To direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to issue guidance for private entities on demonstrating how biobased products meet Department of Defense requirements, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5191, the ``Biobased Product Merit Guidance Act'', aims to promote the use of biobased products within the Department of Defense (DoD). It directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to issue guidance for private entities on demonstrating how their biobased products meet DoD requirements. The bill also mandates a Comptroller General analysis of DoD's requirement development processes to identify and address any unintentional exclusion of biobased products.
Expected Effects
The bill is likely to increase the adoption of biobased products by the DoD. This could lead to a shift in procurement practices, favoring companies that produce biobased alternatives. The Comptroller General's report may lead to changes in how the DoD develops requirements, potentially opening the door for more biobased products.
Potential Benefits
- Increased use of sustainable and environmentally friendly products by the DoD.
- Potential for new business opportunities for companies producing biobased products.
- Reduced reliance on traditional, potentially harmful materials in defense applications.
- Possible cost savings through the adoption of more efficient biobased solutions.
- Stimulation of innovation in the biobased product sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs if biobased products are more expensive than traditional alternatives.
- Possible performance limitations of biobased products compared to existing materials in certain defense applications.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the guidance is poorly implemented or if the Comptroller General's analysis is flawed.
- The definition of 'biobased product' may be too broad or too narrow, leading to confusion or unintended exclusions.
- The one-year timeframe for developing guidance and conducting the analysis may be insufficient.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the clauses related to providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to national defense (Article I, Section 8) and to appropriate funds for such purposes. The promotion of biobased products could be seen as contributing to both national security and environmental sustainability, aligning with the general welfare clause of the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).