America’s Living Library Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4023
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-19T11:03:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The America's Living Library Act (S. 4023) aims to create a pilot program called the America's Living Library Project. This initiative focuses on collecting new genetic (genomic) data from plants, animals, fungi, and microbes in selected U.S. National Parks to build a publicly accessible database. The goal is to support research, conservation, education, and public health by documenting biodiversity in these protected areas.
Key Provisions
- Establishment and Scope: The Secretary of the Interior (through the U.S. Geological Survey, or USGS) will launch the program as a 10-year pilot. It starts with genomic sampling in 5 National Park units within 180 days of enactment, expanding to 25 total units within 2 years. Selection criteria include biological diversity, feasibility, educational value, research needs, and geographic spread.
- Interagency Coordination: The USGS will work with the National Park Service, Department of Agriculture (USDA), Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and others to:
- Collect, sequence, and catalog samples while following laws like the Endangered Species Act (protecting threatened wildlife), Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Lacey Act (regulating wildlife trade).
- Create a public database of genomic data (e.g., full DNA sequences and metadata) but exclude personal or sensitive location details to protect resources.
- Integrate with existing systems for species naming and ensure long-term sample storage.
- Program Office: A new or existing USGS office will oversee the program, with authority to hire staff, form partnerships (including with biotech companies for equipment donations, vetted for conflicts), and use other federal resources.
- Data and Storage Standards:
- Use high-quality, interoperable data formats (easy to share and reuse) with cybersecurity protections.
- Store samples in U.S. facilities only (e.g., Smithsonian for natural history specimens, USDA for genetic material like seeds or tissues). No exporting or transferring ownership abroad.
- Prioritize "high-priority species" (e.g., rare, economically valuable, or ecologically important ones) for dual storage. Evaluate samples to avoid storing harmful agents like pathogens, with separate secure handling for risks.
- Sampling and Sequencing: Develop safe collection methods tied to existing monitoring programs. Use standardized lab processes for DNA sequencing to ensure reliable results.
- Tribal Consultation: Requires ongoing talks with Native American tribes per federal laws and policies.
- Implementation and Reporting:
- Submit a plan to Congress within 180 days covering expansion, partnerships, and AI access (limited to U.S. entities not controlled by foreign concerns).
- Preliminary report after 3 years on findings and sustainable funding (e.g., subscription fees for database use, grants).
- Final report upon program end.
- Funding: Authorizes about $16.5 million initially (rising to $54 million by 2030-2031) for USGS oversight and sequencing; plus allocations for storage at Smithsonian ($3-10 million/year), USDA facilities ($1-9 million/year), and NIH data storage ($5-15 million/year).
- Termination: Program ends 10 years after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new federal program without directly amending prior laws. It builds on existing environmental statutes (e.g., Endangered Species Act) by mandating compliance during sampling but adds novel requirements like a dedicated genomic database, restrictions on foreign access to samples/data, and prioritized storage for key species. It also creates funding streams and interagency roles not previously specified for National Park biodiversity genomics.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances coordination among USGS, National Park Service, USDA, Smithsonian, and NIH, providing dedicated funding for sequencing and storage. This could streamline biodiversity research but increase administrative workload for permitting and consultations.
- Citizens: Offers public access to a free genomic database for education, research, and conservation awareness. May indirectly benefit public health (e.g., studying disease-related species) and support AI tools for U.S.-based innovation, while protecting sensitive park locations from overuse or poaching.
- International Relations: Limits sample handling and data export to U.S. entities, potentially reducing foreign influence in U.S. biodiversity resources. Defines "foreign entity of concern" (e.g., certain adversarial nations' companies) to restrict AI data access, aligning with broader U.S. tech security policies but possibly straining biotech collaborations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: USGS (lead), National Park Service (park access), USDA (storage and agriculture links), Smithsonian (specimen management), NIH (data infrastructure).
- Native American Tribes: Involved in consultations for parks on or near tribal lands.
- Researchers and Institutions: Universities, nonprofits, and scientists gain data access for studies on ecology, medicine, and climate change.
- Biotech and Private Sector: U.S. companies can contribute resources (e.g., sequencing tech) but face vetting; foreign-linked firms are excluded.
- Public and Conservation Groups: Benefit from educational tools and preserved biodiversity data.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces protections under wildlife laws by requiring permits and consultations, minimizing risks to endangered species. Includes biosafety measures to prevent unintended harm (e.g., pathogen release), with data privacy aligned to federal standards (e.g., NIST cybersecurity guidelines).
- Constitutional: Supports the federal property clause (government management of public lands) and promotes general welfare through science and conservation, without apparent conflicts.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (e.g., senators from both parties) signals broad support for environmental tech innovation. The 10-year sunset and funding model encourage fiscal accountability, while foreign restrictions reflect national security priorities amid U.S.-China tensions in biotech. Could set precedent for expanding genomic programs to other federal lands.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-03-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- America’s Living Library Act — issued 2026-03-05 — PDF (20 pages)