Bill · H.R. 4018· House(119-HR-4018)
To unleash America's offshore critical minerals and resources.
- Introduced
- 6/17/2025
- Last activity
- 9/3/2025 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Mike Ezell
- Cosponsors
- - 13 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to increase access to America's offshore critical minerals and resources. It directs various federal agencies to expedite the process for reviewing and issuing licenses and permits related to seabed minerals. The legislation seeks to establish a mapping plan for the United States outer Continental Shelf to identify abundant mineral areas. Additionally, it mandates the identification of specific minerals essential for defense, manufacturing, and energy sectors. The bill also promotes engagement with international partners and allies to support resource exploration and processing. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Yes· 3 of 6
Is this likely to grow the economy?+6
The bill aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain and support reindustrialization for economic growth.
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
The bill streamlines permitting and promotes competitiveness for U.S. companies.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill promotes industrial growth and new processing capabilities which likely lead to job creation.
The opposite
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-4
The bill limits legal recourse for parties against federal agencies.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
The emphasis on expedited permitting may increase risks to marine environments.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-2
The bill explicitly limits the ability of parties to seek legal or equitable relief, potentially reducing oversight.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Economic Growth and Reindustrialization: The bill aims to create a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals to support economic growth and reindustrialization (Section 1, Policy).
-
National Security and Military Preparedness: By securing reliable supplies of minerals through domestic capabilities, the bill seeks to enhance military preparedness and national security (Section 1, Policy; Section 2, a, 1).
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Energy Security: The development of seabed minerals is intended to secure the nation's energy future and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers (Section 1, Findings; Section 1, Policy, E).
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Increased Efficiency for U.S. Companies: The bill directs agencies to expedite the review and issuance of licenses and permits to ensure efficiency, predictability, and competitiveness for United States companies (Section 2, a, 1-2; Section 2, b, 1-2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Environmental and Transparency Risks: While the policy states that streamlined permitting should occur without compromising environmental and transparency standards, the focus on "rapidly developing" and "expediting" these processes is a central component of the bill (Section 1, Policy, A).
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No Legal Recourse: The act explicitly states that it does not create any substantive or procedural rights or benefits that can be enforced in law or equity by any party against the United States or its agencies (Section 3, b).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+6Increases Job Creation+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+6
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Due Process-4Improves Government Transparency-2
- 9/3/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 9/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/2/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/25/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 6/23/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 6/17/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Stephanie BiceRepublican · Oklahoma
Michael CloudRepublican · Texas
Brad FinstadRepublican · Minnesota
Michael GuestRepublican · Mississippi
Jeff HurdRepublican · Colorado
Anna Paulina LunaRepublican · Florida
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Mariannette Miller-MeeksRepublican · Iowa
Michael RulliRepublican · Ohio
Elise StefanikRepublican · New York
Jefferson ShreveRepublican · Indiana
Robert WittmanRepublican · Virginia
Daniel WebsterRepublican · Florida