SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang is urging residents, community groups, and government agencies to submit comments on a new federal request for information that could lead to seabed mineral leasing offshore the Commonwealth.
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has published in the Federal Register a Request for Information and Interest (RFI), the first step in a process that may result in a lease sale for minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) surrounding the CNMI. The governor said public participation is critical to ensure the voices and interests of the Marianas are fully considered in any future federal decisions on seabed mineral exploration or development.
“This is a matter of great significance to the Commonwealth,” Apatang said, encouraging citizens, community organizations, traditional leaders, and agencies to review the material and “provide thoughtful comments.” He said collective input will help guide how the discussions move forward and help protect the interests of the CNMI.
BOEM must receive all comments, information, and indications of interest in response to the RFI no later than December 12, 2025.
Members of the public can submit comments online through the federal eRulemaking portal by visiting regulations.gov, entering “BOEM-2025-0351” in the search box, and following the instructions to submit input and view related materials. Comments may also be mailed to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific Region, Office of Strategic Resources, 760 Paseo Camarillo (CM 102), Camarillo, California 93010.
Apatang said his administration welcomes dialogue that promotes both sustainable development and environmental stewardship, and reaffirmed a commitment to transparency, scientific understanding, and community involvement in all discussions related to the CNMI’s ocean resources.
Apatang urges CNMI public to comment on federal seabed mineral leasing RFI
SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang is urging residents, community groups, and government agencies to submit comments on a new federal request for information that could lead to seabed mineral leasing offshore the Commonwealth.
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has published in the Federal Register a Request for Information and Interest (RFI), the first step in a process that may result in a lease sale for minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) surrounding the CNMI. The governor said public participation is critical to ensure the voices and interests of the Marianas are fully considered in any future federal decisions on seabed mineral exploration or development.
“This is a matter of great significance to the Commonwealth,” Apatang said, encouraging citizens, community organizations, traditional leaders, and agencies to review the material and “provide thoughtful comments.” He said collective input will help guide how the discussions move forward and help protect the interests of the CNMI.
BOEM must receive all comments, information, and indications of interest in response to the RFI no later than December 12, 2025.
Members of the public can submit comments online through the federal eRulemaking portal by visiting regulations.gov, entering “BOEM-2025-0351” in the search box, and following the instructions to submit input and view related materials. Comments may also be mailed to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific Region, Office of Strategic Resources, 760 Paseo Camarillo (CM 102), Camarillo, California 93010.
Apatang said his administration welcomes dialogue that promotes both sustainable development and environmental stewardship, and reaffirmed a commitment to transparency, scientific understanding, and community involvement in all discussions related to the CNMI’s ocean resources.