Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act

S 1918, the Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act, creates a competitive grant program under the Department of Commerce to fund nonprofit organizations training or employing veterans for underwater marine and coastal conservation work. It directly affects veterans (as defined by 38 U.S.C. §101) and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits by authorizing $1 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing to $1.8 million by 2028. Key provisions include requiring grantees to use funds for specific activities like coral restoration, marine debris removal, hurricane recovery, and shark tagging, while mandating coordination with the Department of Interior. The program aims to support veterans' mental health and community engagement through hands-on conservation efforts.