Save Willy Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8450
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-06T22:20:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Save Willy Act of 2026" (H.R. 8450) requires the U.S. Coast Guard to establish a four-year pilot program creating a "Cetacean Desk" within the San Francisco Vessel Traffic Service (VTS, a system that monitors and guides ship traffic like air traffic control for vessels). The goal is to reduce risks to large whales (cetaceans) from ship strikes, noise, and other disturbances in San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Strait by improving monitoring, communication, and coordination.
Key Provisions
- Establishment and Operations:
- Cetacean Desk to be set up and staffed (up to 2 full-time positions) within 1 year of enactment; supported by existing federal staff.
- Monitors whale locations using existing data sources, public reports, and new tech like AI for detection/tracking.
- Personnel alert ship operators to whale sightings and ensure compliance with speed limits, buffer zones, and other rules.
- Data Sharing and Tech:
- Memorandum of understanding (MOU) for real-time data sharing among California, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), VTS, and others.
- Evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies for better detection, data processing, and operator alerts.
- Engagement and Training:
- Consultations with tribes, California, universities, shipping industry, ports, and NGOs.
- Local rule changes (variances) to improve communication; cooperative agreements for training on whale avoidance (e.g., speed reduction, no-go zones).
- Reporting:
- Annual reports to Congress evaluating effectiveness, strike reductions, communications, data use, and stakeholder input.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- No major overhauls; builds on current laws like the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (whale monitoring program) and U.S. Code Title 46 (allowing local VTS variances and agreements).
- Introduces a new, targeted pilot program with tech integration and mandatory reporting, but emphasizes voluntary guidance and existing resources over new mandates.
Potential Impacts
- Environmental: Quantifiable reduction in whale strikes and disturbances, protecting endangered species like humpback whales, blue whales, sperm whales, and orcas.
- Maritime Operations: Enhanced safety and efficiency for ships via real-time alerts; minimal added burden (uses existing staff/tech).
- Government: Requires coordination among Coast Guard, NOAA, and partners; annual reporting to track progress.
- No direct international effects, as focused on U.S. waters.
Main Stakeholders
- Federal Agencies: Coast Guard (Secretary/Commandant), NOAA (Under Secretary).
- State/Local: California government, San Francisco ports, Vessel Traffic Service, Captain of the Port.
- Industry: Maritime operators (ships, ferries).
- Other: Tribal governments, universities, NGOs (e.g., whale conservation groups), Congress (via oversight reports).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing authorities for variances and MOUs; promotes voluntary compliance to avoid litigation over Endangered Species Act violations.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; federal authority over navigation and marine protection is well-established.
- Political: Bipartisan support (California representatives); balances environmental protection with shipping needs in a busy port area, potentially serving as a model for other U.S. whale hotspots.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Save Willy Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (9 pages)