Detailed Summary

National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to substitute "extension services" for "advisory services" in the definition of "project" and to add definitions for "regional research and information plan" and "National Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy."

(Sec. 5) Adds, as elements of the national sea grant college program: (1) regional and national projects; and (2) the environmental and scientific considerations regarding the production of ocean and coastal offshore petroleum, natural gas, geothermal, wind, and ocean thermal energy resources, including the siting of energy related facilities in the coastal zone.

Removes a reference to the sea grant review panel from provisions relating to the administration of the program. Refers to regional or national strategic investments being developed in consultation with the board and with the approval of sea grant colleges and the sea grant institutes. (Current law refers to the approval of the sea grant review panel as well as the colleges and institutes.)

Revises the program director's duties.

(Sec. 6) Excludes amounts appropriated under provisions relating to graduate ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources fellowships (the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program) from provisions restricting contributions by the Secretary of Commerce to two-thirds of the total cost of sea grant programs and projects.

(Sec. 7) Requires that sea grant colleges provide extension services (currently, advisory services).

(Sec. 9) Redesignates the sea grant review panel as the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and modifies it's duties.

(Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations through FY2014. Repeals provisions regulating the distribution of any appropriated amounts exceeding the amounts appropriated for FY2003.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 7/15/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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