To oppose the permitting of deep seabed mining and exploration for deep seabed mining, and for other purposes.
H.R. 663 aims to block the permitting and exploration of deep seabed mining by the United States and to push for a global moratorium through U.S. engagement in international forums. It builds the case with findings about environmental and social risks of deep seabed mining (DSM), notes international frameworks and scientific uncertainty, and asserts that any regulatory framework should be based on solid scientific consensus and robust protections for oceans and communities. The bill requires the President to direct U.S. representatives to advocate for a moratorium and to oppose financing for DSM until the International Seabed Authority (ISA) adopts a full, binding regulatory framework aligned with scientific understanding and Article 145 of UNCLOS. It also creates a certification and reporting process: the President must certify that ISA regulations are scientifically sound and protective before continuing, and must submit a report detailing ISA regulations, scientific consensus, and protective measures. In short, the bill would effectively delay or prevent deep seabed mining by conditioning U.S. foreign engagement and potential support on ISA regulations that meet stringent science-based protections, and by requiring ongoing congressional oversight through certification and reporting.
Key Points
- 1Findings and policy stance: The bill collects multiple findings about the risks of DSM (loss of species, sediment plumes, noise, contamination, carbon-cycle impacts) and cites international frameworks (UN SDGs, CBD) to justify opposition and precautionary action.
- 2Regulatory prerequisite and reliance on science: It states that no DSM should occur in the international seabed area unless ISA adopts a full, binding regulatory framework under UNCLOS Article 145, and that such regulation must be based on comprehensive scientific understanding of risks and impacts.
- 3Sense of Congress and international engagement: The bill directs the President to use the United States’ voice in international organizations to call for a moratorium on DSM permitting and to oppose investments or financing for DSM, until the certification and report are completed.
- 4Certification standard: The certification requirement mandates that ISA regulations exist and are informed by scientific consensus and will effectively protect the marine environment from harmful DSM effects.
- 5Reporting obligation: The accompanying report must detail ISA regulations, summarize the scientific consensus on risks, and explain how the regulations ensure environmental protection, aligning with the bill’s precautionary approach.