WASHINGTON, DC (July 12, 2023)–In response to U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s (HI-01) introduction today of two measures calling for a moratorium on deep seabed mining unless and until its consequences are fully understood and an appropriate protective regulatory regime is established, Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA’s Deep Sea Mining campaign lead, said: “We applaud Representative Case’s initiative to ensure that the US stands on the right side of history by protecting the deep sea from destruction. Reckless mining interests are seeking to establish a new extractive industry in the midst of an ecological and climate crisis. If we could go back in time and stop the destruction from land-based mining or the oil and gas industry, most of us would—this is the opportunity we have now with our deep seas, which remain the last untouched wilderness on our planet.
“The proposals come at a critical moment, as countries are currently gathered at the International Seabed Authority meeting in Jamaica to negotiate rules that would greenlight this destructive industry. We look forward to the US joining other countries like Canada, Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland in supporting a moratorium. The US recently led on the adoption of a Global Ocean Treaty, and it must remain steadfast to ensure that what it gives with one hand, it doesn’t take away with the other. All life on Earth depends on our oceans – we must ensure they are protected for generations to come.”
A key deadline passed on July 9, potentially allowing mining companies to submit an application to mine, despite the fact that no rules have been agreed to govern deep sea mining. The American Seabed Protection Act would put a moratorium on deep-sea mining activities in American waters or by American companies on the high seas. It would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Academies of Science to assess how mining activities could affect ocean species, carbon sequestration processes, and communities who depend on the ocean. Finally, it would require the United States to oppose international and other national seabed mining efforts until the President certifies that the ISA has adopted a suitable regulatory framework to guarantee protection for these unique ecosystems and the communities who rely on them.
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Contact: Tanya Brooks, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected], +1 (703) – 342- 9226
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
