Scanlon and Huffman Criticize Mining and Lobster Bills in House Hearing
Source: Forbes Breaking News · All Forbes Breaking News reports
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Summary
The Forbes Breaking News clip shows a House Natural Resources Committee markup or hearing segment where Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) criticize two bills: the Protecting Domestic Mining Act (H.R. 1501), which expands FAST-41 eligibility to more mining projects, and the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act (H.R. 9436), which extends a moratorium on new North Atlantic right whale fishing gear regulations from 2028 to 2035. They argue the mining bill eliminates prioritization of critical minerals and public environmental reviews, while the lobster bill halts progress on ropeless/on-demand gear that could reduce whale entanglements. Huffman notes the 1872 Mining Law already favors industry; both highlight lack of tribal input on other issues.
Editorial Assessment
The segment accurately reflects Democratic concerns and bill mechanics but presents only one side of a partisan debate. Claims on the right whale population of approximately 380 individuals and individual identification are well-supported by NOAA and New England Aquarium data. Ropeless gear trials have demonstrated high success rates (89-93% retrieval), supporting the potential for win-win outcomes, though scaling and costs remain challenges acknowledged in industry statements. Viewers miss Republican and industry perspectives that the mining bill boosts domestic critical minerals production for national security and EVs, while the lobster extension provides certainty to a $2B industry supporting thousands of jobs amid uncertain science on additional rules. The 1872 law critique is longstanding and valid on royalties and reclamation, but FAST-41 additions under Trump reflect a policy shift toward broader permitting acceleration rather than solely non-critical projects. Overall, the clip is factually grounded on specifics but frames the bills as purely industry giveaways, omitting bipartisan elements (e.g., Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) co-sponsoring the lobster bill) and economic stakes.
Key Moments
Trump administration added 55 mining projects to FAST-41 dashboard vs. 6 from Biden, because Biden prioritized critical minerals for national security
Consistent with DOI announcements and Permitting Council data showing Trump-era expansion of mining projects under FAST-41 for domestic production; Biden focused on select critical mineral projects like Hermosa.
The 1872 Mining Law already gives mining interests super rights above other stakeholders, with tribal sovereignty considered only at the end
Longstanding critique; the law allows claims on federal land with limited royalties or environmental mandates, and NEPA/tribal consultation occurs late in process per agency practice and reports.
Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act jumps the gun by stopping progress on whale-safe technology and granting a seven-year free pass for old rope gear, when two years remain under current law
H.R. 9436 explicitly amends 2023 law to change 2028 to 2035; current pause ends 2028, allowing time for data and consensus, per bill text and AP reporting.
There are 380 North Atlantic right whales left, and scientists know every one by name
NOAA Fisheries, New England Aquarium, and 2024 population estimate of ~384 (approx. 380) confirm this; catalog tracks individuals via callosities.
New technology has produced over a million tons of safe, sustainable seafood and is the future for both lobstermen and whales
Ropeless/on-demand gear trials (e.g., Massachusetts NEFSC tests) show 89-93% success and no conflicts, with potential to avoid closures; scale-up data and commercial viability still developing per 2025-2026 reports.
Notable Concerns
- One-sided presentation with no rebuttal from bill supporters or industry witnesses
- Characterization of the lobster bill as ending progress on technology downplays ongoing trials and industry arguments for data collection
- Mining prioritization claim is interpretive; Trump administration additions align with explicit EO focus on critical minerals supply chains
Sources Consulted
- North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season 2026
- Text of H.R.9436 - Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026
- Trump Administration Adds Key Mining Projects to FAST-41
- Endangered right whales are unlikely to get new protections
- Massachusetts Lobster Fishers and the NEFSC Conduct Successful Trials of Fully Ropeless Trawls
- FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Takes Further Action to Strengthen and Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains
- Golden’s bill to extend lobster, right whale moratorium earns green light from Natural Resources Committee