Submitting My Comments on Deep Sea Mining Near the Marianas

I submitted my formal comments this week to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in response to its Request for Information on potential seabed mineral leasing offshore the Northern Mariana Islands. Over the past several months, I have learned a great deal from the conversations taking place across our community. The questions, concerns, and insights shared by residents, scientists, fishers, and local leaders helped inform my perspective and reinforced how much is at stake for our islands. In my comments, I stressed that this process represents a first-of-its-kind federal action with significant scientific uncertainty and no clear domestic precedent. Because of that, it is critical that BOEM apply the most cautious interpretation of existing federal laws designed to protect American communities and the environment we share. I emphasized the need for meaningful public participation, strong adherence to coastal and environmental protections, and a full Environmental Impact Statement before any future leasing decisions are considered. Decisions of this scale must be guided by sound science, respect for local communities, and careful attention to process. I will continue working to ensure that the voices of the Marianas remain central as this issue moves forward.