An original bill to amend section 204 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for title II of such Act for fiscal year 1980.

(Senate agreed to House amendment with an amendment)

Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) conduct research, training, and demonstrations for the purpose of determining means of minimizing or ending ocean dumping and developing disposal methods as alternatives to such dumping; and (2) provide for the coordination of such research among appropriate Federal, State, local, or interstate public authorities, agencies, and institutions and provide financial and other assistance to such entities.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1982 for research programs authorized under such Act.

Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in carrying out a comprehensive and continuing program of research pursuant to such Act, to include the scientific assessment of damages to the natural resources from spills of petroleum or petroleum products.