This executive order seeks to secure reliable supplies of critical minerals independent of foreign adversary control that are key to strengthening the economy, securing the United States’ energy future and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. In order to achieve this goal, the secretaries of commerce and the interior are directed to (a) identify minerals that can be derived from sea bed sources; (b) expedite the process for reviewing and issuing permits for sea bed mineral exploration and commercial recovery permits; (c) identify private sector interest and opportunities for sea bed exploration and mining; (d) engage with key partners and allies to offer support for seabed mineral resource exploration, extraction, processing and environmental monitoring; (e) develop a plan to map priority areas of the sea bed for areas with abundant or accessible resources; and (f) prioritize areas within the outer continental shelf for exploration.