Sponsors (9)
The bill prioritizes protecting coastal ecosystems, marine users, and Indigenous subsistence and cultural interests by halting commercial seabed and OCS hardrock mining, but that protection comes at the cost of lost near‑term mining jobs/investment, potential supply vulnerabilities for critical minerals, and modest federal study and research impacts.
Coastal communities, commercial and recreational marine users, and fisheries are protected from environmental harm because the bill bans commercial deep seabed and outer continental shelf (OCS) hardrock mining.
Indigenous and tribal communities with cultural and subsistence ties to marine resources are safeguarded because the bill requires study of cultural and subsistence impacts before permitting activity.
Scientists, researchers, and federal agencies gain a stronger evidence base for future decisions due to a required rapid independent National Academies review.
Companies planning seabed or OCS hardrock mining (and their workers and investors) lose near‑term commercial opportunities and potential jobs because the bill effectively imposes a moratorium on commercial mining.
Manufacturers, technology sectors, and taxpayers could face greater reliance on foreign mineral supplies because the prohibition limits future domestic access to minerals critical to supply chains.
Some scientific research projects may face added administrative review or constraints (despite exemptions), potentially slowing research timelines.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits commercial deep seabed and OCS hardrock mineral exploration and production and requires a National Academies study on environmental impacts.
Prohibits the issuance of any license, permit, or other authorization for commercial exploration or recovery of hardrock minerals on the deep seabed and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), while preserving permits for scientific research. Requires the Secretary to seek a National Academies study within 90 days on environmental impacts of deep seabed and OCS mining and to deliver the findings to Congress. The study must assess ecosystem characterization, impacts to species and habitats, sediment plume effects, greenhouse gas implications, and effects on ocean users and Indigenous peoples.
Official title: To prohibit certain mining activities on the deep seabed and Outer Continental Shelf, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 23, 2025 by Ed Case · Last progress January 23, 2025