US HB2971

Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program providing funding and technical assistance to nonprofits, schools, colleges, and state/local/tribal governments for youth biodiversity monitoring projects using advanced technologies like environmental DNA analysis, drones, camera traps, and AI

Grant funds may be used for supplies, participant transportation, outreach, scientific collection permits, and other project-related expenses

Priority given to applications proposing projects focused on underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those affected by persistent poverty

$1,000,000 authorized annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2032

Secretary required to submit a report to Congress within 2 years detailing grant recipients, amounts awarded, fund usage, and number of participants