America’s Living Library Act (S. 4023)

Summary

Creates a project to collect genetic information from plants and animals in National Parks and build a public database for science and research.

What problem does this solve?

A lack of organized genetic data from species in National Parks limits scientific research, conservation, and the development of new technologies. This project will collect and sequence DNA from these species, creating a public library of genomic information to support science and innovation.

What does this bill do?

Establishes the America’s Living Library Project

Creates a pilot program under the Secretary of the Interior to collect, sequence, and catalog genomic data from animals, plants, fungi, and microbes in National Parks.

Creates a publicly available genomic database

Requires the creation of a public database for all genomic data collected, but withholds sensitive information like personal data or exact collection locations to protect resources.

Selects national parks in phases

Starts the program in 5 selected National Park units within 180 days, expanding to an additional 20 units within two years based on specific criteria like biodiversity and feasibility.

Authorizes funding for multiple agencies

Authorizes specific funding amounts from fiscal year 2027 to 2031 for the Department of the Interior, Smithsonian, Department of Agriculture, and National Institutes of Health to carry out the program.

Restricts foreign access and sample export

Prohibits physical samples from being transferred or exported outside the U.S. and limits expedited data access for AI development to U.S. entities not controlled by a foreign entity of concern.

Requires consultation with Indian Tribes

Mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must consult with Indian Tribes when implementing the program, following existing laws and policies.

Who does this affect?

Scientists and researchers
U.S. biotechnology and AI companies
National Park Service staff

What is the real world impact?

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Advances scientific research and conservation

Creates a massive public database of genetic information from U.S. species. This data can help scientists understand ecosystems, protect endangered species, and discover new biological insights.

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Strengthens national biosecurity

Keeps all physical samples and data processing within the United States and prevents their export. This protects valuable biological resources and prevents potential misuse by foreign entities.

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Boosts U.S. biotechnology and AI industries

Provides U.S. companies with special access to the genomic data for developing artificial intelligence models. This aims to give the American tech industry a competitive advantage over foreign rivals.

When does this start?

The program has several deadlines over its lifespan and will end 10 years after it becomes law.

Initial selection of national parks

Within 180 days of the law being passed, 5 National Park units must be selected to start the program.

Program implementation plan

Within 180 days of the law being passed, an implementation plan must be submitted to Congress.

Expansion to additional parks

Within 2 years of the law being passed, an additional 20 National Park units must be selected for the program.

Preliminary program report

Within 3 years of the law being passed, a preliminary report on the program's findings must be submitted to Congress.

Termination of program authority

The authority for this program ends 10 years after the law is passed.