Sponsors (8)
The bill pauses commercial deep-seabed and offshore hardrock mining to protect coastal ecosystems, Indigenous subsistence, and recreational uses while commissioning fast scientific review — trading potential near‑term industry jobs and domestic mineral access for environmental protection and better evidence to guide future policy.
Coastal communities, commercial and recreational marine users, and fisheries are protected from potential environmental and economic harm by banning commercial deep seabed and offshore hardrock mining.
Indigenous and tribal communities that rely on marine resources have stronger safeguards because the bill requires study of cultural and subsistence impacts before permitting mining activity.
Scientists, researchers, and federal decision-makers benefit from a required, rapid independent scientific review (National Academies within 90 days), improving the evidence base for future policy on seabed and offshore mining.
Companies and workers planning commercial seabed or OCS hardrock mining face an effective moratorium, risking lost investment and jobs in those development sectors.
Manufacturers, technology workers, and the broader economy could face greater reliance on foreign mineral sources if domestic access to seabed and offshore hardrock minerals is restricted before alternatives scale up.
Taxpayers may bear new costs to fund the comprehensive National Academies study and related federal assessments required by the bill.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bans federal authorizations for commercial hardrock mining on the deep seabed and OCS, allows research, and orders a National Academies study on environmental and social impacts.
Introduced January 23, 2025 by Ed Case · Last progress January 23, 2025
Prohibits federal issuance of licenses, permits, or other authorizations for commercial exploration, development, or production of hardrock minerals on the deep seabed and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Preserves an exception for scientific research, requires the Secretary to seek a National Academies study within 90 days on environmental and social impacts, and directs submission of the Academies’ findings to Congress.