To require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program to foster enhanced coexistence between ocean users and North Atlantic right whales and other large cetacean species.
Latest Action
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-837, Part I.
Official Summary
Official summary has not been imported yet.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™This bill, introduced in the 118th Congress as H.R. 8704, directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a grant program aimed at promoting improved coexistence between ocean users and North Atlantic right whales along with other large cetacean species. The program is intended to support initiatives that reduce conflicts or negative impacts on these marine mammals from human activities in ocean environments. The bill was reported with amendments by the House Committee on Natural Resources but ultimately failed or expired without becoming law. No full text or official summary is available, limiting detailed analysis.
H.R. 8704 sought to establish a Commerce Department grant program to support coexistence efforts between ocean users and large whales but did not advance into law during the 118th Congress.
- The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to set up a grant program focused on North Atlantic right whales and other large cetaceans.
- The grant program aims to foster enhanced coexistence between ocean users and these marine species, potentially funding research, mitigation, or conservation projects.
- The bill was reported (amended) by the House Committee on Natural Resources but failed or expired before enactment.
['Marine conservation organizations', 'Fisheries and other ocean user groups involved in coexistence efforts', 'Federal agencies involved in marine species protection, particularly the Department of Commerce', 'Researchers and entities conducting studies or projects on large cetacean conservation']
['Implementation details and criteria for grant awards are unspecified due to lack of full bill text.', 'Potential costs and funding sources for the grant program are not detailed, raising questions about budget impact.', 'Oversight and enforcement mechanisms for ensuring effective use of grants are unclear.', "The bill's failure to pass limits immediate policy impact and leaves open questions about future legislative efforts."]
The bill was introduced in the House during the 118th Congress and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which reported it with amendments. Despite this progress, it did not pass into law and is listed as failed or expired. The focus on North Atlantic right whales aligns with ongoing federal efforts to protect endangered marine species and balance conservation with ocean industry interests.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential increased collaboration between ocean industries and conservation groups to develop coexistence strategies.', 'Possible stimulation of research and innovation in marine species protection technologies or practices.', 'Enhanced public awareness and engagement on issues related to large cetacean conservation.']
The absence of a full bill text and official summary restricts comprehensive analysis. Transparency around funding, grant criteria, and oversight mechanisms is limited based on available data. The bill's failure to pass means no immediate changes to policy or funding occurred. Future proposals with more detailed provisions would improve clarity for stakeholders and oversight entities.
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