H.R. 4458 would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to award grants for projects that would conserve, restore, or manage kelp forest ecosystems (shallow, underwater ecosystems consisting of various algae species). Recipients could include commercial and recreational anglers; academic institutions; nonprofit organizations; and state, local, and tribal governments.
Using information on similar programs and accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4458 would cost $27 million over the 2022-2027 period, assuming appropriation of the estimated amounts. The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).
