Requesting More Time on BOEM’s Deepsea Mining Notice

Congressman Jim Moylan and I sent a joint letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management urging the agency to extend the public comment period on its deep sea mining notice for the waters between Guam and the CNMI prior to the Thanksgiving break. BOEM allowed only 30 days for comments, which is not enough time for our communities, scientists, fisherfolk, and local officials to review the proposal or offer meaningful input. Because any future activity in this area could affect both territories, we also asked BOEM to enter into a formal coordination and consultation agreement with the governments of Guam and the CNMI so that decisions reflect the people who know these waters best. For now, the deadline to submit comments remains December 12. I encourage everyone to review the RFI and begin preparing comments even while we seek a favorable response from BOEM to our request.