1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Blue Whales and Blue Skies Act . 2. Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program (a) In general Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall establish the Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, to— (1) reduce air pollution and harmful underwater acoustic impacts and the risk of fatal whale strikes by encouraging voluntary reduction in the speed of eligible vessels transiting the Greater Santa Barbara Channel Region; and (2) annually award Blue Whales and Blue Skies Excellence Awards for verified successful participation in, and compliance with, the program by eligible vessels. (b) Program requirements The Director shall— (1) model the program after the pilot Vessel Speed Reduction Program administered by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, the Environmental Defense Center (a nonprofit corporation established under the laws of the State of California as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act), and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, except the Director may not provide a financial incentive for participation in the program; and (2) develop the program in consultation with the entities referred to in paragraph (1). (c) Annual awards (1) In general Under the program, the Director shall annually award Blue Whales and Blue Skies Excellence Awards to owners of eligible vessels that have complied with the program during the preceding year. (2) Award conditions As a condition of an award under this subsection, the Director shall require, at a minimum, that each eligible vessel of the awardee— (A) transit the Greater Santa Barbara Channel Region at speeds of 12 knots or lower, or at a lower maximum speed as provided in guidance established under the program