Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7332

Whale CHARTS Act of 2026

Whale Protection: Mapping and Tracking Program

To amend the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to provide for a mapping, surveying, monitoring, and mitigation program for migratory whales and other large cetaceans.

5 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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Law

Key Points

The bill creates a new system to track and map where whales and other large sea mammals travel in U.S. waters. These maps will show where they eat, mate, and migrate, helping ships avoid hitting them in busy shipping lanes.
A $10 million grant program will help develop new technology to detect whales and prevent accidents. This money will go to researchers, local governments, and small businesses in the fishing and tourism industries to help them operate safely around wildlife.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will use tools like satellites, drones, and underwater microphones to monitor whales. This information will be sent to boat navigation systems so captains can see whale locations in real-time.
The program specifically targets whales that scientists don't know much about yet. By filling these knowledge gaps, the government hopes to better protect endangered species from accidental injury or death caused by human activity.
The plan authorizes $8 million every year through 2030 for mapping and monitoring. It also sets aside a one-time $10 million fund for technology grants to help find new ways to keep sea animals safe without disrupting maritime businesses.

Impact Analysis

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Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Feb 3, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Feb 3, 2026

Introduced in House

The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Bill NumberHR 7332

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.