Summary#
This bill creates the "America's Living Library Project," a 10-year pilot to collect and sequence genomes from species found in selected units of the National Park System. It sets up an office in the U.S. Geological Survey to run the program, requires public genomic data storage with some sensitive information withheld, and directs long-term physical storage of samples inside the United States. The bill also authorizes federal funding for sequencing, data storage, and specimen repositories over fiscal years 2027–2031.
Important changes:
- New program: A USGS office will run a pilot genomic-collection program on National Park lands, starting at 5 parks and expanding to 25 within two years.
- Public database: Genomic data (including long-read sequence data and genome assemblies) must be placed in a publicly available database, with personally identifiable and sensitive location details withheld.
- Sample handling: Physical samples must be stored and processed only in U.S. facilities and may not be transferred or exported outside the United States. High-priority species samples are to be stored both in natural history collections and in a germplasm repository.
- Interagency work: The Secretary of the Interior must coordinate with the National Park Service, USDA, Smithsonian, NCBI (NIH), and others.
- Funding authorized: The bill authorizes a total of $300 million across several agencies for FY2027–2031 (see Expenses).
- Access limits for non-public services: The implementation plan must describe expedited, pre-public-release access paths for domestic entities that are not owned or controlled by specified foreign entities of concern.
What it means for you#
- Researchers and universities
- More genomic data and physical samples will likely become available for U.S.-based research after sequencing and curation.
- There may be standardized protocols and data formats to follow when using or contributing to the program.
- Biotech and AI companies
- The program may provide expedited, non-public access pathways for certain U.S. companies to use bulk genomic data for model training or development, subject to limits on foreign control.
- Companies may be able to provide in-kind support (equipment, sequencing) but must pass conflict-of-interest vetting.
- National Park Service units and park staff
- Selected parks will host collection activities, sampling plans, and possibly more research staff on site.
- Collections must follow existing permits and laws for protected species, migratory birds, and marine mammals.
- Museums and repositories (Smithsonian, USDA facilities)
- Will receive and manage long-term storage of samples and germplasm under written repository agreements.
- Will get dedicated federal funds for storage and curation.
- Tribal governments
- The Secretary must consult with Indian Tribes when implementing the program.
- General public
- A public genomic database will be created, but precise collection locations and personal identifiers will be withheld to protect people, specimens, and resources.
- Entities outside the United States
- The bill restricts physical samples from leaving the U.S. and limits non-public data services to entities organized under U.S. law that are not owned or controlled by certain foreign entities of concern.
Expenses#
Estimated public cost authorized: about $300 million in appropriations for FY2027–2031, subject to actual appropriation.
Breakdown authorized (FY2027–2031 totals):
- USGS program oversight and sequencing: $177 million.
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (sample storage): $33 million.
- National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (sample storage): $30 million.
- National Animal Germplasm Program (sample storage): $10 million.
- NCBI (data storage): $50 million.
Other expense notes:
- The bill requires a plan for sustainable funding, including a proposed subscription model for database access and potential partnerships with universities and foundations. Details and fee levels are not provided in the bill text.
- The authorization does not guarantee funding. Actual costs could differ depending on implementation, contracting, and how many units and samples are processed.
- No separate fiscal note or estimate of recurring administrative costs beyond the authorized amounts is provided in the bill text.
Proponents' View#
The bill appears intended to:
- Build a coordinated, long-term genomic library of species found in U.S. national parks to support conservation, research, and education.
- Make genomic data widely available while protecting sensitive personal and location information.
- Ensure physical samples and germplasm are preserved and stored in U.S. facilities for future research.
- Promote consistent data standards, quality controls, and cybersecurity protections for genomic data.
- Provide pathways for U.S.-based researchers and companies to use data for advanced applications, such as training AI models, while limiting access by foreign entities of concern.
Opponents' View#
Possible concerns or trade-offs suggested by the bill’s design:
- Cost and funding uncertainty: The bill authorizes $300 million but actual appropriations and long-term funding beyond the pilot are unclear.
- Data access and equity: The plan for expedited, non-public access for some entities could create unequal access to data; details on who gets access and under what terms are not specified.
- Biosafety and misuse risk: Collecting and storing biological samples and genomic data raises biosafety, biosecurity, and dual-use concerns; the bill requires risk evaluation but leaves some operational details to agency rules.
- Foreign and international collaboration: The prohibition on exporting physical samples and restrictions on non-public access to entities with foreign control may complicate international scientific collaboration. The bill does not clearly explain how international research partnerships would work.
- Vagueness on sensitive data: The Secretary decides what counts as "sensitive collection locality information," which could affect transparency and reproducibility; criteria are not spelled out.
- Conflict-of-interest and private partnerships: The bill allows in-kind contributions from companies with conflict-of-interest vetting, but it gives limited detail about how conflicts will be managed.
What is unclear
- How the expedited, pre-public-access pathways will be structured and who will qualify.
- Specific operational rules for permitting, especially for endangered, migratory, or protected species where multiple laws apply.
- How the program will coordinate with international data standards and existing international agreements.