SAIPAN — Following calls for more time to gather data and prepare a response from elected and appointed officials throughout the Marianas, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has extended the public comment period on its Request for Information and Interest (RFI) for potential seabed critical minerals leasing offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
In response to a request from Governor David M. Apatang, BOEM said the new deadline for comments is January 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The RFI is an early-stage step to gather information and public input on whether and how the federal government should move forward with assessing offshore critical mineral resources in CNMI waters.
BOEM said it “remains committed to transparency and meaningful public engagement” and encouraged residents, businesses, scientists, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to weigh in before the new deadline. Input received will help guide the next steps in evaluating offshore critical minerals in the region, including whether BOEM should consider a formal leasing process in the future.
BOEM extends public comment period on CNMI offshore critical minerals RFI to January 12
SAIPAN — Following calls for more time to gather data and prepare a response from elected and appointed officials throughout the Marianas, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has extended the public comment period on its Request for Information and Interest (RFI) for potential seabed critical minerals leasing offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
In response to a request from Governor David M. Apatang, BOEM said the new deadline for comments is January 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The RFI is an early-stage step to gather information and public input on whether and how the federal government should move forward with assessing offshore critical mineral resources in CNMI waters.
BOEM said it “remains committed to transparency and meaningful public engagement” and encouraged residents, businesses, scientists, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to weigh in before the new deadline. Input received will help guide the next steps in evaluating offshore critical minerals in the region, including whether BOEM should consider a formal leasing process in the future.