Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act
Summary
The Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act extends 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, by changing the end date from 2025 to 2030. This ensures continued support for critical research and conservation efforts in the Great Lakes region.
The Act directly impacts the environmental and economic health of the Great Lakes. By extending the funding, it allows for sustained monitoring and research activities.
This reauthorization supports the ongoing efforts to understand and manage the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Expected Effects
The reauthorization of funding will allow for the continuation of existing research programs. These programs are focused on the health and sustainability of the Great Lakes fisheries. This extension ensures that data collection and analysis can proceed uninterrupted, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.
Potential Benefits
- Continued monitoring of fish populations and ecosystem health.
- Sustained research into threats facing the Great Lakes, such as invasive species and pollution.
- Improved data for informed decision-making regarding fisheries management.
- Support for local economies that depend on healthy Great Lakes fisheries.
- Enhanced collaboration among researchers and stakeholders.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds if research priorities are not regularly evaluated.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on fisheries research and potentially neglecting other aspects of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
- Possible dependence on federal funding, which could be vulnerable to future budget cuts.
- The Act does not address new or emerging threats beyond the scope of existing research programs.
- The benefits are primarily regional, potentially leading to concerns about equitable distribution of federal resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of the nation by protecting a vital natural resource. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare".
Furthermore, Congress has the power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the enumerated powers, including regulating interstate commerce, which can be affected by the health of the Great Lakes. The Act does not infringe upon any specific individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
Therefore, the reauthorization appears to be within the constitutional authority of Congress.
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).