To oppose the permitting of deep seabed mining and exploration for deep seabed mining, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Representative Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Introduced
Summary
Opposes permitting deep seabed mining until binding, science-based international rules and consensus exist. This bill would require the President to direct U.S. representatives to call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining and to oppose investments and financing until the International Seabed Authority issues enforceable regulations informed by scientific consensus and Congress receives a certification and report.
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- Families, coastal communities, fisheries, and Indigenous peoples: Would aim to shield these groups by blocking permitting until regulations are based on sufficient scientific baseline information and consensus about risks to ocean ecosystems and dependent communities.
- International engagement: Would direct U.S. representatives at relevant international organizations to use the country's voice and vote to press for a moratorium and to insist the International Seabed Authority adopt full, binding rules consistent with UNCLOS Article 145 and global biodiversity commitments.
- Investors and financiers: Would require U.S. officials to oppose investments, financing, or other support for deep seabed mining and exploration until certification and a supporting report are submitted to Congress.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
U.S. would press to pause deep seabed mining
This bill would tell U.S. representatives at global bodies to push for a pause on deep seabed mining and exploration. They would also oppose investments and financing for these projects. This stance would last until the President sends Congress a certification and a report. The certification would state that the International Seabed Authority has issued science-based rules that effectively protect the ocean. The report would describe those rules, the science on risks to oceans and communities, and how the rules would prevent harm.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
HI • D
Cosponsors
Bonamici
OR • D
Sponsored 1/23/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 1/23/2025
Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
MI • D
Sponsored 1/23/2025
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
GU • R
Sponsored 3/25/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov