First Offshore Mining Lease Sale by U.S. Government

The Trump administration has announced plans to lease ocean tracts off the coast of American Samoa for the purpose of deep-sea mining. This marks the first time the U.S. government will offer offshore mining leases.

Until now, large-scale deep-sea mining has not taken place. However, the ocean floor may hold valuable minerals. The administration is opening nearly 32 million acres for companies to bid on.

President Trump previously signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the deep-sea mining process. The lease sale is scheduled for November 19. Companies that win the bids will be able to conduct preliminary activities like mapping, but they will not automatically gain permission to start mining.

For more information, visit TheHill.com.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter. I’m Rachel Frazin, keeping you informed on policies affecting oil, gas, and new supply chains. Please note that I’ll be out tomorrow and Wednesday. Both the newsletter and I will return on Thursday.

Essential Reads

Here’s how policy changes will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future:

• The Trump administration is considering changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) structure, aiming for less centralization in Washington, D.C. This information comes from two recent memos obtained by The Hill.
• The administration is providing a defense-related boost to a contentious pipeline project in the Northeastern U.S.
• A federal judge questioned the Trump administration on plans to close and renovate East Potomac Park next month despite a court order halting future work until a lawsuit is resolved.
• The Democracy Defenders Fund and Reporters Without Borders filed a complaint against three administration officials for campaigning in Alaska with Sen. Dan Sullivan.

What We’re Reading

Here’s news we found of interest related to energy and the environment:

• The EPA has quietly reversed claims that the U.S. has phased out toxic PFAS compounds, reported by The Guardian.
• State officials offered to host nuclear waste without informing residents, according to The Washington Post.
• Politico Magazine reports on President Trump promoting suspiciously cheap gas stations without disclosing all details.

What Others are Reading

Key stories on The Hill:

• President Trump stated he has not yet agreed to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping but remains open to it.
• Trump and Vice President Vance attribute immigration as a cause for the violent riots in France over the weekend.

You’re now updated. See you Thursday!

The latest in politics and policy. Receive updates directly in your inbox. Sign up for the Energy and Environment newsletter.