S.843 - Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.843, the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025, aims to establish a grant program under the Department of Commerce to aid in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to include specific provisions for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and response. It also establishes a dedicated fund within the Treasury for these activities.
The bill authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 annually from 2025 through 2030 for the grant program and $500,000 annually for the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund. These funds are intended to support organizations and entities involved in sea turtle conservation and protection.
The Act emphasizes collaboration between the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in administering the grant program and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and data reporting requirements.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased funding and resources for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts across the United States. This would lead to improved conservation outcomes for sea turtle populations.
Specifically, the bill will provide financial assistance to organizations and entities that are actively involved in rescuing, rehabilitating, and responding to sea turtle strandings and other emergencies. The establishment of a dedicated fund will ensure that resources are available for rapid response efforts.
Ultimately, the bill aims to enhance the protection and recovery of sea turtle populations, which are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change.
Potential Benefits
- Provides dedicated funding for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation programs.
- Enhances collaboration between federal agencies and conservation organizations.
- Supports the recovery of endangered and threatened sea turtle populations.
- Promotes data collection and reporting to improve conservation strategies.
- Increases public awareness and engagement in sea turtle conservation.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the actual appropriation of funds authorized.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in grant distribution.
- Overlap with existing conservation programs may lead to inefficiencies.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on rescue and rehabilitation rather than addressing broader threats.
- The bill does not address the root causes of sea turtle endangerment, such as pollution and habitat destruction.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to protect and conserve a species, contributing to the overall well-being of the environment. Congress has the power to enact legislation necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers, including regulating commerce and protecting natural resources.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, which can be interpreted to include the protection of species that may be affected by commercial activities. The Endangered Species Act, referenced in the bill, has been upheld as a valid exercise of Congressional power under the Commerce Clause.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or other constitutional rights. The bill focuses on conservation efforts and does not infringe upon any fundamental freedoms.
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).