To unleash America's offshore critical minerals and resources.
Sponsored By: Representative Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
In Committee
Summary
Accelerate domestic seabed mineral development to secure critical minerals for economic and national security and to counter China’s influence. The bill sets a fast timetable and a strategic framework to speed exploration, mapping, permitting, and processing while aiming to preserve environmental and transparency standards.
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- U.S. companies: Directs Commerce (via NOAA) and Interior to fast-track license reviews, prospecting permits, and leases for seabed exploration and commercial recovery, with key actions set on 60-day timelines to boost predictability and competitiveness for U.S. firms.
- Federal agencies and mapping: Requires Interior to produce a seabed mapping plan for priority outer Continental Shelf areas, identifies seabed minerals, and coordinates with Defense and Energy on which minerals are essential, all under 60-day deadlines. It also requires two 60-day reports: one on private-sector interest and one on the feasibility of international benefit-sharing beyond national jurisdictions.
- Supply chain, defense, and allies: Pushes for domestic processing and a robust supply chain for critical minerals and directs engagement with allies to support responsible exploration, extraction, and environmental monitoring. It positions the U.S. to lead in seabed technologies and to counter China’s influence in seabed resource development.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster permits and clear rules for seabed mining
If enacted, NOAA and Commerce would speed license and permit reviews within 60 days. Interior would set a faster process for prospecting and leases on the outer Continental Shelf. These steps aim for efficient, predictable, and competitive reviews for U.S. companies. The bill would also define what counts as a mineral, processing, and a U.S. company, effective upon enactment.
Map key seabed areas and priorities
Within 60 days, Interior would plan to map priority outer Continental Shelf areas, including extended zones. The plan would involve agencies, companies, and nonprofits to speed data collection and site knowledge. Also within 60 days, Interior, with Defense and Energy, would list seabed‑derived critical minerals and mark those essential for defense, manufacturing, and energy.
Work with allies on seabed minerals
Within 60 days, Commerce, with State, Interior, and Energy, would engage key allies and partners. They would offer support for exploration, extraction, processing, and environmental monitoring in partner waters. This could open scientific and commercial chances for U.S. companies and set a priority country list. State would decide who qualifies as a key partner or ally and notify the other agencies.
No new lawsuit rights; agency powers kept
If enacted, this bill would not create a private right to sue the government under it. It would also say the Act does not change any agency’s existing legal powers. These are legal limits, not new benefits or payments.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
MS • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
IA • R
Sponsored 6/17/2025
Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
FL • R
Sponsored 6/23/2025
Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1]
MN • R
Sponsored 6/23/2025
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
NY • R
Sponsored 6/23/2025
Webster (FL)
FL • R
Sponsored 6/25/2025
Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]
IN • R
Sponsored 6/25/2025
Wittman
VA • R
Sponsored 6/25/2025
Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]
MS • R
Sponsored 6/25/2025
Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27]
TX • R
Sponsored 6/27/2025
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
OK • R
Sponsored 7/2/2025
Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]
OH • R
Sponsored 7/2/2025
Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
CO • R
Sponsored 7/14/2025
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov