Have Your Voice Heard on Offshore Mining Proposal
Earlier this week, I released a video about the ongoing public comment period that opened after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a formal Request for Information and Interest on possible seabed mineral leasing offshore the Northern Mariana Islands. This step begins a long federal process and does not authorize mining, but it does open a 30 day window for public input. Your voice matters here. BOEM is asking for comments from our community on potential environmental and cultural impacts, navigation and fishing concerns, economic considerations, and whether any mining activity should occur at all. In my video, I explained what this notice means and encouraged everyone to take part, because decisions of this scale should never move forward without the people of the Marianas. This is our opportunity to make sure BOEM hears directly from us about our waters, our resources, and the future we want for our islands. To read the Request for Information, take a look at this link. And if you need assistance submitting your comments, please call your district office at 670-323-2647.
