By Andi Anderson
A new bipartisan bill led by U.S. Sen. Todd Young of Indiana aims to use the nation’s biological resources to advance research, innovation, and national security.
The America’s Living Library Act would create a public database of biological and genomic information gathered from plants, animals, fungi, and microbes found on U.S. public lands.
Supporters say the bill will strengthen innovation in medicine, agriculture, industry, and defense while helping the United States compete globally. The initiative is backed by lawmakers from both major political parties and focuses on long-term scientific and economic growth.
“We have enormous potential to not only ensure that these ecosystems remain beautiful and pristine and great places to visit but also of utility to entrepreneurs and the consumers of new food products, new materials, new medicines,” Young recently told the website.
The bill directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to lead the project through an office within the U.S. Geological Survey. The effort would involve collecting, sequencing, and cataloguing biological data from public lands, including national parks. Indiana Dunes National Park would likely be among the participating areas.
The Department of the Interior would work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Smithsonian Institution to store biological samples using established standards.
Participating parks could also develop educational programs to explain the research to the public.
The completed database would contain “AI-ready datasets,” reflecting the Trump administration’s America’s AI Action Plan. The goal is to support advanced technology and scientific research nationwide. Young said the project aligns with growing investments in artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Indiana organizations strongly support the bill. Young highlighted the state’s strengths in biotechnology, agriculture, and animal science. Companies and institutions such as Eli Lilly, Indiana University, Elanco, and Indiana Life Sciences have expressed support.
Young said the largest challenge may be training enough people to collect and manage the data. Still, he expects little resistance.
“We may have people who aren’t fully understanding of the value proposition because it does take some explanation as to how genetically sequencing fungi in a national park can actually further American commerce and national security,” Young said.
“I haven’t heard any meaningful resistance to its advancement through the legislative process yet, and my hope is it could become part of a larger national security bill like the National Defense Authorization Act,” Young said.
The bill aims to educate the public while creating lasting scientific and economic benefits.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: Indiana, General, Government & Policy