“To direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a youth biodiversity monitoring grant program.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes a grant program, administered by the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere) in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to award grants and technical assistance to covered entities—nonprofit organizations, elementary or secondary schools, institutions of higher education (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001), or State, local, or Tribal governments—for youth biodiversity monitoring projects. These projects provide youth with hands-on experience collecting, analyzing, or interpreting biological data on wildlife and ecosystems, plus education on wildlife/marine science, conservation, or biodiversity, using advanced technologies (e.g., environmental DNA analysis, drones, camera traps, AI, or machine learning); grantees may use funds for supplies, transportation, outreach, permits, and related expenses, with priority for projects focused on underserved communities (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities or persistent poverty areas). The section requires a report to Congress within two years of enactment detailing grantees, award amounts and uses, and participant numbers and authorizes $1 million annually for FY2026 through FY2032.