YOUNG Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 2971

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2025-06-24T08:05:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Youth Outdoors Using Nature's Genetics Act of 2025" (YOUNG Act of 2025) aims to create a federal grant program that engages young people in monitoring biodiversity— the variety of life in ecosystems—using modern technologies. It seeks to provide hands-on learning experiences in science and conservation while prioritizing projects that reach underserved communities.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of Grant Program: The Secretary of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), must set up a program to award grants and technical support to eligible groups for youth biodiversity monitoring projects. This involves coordination with agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
• Eligibility and Applications: Eligible applicants (covered entities) include nonprofits, elementary/secondary schools, colleges/universities, and state, local, or Tribal governments. They must submit applications with details determined by the Secretary.
• Allowed Uses of Grants: Funds can cover supplies, participant transportation, outreach to boost participation, scientific licenses/permits, and other related costs approved by the Secretary.
• Priority for Awards: Preference goes to projects targeting underserved communities, defined as groups facing barriers to economic, social, or civic opportunities, such as racial/ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, or those in persistent poverty.
• Reporting Requirement: Within two years of enactment, the Secretary must report to Congress on grant recipients, amounts awarded, how funds were used, and the number of youth participants.
• Funding: Authorizes $1 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2032.
• Definitions: Key terms include:
• Advanced technologies: Tools like environmental DNA analysis (detecting species via genetic material in the environment), drones, camera traps, AI/machine learning, and others approved by the Secretary.
• Youth biodiversity monitoring project: Hands-on activities for youth to collect/analyze data on wildlife and ecosystems, plus education in wildlife/marine science, conservation, or biodiversity.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new grant program, which does not amend prior laws but builds on existing federal education and conservation frameworks (e.g., referencing definitions from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Higher Education Act). It creates a dedicated funding stream for youth-led biodiversity efforts using cutting-edge tech, filling a gap in federal support for such initiatives.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Department of Commerce (NOAA) in administering grants and coordinating with USGS and USFWS; requires congressional reporting. The modest funding ($7 million total over seven years) limits broad fiscal strain but promotes inter-agency collaboration on environmental monitoring.
• Citizens: Benefits youth (especially in underserved areas) by offering educational opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and conservation, potentially inspiring future careers in environmental fields. Schools and communities gain resources for engaging projects, enhancing access to nature-based learning.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved U.S. biodiversity data collection could indirectly support global conservation efforts, such as those under international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Youth and Students: Primary beneficiaries, gaining practical experience in biodiversity monitoring and science education.
• Educational Institutions: Schools (K-12 and higher education) can apply for grants to integrate tech-driven environmental projects into curricula.
• Nonprofits and Governments: Community organizations, state/local agencies, and Tribal governments receive funding and technical aid to lead inclusive programs.
• Underserved Communities: Explicit priority ensures equitable access, addressing disparities in environmental education.
• Federal Agencies: Commerce (NOAA), USGS, and USFWS provide coordination and expertise.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill aligns with federal authority under the Commerce Clause for environmental regulation and education funding; no conflicts with existing laws apparent. Definitions draw from established statutes, ensuring clarity without overreach.
• Constitutional: Supports First Amendment freedoms by promoting educational outreach; no privacy or property rights issues, as projects focus on non-invasive monitoring technologies.
• Political: Encourages bipartisan environmental stewardship by focusing on youth education and technology, potentially appealing across party lines. As an introduced bill (H.R. 2971, 119th Congress), its passage could signal growing emphasis on climate and biodiversity in federal youth programs, though funding levels suggest it's a targeted rather than transformative initiative.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-04-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Youth Outdoors Using Nature’s Genetics Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-21 — PDF (7 pages)