S.Amdt. 2964

SA 2964, submitted by Ms. Hirono, aims to add a section to bill S. 2296 regarding a feasibility study for removing oil from sunken World War II vessels.

The amendment states that sunken Japanese warships, specifically three oil tankers near Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, pose a significant environmental threat. These vessels hold an estimated 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 gallons of oil and are already leaking, which could lead to an ecological disaster affecting surrounding communities, the marine ecosystem, and United States military activities.

To address this, the amendment requires the following:

• The Secretary of Defense, working with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and other relevant agencies, must conduct a study on whether it is feasible and advisable to remove the oil. This study must analyze costs, logistical needs, environmental risks, and removal methods.

• A report must be submitted to Congress by March 1, 2026. This report must include:

• An assessment of operational and environmental risks, including current leaks and the potential for a major spill.

• An evaluation of technical approaches, logistical challenges, and costs for containing or extracting the oil.

• A review of current and planned efforts by international partners and the United States.

• Recommendations for next steps, including timelines, international cooperation, and resource needs.