Oversight Hearing | Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP held an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on April 30, 2025, focused on exploring the potential of deep sea mining to expand American mineral production. The hearing featured extensive testimony from industry leaders, environmental experts, and legal advisors discussing the economic opportunities, technological advancements, environmental risks, and regulatory challenges associated with deep sea mining. Key procurement-related topics included President Trump's recent executive order to streamline permitting for seabed mining, the role of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and NOAA in leasing and permitting processes, and the need for investment in domestic processing capabilities to reduce reliance on China. Witnesses debated the viability and environmental impact of deep sea mining technologies, with some advocating for accelerated development and others urging caution due to ecological and legal concerns. The committee discussed potential job creation, GDP growth estimates, and the strategic importance of securing critical mineral supply chains. Members also addressed the international legal framework, particularly the role of the International Seabed Authority, and the implications of unilateral U.S. actions. The hearing concluded with a commitment to further questions and submissions to inform future policy and procurement decisions related to seabed mineral exploration and extraction.