Bill > HR2786

This bill establishes a comprehensive Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program administered by the Secretary of Commerce to protect and restore coastal and estuarine areas. The program aims to safeguard important coastal regions with significant ecological, recreational, or community protection value, prioritizing areas threatened by climate change, development, or environmental degradation. Key provisions include expanding the National Estuarine Research Reserve System by designating at least 5 new reserves across different biogeographic regions, ensuring a reserve in each coastal state, and developing enhanced monitoring and research capabilities. The bill provides funding of $47 million annually from 2025-2029 and allows non-governmental organizations to apply for grants to acquire and protect coastal properties, with requirements for public accessibility, state agency support, and long-term conservation plans. The legislation also establishes system-wide programs to centralize data management, support collaborative research, create fellowship opportunities, and develop place-based program elements that include research networks, education programs, coastal training initiatives, and community engagement, with provisions to maintain existing uses like fishing and hunting in these reserves.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2786/all-info