S.513 - Help Our Kelp Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Help Our Kelp Act of 2025 (S.513) aims to establish a grant program, managed by the Secretary of Commerce through NOAA, to conserve, restore, and manage kelp forest ecosystems. The bill allocates $5 million annually from 2026 to 2030 for this purpose, with a minimum of $750,000 per year specifically for grants to Indian Tribes. The act defines eligible entities and projects, emphasizing regional declines in kelp forests and long-term ecological and socioeconomic resilience.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will lead to increased funding and focused efforts on kelp forest restoration and conservation. This will likely involve collaborative projects between various entities, including fishing industries, educational institutions, and tribal organizations. The Act also promotes the integration of Indigenous knowledge into conservation efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced marine biodiversity and ecosystem health through kelp forest restoration.
- Potential for increased fishing industry sustainability and resilience.
- Opportunities for scientific research and education related to marine ecosystems.
- Promotion of collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including Indian Tribes, in environmental management.
- Long-term socioeconomic benefits related to healthy kelp forest ecosystems.
Potential Disadvantages
- The $5 million annual funding may be insufficient to address widespread kelp forest decline.
- Matching requirements could pose a barrier for some eligible entities, particularly smaller organizations or tribes, despite the waiver provision.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in establishing and implementing the grant program.
- The focus on specific ecosystems may divert resources from other important marine conservation efforts.
- Dependence on continued appropriations, which are subject to future political and budgetary changes.
Constitutional Alignment
The Help Our Kelp Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution's Preamble, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. The Act also falls under Congress's power to regulate commerce, as healthy kelp forests can impact fisheries and related industries (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The Act's provisions for grants to Indian Tribes are consistent with the federal government's trust responsibility and treaty obligations.
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).