Bills · S 513
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 513Environmental assessment, monitoring, researchWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Help Our Kelp Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because kelp forests are incredibly important underwater ecosystems, often called the "rainforests of the ocean." They provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for countless marine species, including many fish and shellfish that are vital for commercial and recreational fishing. When kelp forests decline due to factors like climate change, pollution, or overgrazing by sea urchins, it can have devastating ripple effects on marine biodiversity, disrupt food chains, and negatively impact coastal economies that rely on healthy oceans.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide dedicated funding and a structured approach to tackle the decline of these crucial habitats, supporting marine life and the many communities that depend on a vibrant ocean. Without this legislation, efforts to restore and protect kelp forests would likely remain fragmented, underfunded, and less effective, potentially leading to continued degradation of these ecosystems and long-term consequences for both the environment and human economies.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a grant program within the Department of Commerce to fund projects focused on conserving, restoring, and managing kelp forest ecosystems.
This creates a dedicated funding mechanism for vital kelp restoration efforts nationwide.
PROVISION 02
Allows a broad range of entities, including fishing industry members, universities, non-profits, Indian Tribes, and state/local governments, to apply for grants.
This encourages diverse participation and local involvement in conservation efforts.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes $5 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the grant program, with a minimum of $750,000 specifically allocated for projects led by Indian Tribes.
This provides significant and sustained funding for kelp restoration and prioritizes tribal involvement.
PROVISION 04
Requires eligible projects to address areas of significant kelp decline, promote long-term resilience, and can include efforts like reestablishing natural trophic relationships (e.g., urchin removal) and integrating Indigenous knowledge.
This ensures funding targets critical areas and utilizes effective, culturally sensitive restoration strategies.
PROVISION 05
Mandates a cost-sharing requirement where federal funding typically covers no more than 85% of project costs, though this can be waived under specific circumstances, especially for projects on tribal lands.
This encourages local investment and commitment to projects, while also providing flexibility for communities with fewer resources.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
D· Oregon
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
128
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 4 REP 0 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 11
Introduced in Senate
FEB 11
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 513
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 11, 2025
Last actionFeb 11, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2025
Senate BillS 513Environmental assessment, monitoring, researchWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Help Our Kelp Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 11, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
