California Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed a new law that will protect nearly 2,500 square miles (6,475 square km) of state waters from seabed mining.
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, California, Oregon and Washington are the only US states that prohibit seabed mining:
“Together, the waters covered by these prohibitions form one of the largest marine areas in the world—more than 7,700 square miles—where seabed mining is explicitly and proactively banned through legislation. However, federal marine waters, which are found from 3 miles to 200 miles offshore, remain susceptible to harm given that mineral mining leases are available through the U.S. Department of the Interior.”
Additionally:
“Scientists are warning that the ecological effects of seabed mining could be profound. That’s why today The Pew Charitable Trusts joins the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Surfrider Foundation, and other California leaders and groups in applauding this bill. With this legislation, California is taking an important, science-based precautionary step to protect the health of our ocean and coast for this and future generations.”
Find out more here.
New California Law Bars Seabed Mining in State Waters https://t.co/ZUUpwMpNuG via @pewtrusts
— Brenda Campbell (@sweetbeedizzle) September 19, 2022
