Help Our Kelp Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 513
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-26T11:03:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Help Our Kelp Act of 2025" aims to protect and revive kelp forest ecosystems—underwater areas dominated by large kelp algae that support marine life—by creating a federal grant program. It directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Secretary of Commerce, to fund projects that conserve, restore, and manage these ecosystems, addressing declines due to factors like climate change and overgrazing by sea urchins.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program Establishment: NOAA must set up and run the program within 180 days of the bill's enactment, awarding grants to eligible groups for projects focused on kelp forests.
- Eligible Entities: Grants go to:
- Members of the fishing industry (e.g., commercial or recreational fishermen, seafood processors).
- Universities or colleges.
- Nonprofit organizations (tax-exempt under U.S. tax law).
- Indian Tribes (as defined in federal law for self-determination).
- State agencies.
- Local governments (e.g., cities, school districts, or special districts).
- Entities must collaborate with others on the list and submit detailed applications, including project evaluation plans and their qualifications.
- Eligible Projects: Funding supports efforts targeting the biggest kelp losses, such as:
- Building long-term resilience for kelp ecosystems and related economies (e.g., fishing jobs).
- Seeding kelp and improving connections between kelp areas.
- Restoring natural food web balances (e.g., controlling sea urchins or recovering sea stars).
- Monitoring and assessing kelp health.
- Incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices, including tribal consultations or co-management with federal/state agencies.
- Other restoration to prevent widespread kelp loss, especially areas prioritized by tribes or government plans.
- Matching Funds Requirement: Federal grants cover up to 85% of project costs; the rest must come from non-federal sources (cash or in-kind, like donated time). Waivers are allowed if no other funding is feasible, benefits outweigh costs, or the project is on tribal lands.
- Guidelines and Evaluation: NOAA will issue implementation rules and rank projects using best available science, proven methods, and community input.
- Funding Authorization: $5 million per year from fiscal years 2026 to 2030. At least $750,000 annually must go to Indian Tribes; unused amounts can support other groups, with required outreach to tribes.
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms, like "kelp forest ecosystem" (natural underwater systems led by large kelp species and related organisms) and "Indian Tribe" (per federal self-determination law).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, dedicated grant program under NOAA, which does not appear to amend prior laws directly. It builds on existing federal environmental authorities (e.g., NOAA's marine management role) by providing specific funding and priorities for kelp, an area previously addressed indirectly through broader ocean conservation efforts. No major overhauls to current statutes are proposed; instead, it creates fresh tools for targeted action.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: NOAA gains responsibility for administering grants, evaluating projects, and ensuring tribal funding, potentially increasing workload and requiring new guidelines. It promotes coordination with states, tribes, and locals.
- Citizens and Communities: Coastal residents, especially in fishing-dependent areas, could benefit from healthier marine environments, job-creating restoration projects, and economic resilience. It may improve biodiversity, supporting fisheries and recreation.
- International Relations: Primarily domestic (focusing on U.S. waters), but kelp restoration could enhance U.S. leadership in global ocean conservation, indirectly aiding international efforts on climate and marine health without direct foreign policy changes.
- Environment: Aims to reverse kelp declines, boosting carbon storage, habitat for fish/sea life, and coastal protection against erosion.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Fishing Industry: Commercial and recreational fishers/processors, who rely on kelp for sustainable harvests.
- Indian Tribes: Explicitly prioritized for funding and co-management, integrating cultural practices.
- Environmental and Research Groups: Nonprofits, universities, and agencies focused on marine science and conservation.
- State and Local Governments: Involved in project implementation and regional planning.
- Broader Public: Coastal communities gaining from ecosystem services like cleaner water and tourism.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal support for environmental restoration under the Commerce Clause (regulating interstate commerce, including fisheries). Emphasizes evidence-based decisions via "best available science," aligning with laws like the National Environmental Policy Act.
- Constitutional: Respects tribal sovereignty by mandating consultations, funding set-asides, and waivers for tribal lands, fulfilling trust responsibilities to Native American groups.
- Political: Signals bipartisan interest in ocean health (introduced by senators from coastal states), potentially fostering cross-party support for climate adaptation. The modest funding level ($5 million/year) limits fiscal controversy but highlights targeted conservation over broad mandates. No major controversies anticipated, though implementation could raise questions on grant equity or science standards.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-02-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Help Our Kelp Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-11 — PDF (7 pages)