Bill > HR664

This bill seeks to prohibit mining activities on the deep seabed and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) by establishing a comprehensive framework to protect marine ecosystems. The bill is grounded in findings from United Nations reports highlighting the significant environmental risks associated with deep seabed mining, including species loss, ecosystem disruption, noise pollution, potential food fish contamination, and impacts on carbon sequestration. It prohibits the issuance of any licenses or permits for exploration or commercial recovery of minerals on the deep seabed and hardrock minerals on the OCS, with an exception for scientific research. The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to collaborate with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive 90-day study assessing the environmental impacts of potential mining activities. This study will comprehensively examine ecosystem characteristics, potential impacts on marine habitats and species, greenhouse gas sequestration, effects on marine environment users, sediment plume consequences, and explore alternatives such as mineral recycling, substitute materials, and improved terrestrial mining practices. The bill reflects a precautionary approach to marine resource extraction, emphasizing environmental protection and the need for robust scientific understanding before permitting potentially harmful activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/664/all-info