Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act
Summary
The Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act aims to extend the funding for monitoring, assessing, and researching the Great Lakes Basin. Specifically, it amends Section 201(d) of title II of division P of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, to extend the authorization from 2025 to 2030. This ensures continued support for vital research and assessment activities in the Great Lakes region.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Peters and Mr. Husted and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. The reauthorization seeks to maintain the current level of research and monitoring efforts.
By extending the funding, the Act supports the ongoing efforts to understand and manage the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Expected Effects
This reauthorization will ensure the continuation of existing research programs focused on the Great Lakes. It will prevent a lapse in funding that could disrupt ongoing studies and monitoring efforts. The extension provides stability for researchers and organizations involved in Great Lakes conservation.
Potential Benefits
- Continued monitoring of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
- Sustained research into the health and dynamics of the fishery.
- Informed decision-making for resource management.
- Preservation of biodiversity and water quality.
- Support for local economies dependent on the Great Lakes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for funds to be used inefficiently if oversight is lacking.
- Possible displacement of other environmental priorities due to continued funding of this specific area.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on fisheries research and potentially neglecting other aspects of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
- The reauthorization does not address new or emerging threats to the Great Lakes, such as invasive species or climate change impacts beyond the current research scope.
- The Act does not increase funding, potentially limiting the scope and depth of research.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce and manage federal property, which can be interpreted to include the Great Lakes. The reauthorization does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).