Space Resource Exploration and Utilization Act of 2015


The Space Resource Exploration and Utilization Act of 2015 was a bill introduced in the 114th Congress of the U.S. on March 19, 2015, by Rep. Bill Posey, Republican of Florida. It is identical to the Senate bill by the same name. The bill expands Presidential power regarding space resources, and regulates US-based space exploration companies. It expired at the end of the Congressional session without a vote in the full House or Senate.
It allows the President to "facilitate the commercial exploration and utilization of space resources to meet national needs", and "promote the right of U.S. commercial entities to explore outer space and utilize space resources, in accordance with such obligations, free from harmful interference, and to transfer or sell such resources". It also allows the President to make recommendations to Congress regarding exploration and utilization of space resources, and declares property rights for entities that obtain "asteroid resources". The bill also states that a US commercial space company cannot cause harmful interference or "bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for any action by another entity subject to U.S. jurisdiction causing harmful interference to its operations with respect to an asteroid resource utilization activity in outer space".

Legislative action

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The committee produced a report on the bill, following its consideration and a mark-up session. It was then placed on the Union Calendar,, by the House, but died when the Congressional session ended.

Cosponsors