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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7332

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.

Also known as: Whale CHARTS Act of 2026

about 2 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
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.

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.

Feb 3, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

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.

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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(25)
D: 12R: 13

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.