Bill · H.R. 2176· House(119-HR-2176)
Saving NEMO Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/18/2025
- Last activity
- 3/18/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Ed Case
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Saving Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms Act of 2025 aims to prohibit specific actions regarding certain marine reef species. It empowers the Secretary of the Interior to designate "covered coral reef species" based on their presence in Appendix II of the CITES convention or due to risks to their sustainability. Once designated, it is unlawful to take, import, export, or trade these species within U.S. jurisdiction. The bill establishes several exceptions, such as for scientific purposes or qualified aquaculture programs. It also outlines strict civil and criminal penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.
Yes
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill provides significant protections for marine reef species and their ecosystems through prohibitions and strict enforcement.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands federal authority over the trade and possession of specific marine species.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Importers and exporters of marine species face significant new risks of fines, imprisonment, and property forfeiture.
Would gun owners be better off under this?-3
The bill authorizes the forfeiture of guns used in the commission of a violation.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Marine Ecosystems: The designation of covered species aims to prevent a substantial risk of harm to the sustainability of marine reef species and their ecosystems (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Controlled Scientific and Zoological Advancement: Exceptions are made for species taken for scientific, museum, or zoological breeding and display purposes (Section 2(c)(1)(D)).
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Support for Sustainable Industry: The bill provides exceptions for species produced through qualified aquaculture or mariculture facilities and qualified cooperative breeding programs (Section 2(c)(1)(B-C)).
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Encouraging Environmental Stewardship: A reward system is established for individuals who provide information leading to the arrest, conviction, or civil penalty assessment of violators (Section 2(d)(4)(A)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Penalties for Violators: Individuals may face civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, while those engaged in business as importers or exporters could face fines and up to 2 years in prison for knowing violations (Section 2(d)(1) and (3)(B)).
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Criminal Liability for False Statements: Anyone who knowingly submits a false certification regarding the use of destructive collection practices faces fines and up to 2 years in prison (Section 2(d)(3)(C)).
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Seizure and Forfeiture of Property: The government is authorized to search for and seize protected species, and in cases of criminal convictions, equipment such as guns, traps, nets, and vessels used in violations are subject to forfeiture (Section 2(d)(5)(A) and (C)).
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Litigation Burdens: While citizens can bring civil actions to enjoin violations, they may incur various court costs (Section 2(d)(6)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-4Good For Gun Owners-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- 4/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/18/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia