PACMESA
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (8 Sep 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
What this bill does
H.R. 10318, the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA), would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to change how federal seabed mining leases near Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are managed. It would bar the Secretary of the Interior from reducing or waiving royalties, bonuses, rentals, or other payments owed under such leases, and would require lessees to post surety bonds—an initial bond before a lease is issued and a larger supplemental bond, sized to financial risk and cleanup costs, before production begins. Starting in fiscal year 2027, half of leasing revenue from these areas would go to the general Treasury and half would be shared with nearby territories, allocated based on proximity to the leased tract, with a guaranteed minimum share. Territories could use these funds only for coastal restoration, infrastructure, environmental mitigation, or debt/fiscal stabilization. The bill also requires a one-year environmental-impact study, done in consultation with regional colleges, and requires notifying territorial governors of proposed mining plans and giving them a comment period.
The bill primarily affects the U.S. Department of the Interior, seabed mining companies seeking leases in Pacific waters, and the governments of Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, which would gain new revenue and oversight roles.
Introduced September 8, 2026, by Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, the bill has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass the House and Senate and be signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
8 Sep 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10318 do?
- H.R. 10318, the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA), would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to change how federal seabed mining leases near Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are managed. It would bar the Secretary of the Interior from reducing or waiving royalties, bonuses, rentals, or other payments owed under such leases, and would require lessees to post surety bonds—an initial bond before a lease is issued and a larger supplemental bond, sized to financial risk and cleanup costs, before production begins. Starting in fiscal year 2027, half of leasing revenue from these areas would go to the general Treasury and half would be shared with nearby territories, allocated based on proximity to the leased tract, with a guaranteed minimum share. Territories could use these funds only for coastal restoration, infrastructure, environmental mitigation, or debt/fiscal stabilization. The bill also requires a one-year environmental-impact study, done in consultation with regional colleges, and requires notifying territorial governors of proposed mining plans and giving them a comment period. The bill primarily affects the U.S. Department of the Interior, seabed mining companies seeking leases in Pacific waters, and the governments of Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, which would gain new revenue and oversight roles. Introduced September 8, 2026, by Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, the bill has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass the House and Senate and be signed by the President to become law.
- Has H.R. 10318 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10318. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10318?
- H.R. 10318 was sponsored by Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large] (R-MP), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10318?
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. (8 Sep 2026).
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More bills from Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]
Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026
Affordable Power for the Northern Marianas Act
Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act
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