Sponsors (4)
The bill directs modest federal funding and technical support to restore oyster reefs and boost local jobs and ecosystem health, while imposing administrative requirements and project constraints that could slow implementation and carry a small recurring cost to taxpayers.
Coastal communities, fisheries, and ecosystem-dependent residents gain improved water quality and coastal habitat as oyster reef restoration supports healthier estuaries and fish populations.
Small business owners, shellfish growers, and underserved local workers receive funding, technical assistance, and workforce training that create aquaculture jobs and local economic opportunities.
State agencies, nonprofits, and restoration practitioners benefit from grants and monitoring that support science-based restoration and adaptive management, increasing chances of long-term project success.
State, tribal, and local partners may face added federal administrative requirements, increasing their paperwork and coordination burdens to participate in the program.
Nonprofits, state agencies, and shellfish growers could see projects delayed or limited because grants must avoid reasonable interference with fishing or water uses, narrowing eligible activities or slowing approvals.
Taxpayers fund approximately $15 million per year to support the program, representing a modest new recurring federal expenditure.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a NOAA oyster reef restoration program with competitive grants and technical assistance, funded at $15M/year for FY2026–2030.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program.
Introduced January 13, 2025 by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez · Last progress January 13, 2025
Creates a NOAA-run Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program that gives technical help and competitive grants to states, tribes, local governments, NGOs, shellfish industry participants, universities, and private entities to plan, restore, monitor, and train workers for oyster reef projects. Authorizes $15 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 and requires grant applicants to show projects will not reasonably interfere with commercial or recreational fishing or other water uses, while preserving State and Tribal oyster management authority.