Sec. 205. Gulf of Mexico long-term marine environmental monitoring and research program
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As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, and subject to the availability of appropriations or other sources of funding, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish and carry out a long-term marine environmental monitoring and research program for the marine and coastal environment of the Gulf of Mexico to ensure that the Federal Government has independent, peer-reviewed scientific data and information to assess long-term direct and indirect impacts on trust resources located in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast region resulting from the oil spill caused by the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon.
The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall carry out the program under paragraph
(1)during the 10-year period beginning on the date of commencement of the program. The Secretary may extend the period if the Secretary determines that additional monitoring and research is warranted. The program under subsection
(a)shall include the following: Monitoring and research of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the affected marine, coastal, and estuarine regions of the Gulf of Mexico and other regions of the exclusive economic zone (as established by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030 of March 10, 1983 ( 16 U.S.C. 1453 note)) and adjacent regions affected by the oil spill caused by the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon. The fate, transport, and persistence of oil released during the spill and spatial distribution throughout the water column, including in-situ burn residues. The fate, transport, and persistence of chemical dispersants applied in-situ or on surface waters. Identification of lethal and sub-lethal impacts to shellfish, fish, and wildlife resources that utilize habitats located within the affected region. Impacts to regional, State, and local economies that depend on the natural resources of the affected region, including commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. Such other elements that the Secretary considers necessary to ensure a comprehensive marine research and monitoring program to comprehend the implications to trust resources caused by the oil spill from the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon. In developing the research and monitoring program under subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall— coordinate with the United States Geological Survey; and consult with— the National Ocean Research Leadership Council established under section 7902 of title 10, United States Code; such representatives from the Gulf coast States and affected countries as the Secretary considers appropriate; such academic institutions and other research organizations as the Secretary considers appropriate; and such other experts with expertise in long-term environmental monitoring and research of the marine environment as the Secretary considers appropriate. Upon the review by and approval of the Attorney General regarding impacts on legal claims or litigation involving the United States, data and information generated through the program established under subsection
(a)shall be managed and archived to ensure that it is accessible and available to the general public for their use and information. Not later than 1 year after the date of the commencement of the program under subsection (a), and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a comprehensive report— summarizing the activities and findings of the program; and detailing areas and issues requiring future monitoring and research. In this section: The term Gulf coast State means each of the States of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce. The term trust resources means the living and non-living natural resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by, appertaining to, or otherwise controlled by the United States, any State, federally recognized Indian tribe, or a local government.
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Sec. 205
Gulf of Mexico long-term marine environmental monitoring and research program
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