16 U.S.C. § 1447c — Regional research plans

Page 1870 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION § 1447c 1 See References in Text note below. (8) acquire secret processes, inventions, pat- ent applications, patents, licenses, and prop- erty rights, by purchase, license, lease, or do- nation. (e) Administration (1) Practices and procedures Each Board shall determine its organization, and prescribe its practices and procedures for carrying out its functions under this chapter. Each Board should use existing research ad- ministrative capability to the extent prac- ticable. (2) Committees and subcommittees Each Board shall establish such committees and subcommittees as are appropriate in the performance of its functions. (3) Staff and support Each Board is authorized to hire such staff as are necessary to carry out the functions of the Board. (f) Termination Each Board shall cease to exist on October 1, 1999, unless extended by Congress. (Pub. L. 92–532, title IV, § 403, as added Pub. L. 101–593, title III, § 301, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2964.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT This Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(7), means Pub. L. 92–532, which enacted this chapter, chapter 32 (§ 1431 et seq.) of this title, and chapters 27 (§ 1401 et seq.) and 41 (§ 2801 et seq.) of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Wa- ters. § 1447c. Regional research plans (a) Development and amendment of regional plans (1) In general Each Board shall develop a comprehensive 4- year marine research plan for the region for which the Board is responsible, and shall amend the plan at such times as the Board considers necessary to reflect changing condi- tions, but no less frequently than once every 4 years. (2) Review and consideration of national plan In the development and amendment of its re- search plan, the Board shall consider findings and recommendations of the national plan de- veloped pursuant to the National Ocean Pollu- tion Planning Act of 1978 (33 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).1 (b) Contents of plan Such marine research plan shall include— (1) an overview of the environmental quality conditions in the coastal and marine waters of the region and expected trends in these condi- tions; (2) a comprehensive inventory and descrip- tion of all marine research related to water quality and ecosystem health expected to be conducted in the region during the 4-year term of the research plan; (3) a statement and explanation of the ma- rine research needs and priorities applicable to the marine and coastal waters of the region over the upcoming 10-year period with empha- sis on the upcoming 3-to-5 year period; (4) an assessment of how the plan will incor- porate existing marine, coastal, and estuarine research and management in the region, in- cluding activities pursuant to section 1330 of title 33 and section 1461 of this title; and (5) a general description of marine research and monitoring objectives and timetables for achievement through the funding of projects under this chapter during the 4-year period covered by the plan so as to meet the prior- ities specified in the plan in accordance with paragraph (3). (c) Plan review and approval (1) In general When a Board has developed a marine re- search plan, including amendments thereto, the Board shall submit the plan to the Admin- istrator of the National Oceanic and Atmos- pheric Administration and the Administration of the Environmental Protection Agency, who shall jointly determine whether the plan meets the requirements of subsection (b). (2) Time for approval or disapproval The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Ad- ministrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall jointly approve or disapprove such research plan within 120 days after re- ceiving the plan. (3) Action after disapproval In the case of disapproval of such research plan, the Administrator of the National Oce- anic and Atmospheric Administration and the Administrator of the Environmental Protec- tion Agency shall jointly notify the appro- priate Board in writing, stating in detail the revisions necessary to obtain approval of the plan. Such Administrators shall approve or disapprove the revised plan within 90 days after receiving the revised plan from the Board. (Pub. L. 92–532, title IV, § 404, as added Pub. L. 101–593, title III, § 301, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2966.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT The National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 95–273, May 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 228, which was classified generally to chapter 31 (§ 1701 et seq.) of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and was repealed by Pub. L. 102–567, title II, § 204, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4282. § 1447d. Research grant program (a) Program administration The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall admin- ister a grant program to support the administra- tive functions of each Board. (b) Research grants (1) Each Board may annually submit a grant application to the Administrator of the National