US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

33 U.S.C. § 4201

Definitions

In this chapter:
(1)

Circular economy

The term “circular economy” means an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that—
(A)
are restorative or regenerative by design;
(B)
enable resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest values for as long as possible; and
(C)
aim for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models).
(2)

EPA Administrator

The term “EPA Administrator” means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

(3)

Indian Tribe

section 5304 of title 25The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given the term “Indian tribe” in , without regard to capitalization.

(4)

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee

section 1954 of this titleThe term “Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee” means the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee established under .

(5)

Marine debris

1

1 See References in Text note below.
The term “marine debris” has the meaning given that term in section 1981  of this title.

(6)

Marine debris event

The term “marine debris event” means an event or related events that affects or may imminently affect the United States involving—
(A)
marine debris caused by a natural event, including a tsunami, flood, landslide, hurricane, or other natural source;
(B)
distinct, nonrecurring marine debris, including derelict vessel groundings and container spills, that have immediate or long-term impacts on habitats with high ecological, economic, or human-use values; or
(C)
marine debris caused by an intentional or grossly negligent act or acts that causes substantial economic or environmental harm.
(7)

Nonprofit organization

section 501(c) of title 26The term “nonprofit organization” means an organization that is described in and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title.

(8)

Post-consumer materials management

The term “post-consumer materials management” means the systems, operation, supervision, and long-term management of processes and equipment used for post-use material (including packaging, goods, products, and other materials), including—
(A)
collection;
(B)
transport;
(C)
safe disposal of waste that cannot be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, or refurbished; and
(D)
systems and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, or refurbished.
(9)

State

The term “State” means—
(A)
a State;
(B)
an Indian Tribe;
(C)
the District of Columbia;
(D)
a territory or possession of the United States; or
(E)
any political subdivision of an entity described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
(10)

Under Secretary

The term “Under Secretary” means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Pub. L. 116–224, § 2134 Stat. 1073Pub. L. 119–65, § 5(b)139 Stat. 1990(, , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Pub. L. 116–224134 Stat. 1072This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning , , , known as the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Section 1981 of this titlePub. L. 119–65, § 4(b)(1)139 Stat. 1989, referred to in par. (5), was in the original “section 7 of the Marine Debris Act”, and was translated as reading “section 131” of that Act to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the renumbering of section 7 as 131 by , , .

Amendments

Pub. L. 119–65section 1981(8) of this title2025—Pars. (7) to (11). transferred par. (7) of this section to and redesignated former pars. (8) to (11) as (7) to (10), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 116–224, § 1(a)134 Stat. 1072

section 1959 of this title“This Act [enacting this chapter and and amending sections 1951 and 1958 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Save Our Seas 2.0 Act’.”
, , , provided that: