IB
Union Calendar No. 111
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1508
[Report No. 114–153]
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 19, 2015
Mr. Posey (for himself and Mr. Kilmer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
June 15, 2015
Additional sponsors: Mr. Katko, Mr. Bridenstine, Mr. Mica, Mr. Babin, Mr. Byrne, Mr. Brooks of Alabama, and Mr. Collins of New York
June 15, 2015
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on March 19, 2015
A BILL
To promote the development of a United States commercial space resource exploration and utilization industry and to increase the exploration and utilization of resources in outer space.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Space Resource Exploration and Utilization Act of 2015
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Title 51 amendment
In general
Subtitle V of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
Space resource exploration and utilization
Sec.
51301. Definitions.
51302. Commercialization of space resource exploration and utilization.
51303. Legal framework.
Definitions
In this chapter:
Space resource
The term space resource means a natural resource of any kind found in situ in outer space.
Asteroid resource
The term asteroid resource means a space resource found on or within a single asteroid.
State
The term State means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
United States commercial space resource utilization entity
The term United States commercial space resource utilization entity means an entity providing space resource exploration or utilization services, the control of which is held by persons other than a Federal, State, local, or foreign government, and that is—
duly organized under the laws of a State;
subject to the subject matter and personal jurisdiction of the courts of the United States; or
a foreign entity that has voluntarily submitted to the subject matter and personal jurisdiction of the courts of the United States.
Commercialization of space resource exploration and utilization
In general
The President, acting through appropriate Federal agencies, shall—
facilitate the commercial exploration and utilization of space resources to meet national needs;
discourage government barriers to the development of economically viable, safe, and stable industries for the exploration and utilization of space resources in manners consistent with the existing international obligations of the United States; and
promote the right of United States commercial entities to explore outer space and utilize space resources, in accordance with the existing international obligations of the United States, free from harmful interference, and to transfer or sell such resources.
Report required
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the President shall submit to Congress a report that contains recommendations for—
the allocation of responsibilities relating to the exploration and utilization of space resources among Federal agencies; and
any authorities necessary to meet the international obligations of the United States with respect to the exploration and utilization of space resources.
Legal framework
Property rights
Any asteroid resources obtained in outer space are the property of the entity that obtained such resources, which shall be entitled to all property rights thereto, consistent with applicable provisions of Federal law and existing international obligations.
Safety of operations
A United States commercial space resource utilization entity shall avoid causing harmful interference in outer space.
Civil action for relief from harmful interference
A United States commercial space resource utilization entity may bring a civil action for appropriate legal or equitable relief, or both, under this chapter for any action by another entity subject to United States jurisdiction causing harmful interference to its operations with respect to an asteroid resource utilization activity in outer space.
Rule of decision
In a civil action brought pursuant to subsection (c) with respect to an asteroid resource utilization activity in outer space, a court shall enter judgment in favor of the plaintiff if the court finds—
the plaintiff—
acted in accordance with all existing international obligations of the United States; and
was first in time to conduct the activity; and
the activity is reasonable for the exploration and utilization of asteroid resources.
Exclusive jurisdiction
The district courts of the United States shall have original jurisdiction over an action under this chapter without regard to the amount in controversy.
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Clerical amendment
The table of chapters for title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of the items for subtitle V the following:
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June 15, 2015
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
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