H.R.360 - Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.360, the Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program. The program aims to provide technical and financial assistance to various entities for oyster reef conservation, restoration, and enhancement. It includes a competitive grant program and authorizes appropriations of $15 million per year from 2026 through 2030.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would lead to increased conservation and restoration efforts for oyster reefs. This would involve research, planning, construction, and monitoring activities. The program also aims to support workforce training in coastal resilience and restoration, particularly benefiting underserved communities.
Potential Benefits
- Improved coastal resilience through oyster reef restoration.
- Enhanced water quality and biodiversity in coastal ecosystems.
- Increased opportunities for scientific research and monitoring.
- Workforce training and job creation in coastal restoration.
- Potential benefits to the shellfish industry through sustainable management practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for projects to interfere with commercial or recreational fishing, despite application requirements.
- Financial burden on taxpayers through authorized appropriations.
- Possible bureaucratic inefficiencies in program administration.
- Limited scope focusing solely on oyster reefs, potentially neglecting other important coastal habitats.
- Dependence on continued funding and political support for long-term success.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, as it aims to promote environmental conservation and economic benefits through oyster reef restoration. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could also be invoked to justify federal regulation of oyster reefs, particularly if they affect interstate commerce. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).