President Trump signed an executive order to boost the U.S. deep-sea mining industry for critical minerals. Supporters say deep-sea mining could boost the U.S. economy and reduce reliance on land-based mines, while environmental groups warn of biodiversity loss. The move comes amid U.S. efforts to decrease reliance on China for critical minerals.

Environmental groups are decrying an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to expedite deep-sea mining for ores and minerals, saying it could irreparably harm marine ecosystems and ignores an ongoing process to adopt international rules for the practice.

One of Owens’ bills would codify the overhaul of the federal accreditation system by restricting DEI criteria for colleges and universities

In a series of executive actions signed Wednesday, Trump targeted universities that he views as liberal adversaries to his political agenda.