Congress·In Progress·H.R. 663

Deep Seabed Mining: Proposed Ban on International Permits

To oppose the permitting of deep seabed mining and exploration for deep seabed mining, and for other purposes.

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

This bill has been introduced in the House and is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and has no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

Rep. Case and a group of House members introduced a bill to stop the U.S. from supporting deep-sea mining in international waters. The bill calls for a "moratorium," which is a temporary ban, on all new mining and exploration projects on the ocean floor.
Supporters of the bill argue that we don't know enough about the deep ocean to mine it safely. They are concerned that digging for minerals could kill unique sea creatures, create massive clouds of underwater dust that harm fish, and interfere with how the ocean stores carbon.
If passed, the bill would require U.S. officials to use their influence in international organizations to block any funding or permits for these projects. This opposition would stay in place until a global group creates strict, science-based rules that guarantee the environment is protected.