H.R.664 - American Seabed Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.664, the American Seabed Protection Act, aims to prohibit certain mining activities on the deep seabed and Outer Continental Shelf. The bill seeks to protect marine environments and biodiversity by preventing the issuance of licenses or permits for exploration or commercial recovery of hard minerals. An exception is provided for scientific research activities. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the environmental impacts of mining activities in these areas.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to halt the development of deep seabed and Outer Continental Shelf mining operations within US jurisdiction. This could lead to increased reliance on terrestrial mining or alternative materials. The required environmental impact study would provide further information to guide future policy decisions regarding seabed mining.
Potential Benefits
- Protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity from potential harm caused by mining activities.
- Prevention of sediment plumes, noise pollution, and contamination of food fish.
- Preservation of deep-ocean carbon storage and sequestration dynamics.
- Alignment with international sustainability goals and environmental protection agreements.
- Promotion of research into alternatives to seabed mining, such as recycling and substitute materials.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential limitation on access to mineral resources that could be strategically important.
- Possible negative impact on economic growth and job creation in the mining sector.
- Increased reliance on terrestrial mining, which may have its own environmental consequences.
- Delayed development of new technologies and industries related to seabed mining.
- Possible conflict with existing laws and regulations governing seabed mining.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily based on the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. The bill also indirectly relates to the General Welfare Clause, as it aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable development, which can be considered part of the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).