Earthjustice Sues Deep-Sea Mining Efforts Off American Samoa
What happened
Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mineral mining efforts in American Samoa waters. This action comes after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a call for information and nominations for deep-sea mining leases across approximately 31 million acres surrounding American Samoa in July. The proposal, which would be the first commercial-scale ocean mining operation globally, faces opposition from local leaders and residents.
From hawaiinewsnow.com
Why it matters
The legal challenge directly opposes the federal government’s push to exploit mineral deposits in the region. Opponents argue that the deep-sea mining plan does not make economic sense. The outcome of the lawsuit could impact the commercial viability of the proposed extraction operations.
US federal agencies, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, reviewed mineral mining proposals and unleashed critical resources in American Samoa.
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Who's involved
- EarthjusticeUS environmental litigation organization that filed the lawsuit against the mining effort.
- Bureau of Ocean Energy ManagementUS agency responsible for managing offshore energy resources and issuing the mining leases.
- American SamoaUnincorporated territory of the United States where the deep-sea mining leases were issued.
Keep exploring
Part of
US federal agencies, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, reviewed mineral mining proposals and unleashed critical resources in American Samoa.Also in this story
- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement merged to form the Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) to handle proposed seabed mining in surrounding waters.
- A senior fellow provided expert commentary regarding the management of mineral leases in American Samoa.
- The US plans to auction off water around American Samoa, a move that departs from the norms and rules of the International Seabed Authority.
The entities involved
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American Samoa
unincorporated territory of the United States of America, located in the Pacific Ocean
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Earthjustice
US environmental litigation organization
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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
US agency managing offshore energy resources; issues offshore wind leases and Construction and Operations Plans including Vineyard Wind 1.