A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 10 cosponsors
Last activity — Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E86-87)
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The American Seabed Protection Act aims to prohibit specific mining activities on the deep seabed and the Outer Continental Shelf. It bans the issuance of licenses, permits, or authorizations for the exploration, development, or production of hardrock minerals in these areas. However, the bill provides an exception that allows for scientific research activities to continue. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to commission a comprehensive study through the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. This study is intended to assess the environmental impacts of mining on ecosystems, species, and various marine users.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +9
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The act prohibits destructive mining to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Scored +6
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill includes assessments of impacts on indigenous peoples and their cultural connections to the sea.
- Scored +5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill aims to protect carbon sequestration dynamics in the deep ocean.
The opposite
- Scored -4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill restricts mining-related business opportunities on the continental shelf.
- Scored -2
Is this likely to create jobs?
The prohibition on mining activities may limit job opportunities in the mineral extraction sector.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Marine Ecosystems: The bill seeks to prevent risks such as the loss of unique species, sediment plumes, noise pollution, and the contamination of commercially important food fish (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Preservation of Carbon Storage: By limiting mining, the bill aims to mitigate negative impacts on carbon sequestration dynamics and deep-s ocean carbon storage (Section 2(a)(3)(D)).
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Support for Marine Users: The required environmental assessment looks at potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, aquaculture operations, and recreational users (Section 2(c)(3)(B)(iii)).
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Protection of Cultural Links: The study will assess impacts on indigenous peoples and cultures that are linked to marine species and the marine environment (Section 2(c)(3)(B)(iv)).
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Promotion of Sustainable Alternatives: The assessment includes looking into alternatives such as the reuse and recycling of minerals, as well as the use of substitute materials with fewer environmental impacts (Section 2(c)(3)(E)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restriction of Mineral Exploration and Production: The bill prohibits the issuance of licenses or permits for the exploration, development, or production of hardrock minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Restriction of Deep Seabed Mining: The bill prohibits licenses or permits for the exploration or commercial recovery of minerals on the deep seabed (Section 2(b)(1)).
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 better protect air, water and wildlife? — The act prohibits destructive mining to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill provides for scientific assessment to better manage and protect the ocean floor. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill aims to protect carbon sequestration dynamics in the deep ocean.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill requires the Secretary to partner with the National Academies for environmental research.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires scientific findings to be submitted to specific Congressional committees.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill mandates a comprehensive scientific study of the environmental impacts of seabed mining.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes assessments of impacts on indigenous peoples and their cultural connections to the sea. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill restricts mining-related business opportunities on the continental shelf.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The prohibition on mining activities may limit job opportunities in the mineral extraction sector.
- 9/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2025
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E86-87)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Suzanne BonamiciDemocrat · Oregon
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
James MoylanRepublican · Guam
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Aumua Amata RadewagenRepublican · American Samoa
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan