175,562 for marine energy research, 
development, and demonstration activities for fiscal 
year 2023; 
‘‘(4) $124,203,295 for marine energy research, 
development, and demonstration activities for fiscal 
year 2024; and 
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‘‘(5) $128,392,869 for marine energy research, 
development, and demonstration activities for fiscal 
year 2025.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING TABLE
OF CONTENTS AMEND-
MENT.—The table of contents for the Energy Independ-
ence and Security Act of 2007 is amended by striking the 
items relating to subtitle C of title VI and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘Subtitle C—Marine Energy Research and Development 
‘‘Sec. 631. Short title. 
‘‘Sec. 632. Definitions. 
‘‘Sec. 633. Marine energy research, development, and demonstration. 
‘‘Sec. 634. National Marine Energy Centers. 
‘‘Sec. 635. Organization and administration of programs. 
‘‘Sec. 636. Applicability of other laws. 
‘‘Sec. 637. Authorization of appropriations.’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005.—The Energy 
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801 et seq.) is 
amended— 
(A) in section 201(a), by striking ‘‘ocean 
(including tidal, wave, current, and thermal)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘marine’’; 
(B) in section 203(b)(2), by— 
(i) inserting ‘‘marine energy (as de-
fined in section 632 of the Energy Inde-
pendence and Security Act of 2007) or’’ 
before ‘‘electric energy’’; and 
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(ii) by striking ‘‘ocean (including 
tidal, wave, current, and thermal)’’; 
(C) in section 931(a)(2)(E)(i), by striking 
‘‘ocean energy, including wave energy’’ and in-
serting ‘‘marine energy (as defined in section 
632 of the Energy Independence and Security 
Act of 2007)’’; and 
(D) in section 1833(a), by striking ‘‘ocean 
energy resources (including tidal, wave, and 
thermal energy)’’ and inserting ‘‘marine energy 
resources (within the meaning of section 632 of 
the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007)’’. 
(2) ENERGY
POLICY
ACT
OF
1992.—Section 
1212 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 
13317) is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a)(4)(A)(i), by striking 
‘‘ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and ther-
mal)’’ and inserting ‘‘marine energy (as defined 
in section 632 of the Energy Independence and 
Security Act of 2007)’’; 
(B) in subsection (b), in the matter pre-
ceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘ocean (in-
cluding tidal, wave, current, and thermal)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘marine energy (as defined in section 
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632 of the Energy Independence and Security 
Act of 2007)’’; and 
(C) in subsection (e)(1), in the first sen-
tence, by striking ‘‘ocean (including tidal, wave, 
current, and thermal)’’ and inserting ‘‘marine 
energy (as defined in section 632 of the Energy 
Independence and Security Act of 2007)’’. 
(3) RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFI-
CIENCY
TECHNOLOGY
COMPETITIVENESS
ACT
OF 
1989.—The Renewable Energy and Energy Effi-
ciency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (42 
U.S.C. 12001 et seq.) is amended— 
(A) in section 4 (42 U.S.C. 12003)— 
(i) in subsection (a)(5), by striking 
‘‘Ocean’’ and inserting ‘‘Marine’’; and 
(ii) in subsection (c), in the matter 
preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘Ocean’’ and inserting ‘‘Marine’’; and 
(B) in section 9(c) (42 U.S.C. 12006(c)), 
by striking ‘‘ocean,’’ and inserting ‘‘marine,’’. 
SEC. 319. INCREASING FUNDING FOR COASTAL CONSERVA-
TION AND RESILIENCE. 
Section 8(p)(2) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands 
Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(2)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
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‘‘(C) With respect to any lease under this 
subsection for the production of wind energy, 
30 percent of the revenue from such lease shall 
be deposited in the National Oceans and Coast-
al Security Fund established by section 904 of 
the National Oceans and Coastal Security Act 
(16 U.S.C. 7503).’’. 
TITLE IV—CLIMATE-READY FISH-
ERIES, 
EFFICIENT 
FISHERY 
VESSELS, 
AND 
BUY 
AMER-
ICAN SEAFOOD 
SEC. 401. SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) American wild-caught seafood is integral to 
the nation’s food supply and to American food secu-
rity; 
(2) the seafood supply chain is often long and 
complex; 
(3) American caught and American-processed 
seafood can be a sustainable healthy source of pro-
tein and micronutrients; 
(4) fresh, frozen, dried, and canned domestic 
seafood can be produced, processed, and transported 
in a manner that has a low carbon footprint; 
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(5) marine species that are small, at lower 
trophic levels, and pelagic typically have the smallest 
carbon footprint; and 
(6) therefore, any executive agency that pur-
chases seafood products should, to the extent prac-
ticable, buy local American-caught or American-har-
vested and American-processed seafood products 
from fisheries that are not overfished or experi-
encing overfishing in order to reduce the greenhouse 
gas emissions associated with the supply chain of 
seafood products. 
SEC. 402. CAUGHT IN THE USA. 
Section 2(c)(1) of the Act of August 11, 1939 (15 
U.S.C. 713c–3(c)(1)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(1) The Secretary shall make grants from the 
fund established under subsection (b) to— 
‘‘(A) assist persons in carrying out re-
search and development projects addressed to 
any aspect of United States fisheries, including 
harvesting, processing, marketing, and associ-
ated infrastructures; or 
‘‘(B) assist persons to market and promote 
the consumption of— 
‘‘(i) local or domestic fishery products; 
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‘‘(ii) environmentally- and climate- 
friendly fishery products that minimize by-
catch and impacts on marine mammals; 
‘‘(iii) invasive species; or 
‘‘(iv) well-managed but less known 
species.’’. 
SEC. 403. ELIMINATE FISH SUBSIDIES IN TRADE AGREE-
MENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 102(b) of the Bipartisan 
Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 
2015 (19 U.S.C. 4201(b)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘(23) FISH SUBSIDIES.—The principal negoti-
ating objectives of the United States with respect to 
fish subsidies are the following: 
‘‘(A) To eliminate subsidies that contribute 
to overcapacity, overfishing, or illegal, unre-
ported, and unregulated fishing, such as sub-
sidies that— 
‘‘(i) increase the marine fishing capac-
ity of fishing vessels or support the acqui-
sition of equipment that increases the abil-
ity of fishing vessels to find fish; 
‘‘(ii) support the construction of fish-
ing vessels, importation of fishing vessels, 
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or government repurchase of fishing ves-
sels outside of a binding and effective fish-
ing capacity reduction program that in-
cludes the corresponding elimination of 
fishing rights and a binding and effective 
prohibition on the reuse of vessels for fish-
ing to increase capacity in any fishery; 
‘‘(iii) affect fish stocks in any fish-
ery— 
‘‘(I) in an overfished or worse 
condition; 
‘‘(II) whose stock levels are de-
clining; or 
‘‘(III) whose stock level status re-
mains unknown; 
‘‘(iv) are provided to fishing enter-
prises engaged in long-distance fishing, ei-
ther on the high seas or in the exclusive 
economic zone of a third country; 
‘‘(v) support the transfer or reflagging 
of fishing vessels to third countries, includ-
ing through the creation of joint ventures 
with partners of those countries; 
‘‘(vi) are provided to the fishing enter-
prises or to owners or operators of vessels 
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that have been determined to have engaged 
in illegal, unreported, and unregulated 
fishing by a coastal state or a regional 
fisheries management organization; or 
‘‘(vii) reduce fuel, insurance, or other 
operating costs solely for fishing enter-
prises. 
‘‘(B) To require parties to trade agree-
ments— 
‘‘(i) to report to an environmental af-
fairs committee established under the 
agreement, on an annual basis, all marine 
fishing-related subsidies provided by the 
parties, including fleet capacity and trade 
data concerning the fisheries that the sub-
sidies affect; 
‘‘(ii) to establish an independent body 
to make annual assessments of the health 
of fish stocks in each domestic fishery and 
report such assessments to such environ-
mental affairs committee; 
‘‘(iii) with respect to shared or inter-
national fisheries in which each party is in-
volved in fishing activities, to commit to 
cooperating with third countries, regional 
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fisheries management organizations, and 
assessment bodies in annual assessments 
of the health of fish stocks in such fish-
eries; and 
‘‘(iv) to certify to such environmental 
affairs committee that they have made and 
continue to make adequate progress to-
ward the goal of protecting and conserving, 
through well-connected and effective sys-
tem of protected areas and other effective 
area-based conservation measures, at least 
30 percent of the planet by 2030, with the 
focus on areas particularly important for 
biodiversity. 
‘‘(C) To require parties to trade agree-
ments that are also members of the World 
Trade Organization to work collaboratively at 
the Organization to establish and maintain ro-
bust disciplines on fisheries subsidies.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
subsection (a)— 
(1) take effect on the date of the enactment of 
this Act; and 
(2) apply with respect to negotiations for trade 
agreements subject to the provisions of section 103 
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of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and 
Accountability Act of 2015 (19 U.S.C. 4202) en-
tered into on or after such date of enactment. 
SEC. 404. FUEL EFFICIENT FISHING VESSELS. 
Section 53708(b)(2) of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the 
end; 
(2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘increased 
fuel efficiency or improved safety.’’ and inserting 
‘‘improved safety; or’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(C) increasing fuel efficiency and reduc-
ing fuel usage, which may include— 
‘‘(i) installation of solar panels; 
‘‘(ii) engine replacement or retrofit, 
including the installation of new fuel-effi-
cient, low-emission engines, including hy-
brid electric marine engines or generators; 
‘‘(iii) gearbox or propeller replace-
ment; 
‘‘(iv) modifications to hull shape; and 
‘‘(v) modifications to fishing gear.’’. 
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SEC. 405. CLIMATE AND FISHERIES RESEARCH AND MAN-
AGEMENT PROGRAM. 
Title IV of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conserva-
tion and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1881 et seq.) is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 409. CLIMATE AND FISHERIES RESEARCH AND MAN-
AGEMENT PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROGRAM.—The Sec-
retary, in consultation with appropriate Regional Fishery 
Management Councils and in coordination with other Fed-
eral agencies and educational institutions, shall establish 
a program to identify, develop, and implement adaptive 
strategies, consistent with the requirements of this Act, 
to improve the management of fisheries under current and 
anticipated impacts of climate change. In administering 
such program, the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) expand and improve fisheries science, mon-
itoring, and data collection in order to support and 
promote integrated, climate-informed fishery man-
agement and ensure that the requirements of this 
Act are met under changing climatic conditions; 
‘‘(2) prepare and adapt fishery management for 
climate change by promoting a precautionary ap-
proach to management and supporting the develop-
ment and use of relevant science and management 
tools, including forecasting, risk assessment, sce-
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nario planning, coupled climate and ecosystem mod-
eling, and management strategy evaluation; 
‘‘(3) improve agency understanding of stock 
shifts to inform catch advice, resolve jurisdictional 
issues, and support achievement of conservation 
mandates in the face of shifting stocks; 
‘‘(4) promote the use of climate-informed stock 
assessments; 
‘‘(5) provide guidance on the use of climate-re-
sponsive control rules in fishery management; 
‘‘(6) promote management approaches that in-
crease resilience to current and anticipated climate 
impacts in managed species and marine ecosystems, 
including by coordinating with and advancing pro-
grams to protect genetic diversity and age structure, 
protect marine habitat, minimize and better account 
for bycatch, and incorporating into management the 
ecological role of forage fish in the marine food web; 
‘‘(7) increase understanding of the socio-
economic impacts of climate change on fishing par-
ticipants and related industries; 
‘‘(8) coordinate within the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration on issues related to 
climate change and fisheries, including on data 
needs and availability; 
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‘‘(9) ensure that the research, resource manage-
ment, and expenditures to prepare fisheries for cli-
mate change promote racial and socioeconomic eq-
uity with respect to environmental and economic 
outcomes across fisheries and regions; 
‘‘(10) promote the incorporation of climate 
change into fisheries management at regional fishery 
management organizations and other international 
bodies; and 
‘‘(11) advance other climate change fishery 
science and management as appropriate. 
‘‘(b) EVALUATION.—The Secretary, in consultation 
with the Councils, shall, not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions 
Act of 2020 and every 3 years thereafter, conduct an inde-
pendent review that will be provided to Congress and the 
public on the results of the program, including— 
‘‘(1) steps taken to modify or enhance research 
and data collection programs to better understand 
the effects of climate change on fishery resources; 
‘‘(2) steps taken to evaluate various manage-
ment strategies in the context of future climate sce-
narios; 
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‘‘(3) how tools and solutions identified by the 
program have been or will be implemented in fishery 
science and management; and 
‘‘(4) the degree to which equity in outcomes of 
fulfilling programmatic duties was achieved as re-
quired by subsection (a)(9).’’. 
SEC. 406. CLIMATE-READY FISHERIES INNOVATION PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) CLIMATE-READY FISHERIES INNOVATION PRO-
GRAM.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a program, 
including grants, to develop innovative tools and ap-
proaches designed to increase the adaptive capacity of 
fishery management to the impacts of climate change. In 
administering such program, the Administrator shall— 
(1) develop science and management ap-
proaches that address regional and national prior-
ities to improve the conservation and management of 
fishery resources under current and anticipated cli-
mate impacts; 
(2) provide for routine consultation with fishery 
managers and scientists in order to maximize oppor-
tunities to incorporate results of the program in 
fishery management actions; 
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202 
(2) GRANTS TO COASTAL STATES.—Subsection 
(b) of section 906 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 7505) is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(b) GRANTS TO COASTAL STATES.— 
‘‘(1) 
IN
GENERAL.—Subject 
to 
section 
904(d)(1) and paragraphs (3) and (4) of this sub-
section, the Administrator and the Foundation shall 
award grants to eligible coastal States based on the 
following formula: 
‘‘(A) 50 of the funds are allocated equally 
among such coastal States. 
‘‘(B) 25 percent of the funds are allocated 
on the basis of the ratio of tidal shoreline miles 
in a coastal State to the tidal shoreline miles of 
all coastal States. 
‘‘(C) 25 percent of the funds are allocated 
on the basis of the ratio of population density 
of the coastal counties of a coastal State to the 
average population density of all coastal coun-
ties based on the most recent data available by 
the U.S. Census Bureau. 
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE
COASTAL
STATES.—For pur-
poses of this subsection, an eligible coastal State is 
any coastal state as defined in section 304 of the 
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232 
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Trans-
portation of the Senate, the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives, and the Com-
mittee on Natural Resources of the House 
of Representatives; 
‘‘(B) not later than 180 days before the 
Subcommittee submits the most recent strategic 
research plan under subsection (d)(3) to Con-
gress— 
‘‘(i) review such plan; 
‘‘(ii) submit an analysis of such plan 
and the implementation thereof to the Sub-
committee for consideration in the final 
strategic research plan submitted under 
subsection (d)(3); and 
‘‘(iii) concurrently with the Sub-
committee’s final submission of the stra-
tegic 
research 
plan 
under 
subsection 
(d)(3), the Advisory Board shall submit a 
copy of the analysis provided to the Sub-
committee to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, 
the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representa-
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