Seaweed methane reduction research grants

Subtitle H of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1673 (7 U.S.C. 5926) the following: 1674. Seaweed methane reduction research grants (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)). (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Grants The Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities for the research and development of the suitability of cold-water seaweed species for reduction of enteric methane through livestock feed additives. (c) Research priorities The Secretary shall give priority in providing grants under subsection (b) for the following types of research: (1) Research conducted on which varieties of seaweed inhibit methane production. (2) Research conducted on which varieties of seaweed that inhibit methane production can grow in cold-water climates. (3) Research conducted on whether bromoform from seaweed causes any effects on the ozone. (4) Research conducted on what level of shelf-life seaweed could have if produced on a large scale. (5) Research conducted on whether, and to what extent, large-scale production of seaweed has environmental effects. (6) Research conducted on how seaweed affects livestock biology if used as livestock feed. (7) Research conducted on whether seaweed affects human health if used as livestock feed. (8) Research conducted on how knowledge of the ability of seaweed to inhibit methane production would affect the market value of seaweed products, including— (A) the largest entities or sectors that would potentially purchase seaweed products; (B) potential market prices for livestock feed containing seaweed additives; and (C) the potential role of greenhouse gas emission credits in supporting the reduction of enteric methane using seaweed. (d) Requirements In providing grants under subsection (b), the Secretary shall— (1) select recipients on the basis of the quality of the proposed research project; and (2) award not less than 50 percent of funding to eligible entities in States that, as determined by the Secretary, are among the States with the greatest length of coastline. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031..