What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is HR 8704.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-06-12.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr8704/BILLS-118hr8704ih.htm

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1].

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-837, Part I.

Analysis and Potential Impact of HR 8704

We don't know, that is up to you to decide. Summarizing raw data with AI is fundamentally different from predicting socio-economic outcomes. As of 2026, we believe impact assessment strictly requires a human in the loop to verify and judge. Review our public AI processing logs for full transparency, and use Lustra to track active legislation for instant status push notifications.

Ocean Coexistence Grants: Protecting Whales and Supporting Maritime Innovation

Q: What are the main provisions?

Key points include: $10 million authorized for grants to develop innovative technologies that reduce harmful interactions between vessels and whales. Existing federal rules on vessel speed reduction for right whales cannot be changed or updated until December 31, 2030. Grant priority is given to projects that benefit small businesses reliant on fishing, tourism, and maritime activities.

This law establishes a $10 million grant program to fund research and technology that helps ocean users, such as fishers and shippers, avoid collisions with endangered North Atlantic right whales. It also freezes current vessel speed regulations aimed at protecting these whales until the end of 2030, allowing time for new solutions to be developed. The program prioritizes supporting small businesses reliant on fishing and tourism.

Key points

$10 million authorized for grants to develop innovative technologies that reduce harmful interactions between vessels and whales.

Existing federal rules on vessel speed reduction for right whales cannot be changed or updated until December 31, 2030.

Grant priority is given to projects that benefit small businesses reliant on fishing, tourism, and maritime activities.

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Additional Information

To require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program to foster enhanced coexistence between ocean users and North Atlantic right whales and other large cetacean species.

Print number: HR 8704

Sponsor: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]

Process start date: 2024-06-12

System Note: Lustra is free, publicly auditable civic infrastructure, with full source code available on GitHub. You are reading sterilized legislative data, processed by our radical neutrality engine to strip political spin and retain factual mechanics. We process only official government data. Original documents remain the authoritative source, always verify them if you can.

Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025

Source data: api.congress.gov

AI work logs for this document launch

Ocean Coexistence Grants: Protecting Whales and Supporting Maritime Innovation

Key Questions about Ocean Coexistence Grants: Protecting Whales and Supporting Maritime Innovation