Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the environmental impacts of issuing an exploration license to The Metals Company USA, LLC (TMC-USA) under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA or "the Act") for the application area designated by TMC-USA as "USA-B." The proposed license, if issued, would authorize TMC-USA to conduct seabed mining exploration activities (e.g., vessel and autonomous vehicle operation, sonar use, and deployment of box corers) within the seabed area beyond national jurisdiction for a period of ten years subject to terms, conditions, and restrictions. This notice announces the beginning of the scoping process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to solicit public comments and identify relevant issues with respect to the proposed agency action. Additionally, this notice seeks public comment and input under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 260707-0164] XRIN 0648-XA008 AGENCY: Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement; request for comments. SUMMARY: NOAA announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the environmental impacts of issuing an exploration license to The Metals Company USA, LLC (TMC-USA) under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA or “the Act”) for the application area designated by TMC-USA as “USA-B.” The proposed license, if issued, would authorize TMC-USA to conduct seabed mining exploration activities ( e.g., vessel and autonomous vehicle operation, sonar use, and deployment of box corers) ( printed page 53236) within the seabed area beyond national jurisdiction for a period of ten years subject to terms, conditions, and restrictions. This notice announces the beginning of the scoping process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to solicit public comments and identify relevant issues with respect to the proposed agency action. Additionally, this notice seeks public comment and input under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations. DATES: NOAA will consider written comments received by September 16, 2026. ADDRESSES: Comments may be s…
Citation: 91 FR 53235
