A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act aims to improve the economic security of Pacific territories near seabed mining. It amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require specific financial assurances from lessees, including an initial bond and supplemental bonds for production. The bill also mandates a study on environmental impact mitigation methods for seabed mining. Furthermore, it establishes a revenue-sharing system where 50 percent of covered leasing revenues are distributed to specific covered territories. These funds are intended for coastal restoration, infrastructure, environmental mitigation, or debt reduction. Finally, the Act requires notice and opportunities for comment to the Governors of adjacent territories regarding certain plans.
Yes· 3 of 17
- Scored +5
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?
Explicitly allocates funds for the development and maintenance of infrastructure in covered territories.
- Scored +4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
Requires surety bonds for environmental restoration and mandates environmental impact studies.
- Scored +4
Does this invest in rural communities?
Directly supports the economic and physical development of remote Pacific territories.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Increases costs for mining companies through prohibited royalty relief and mandatory bonds.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Revenue Sharing for Territories: The bill mandates that 50 percent of covered leasing revenues be deposited into a special account for distribution to Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Section 2(a)(5)(A)). This provides direct financial benefits to these Pacific territories.
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Targeted Use of Funds: Funds received by covered territories must be used for specific beneficial purposes, such as coastal restoration, infrastructure development (including energy), environmental mitigation, or fiscal stabilization/debt reduction (Section 2(a)(5)(C)).
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Financial Security and Accountability: The bill requires lessees to provide an initial surety bond of at least $100,000 and a supplemental bond based on factors like decommissioning and environmental restoration costs (Section 2(a)(2)(3)(A-B)). This helps ensure that obligations are met.
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Environmental Research and Consultation: The Secretary must conduct a study on environmental impact mitigation methods, consulting with institutions like Northern Marianas College, the University of Guam, and American Samoa Community College (Section 2(a)(2)(4)).
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Increased Local Oversight: The Secretary of the Interior must provide notice to the Governors of adjacent territories regarding certain plans and invite them to review and comment on environmental assessments (Section 2(b)(1-2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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No Royalty Relief: The bill prohibits the Secretary from reducing, suspending, or waiving any cash bonuses, rentals, or royalties due from a lease (Section 2(a)(2)(2)). This removes a potential tool for relief during lease terms.
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Financial Burdens for Lessees: Companies must provide significant financial assurances, including an initial bond and a supplemental bond that accounts for decommissioning and environmental restoration (Section 2(a)(2)(3)). This represents a required financial outlay before and during production activities.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — Explicitly allocates funds for the development and maintenance of infrastructure in covered territories. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Requires surety bonds for environmental restoration and mandates environmental impact studies. Does this invest in rural communities? — Directly supports the economic and physical development of remote Pacific territories. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Establishes stricter financial and reporting requirements for seabed mining leases. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Allows shared revenues to be used for energy infrastructure development.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Increases the power and financial resources of territory governments. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires notification and comment periods for territory governors regarding production plans. Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases federal oversight and bonding requirements for seabed mining.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Strongly benefits remote territories through infrastructure and environmental funding. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Positively impacts Pacific Islanders in Guam, American Samoa, and CNMI. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improved infrastructure and economic security in territories may benefit lower-income residents. Would students be better off under this? — Consultation with local colleges may provide research opportunities. Would business owners be better off under this? — Increases costs for mining companies through prohibited royalty relief and mandatory bonds.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Provides new revenue streams for Pacific territories to improve infrastructure and fiscal stability. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Allows territories to use revenue for debt reduction and fiscal stabilization. Is this likely to create jobs? — Infrastructure funding for territories may stimulate local employment.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Mandates a study on environmental impact mitigation in consultation with local colleges.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Economic support for territories can indirectly reduce poverty.
- 9/8/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House