Pacific Territory Governors Ask Congress to Halt Deep-Sea Mining

Governors of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands told senators Wednesday that federal officials advanced deep-sea mining proposals near their territories without directly notifying territory governments. The two governors have formally asked the committee chairman to introduce legislation imposing a moratorium.

Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero of Guam said she first learned of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's proposal when BOEM published a Request for Information in the Federal Register on Nov. 12, 2025, opening a public comment period that closed Jan. 12, 2026. "On November 12th, I found out through the announcement, public announcement about a public comment period for deep sea mining," she said. She called CNMI Governor David Apatang, who said no one had told him either. She added that the proposed area was later expanded without her knowledge. Guerrero noted that Guam itself was not identified in the mining area, but said the proposed zone is very close to Guam and would still affect the island because the two territories share a regional marine ecosystem.

Henry Hofschneider, Chief of Staff to Governor Apatang, said BOEM subsequently identified a second potential mining area on the western side of the Northern Mariana Islands chain, placing potential mining areas on both sides of the archipelago. BOEM received more than 65,000 public comments in response to the Request for Information. Hofschneider confirmed that Governors Apatang and Guerrero have written a letter to Chairman Lee requesting that he introduce legislation to place a moratorium on deep-sea mining in the region.

Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula of American Samoa said he opposes mining in his territory's waters at this time, though he acknowledged that if the federal government moves forward, American Samoa would want a seat at the table, rigorous science-based review, and equitable benefit sharing. Pula noted that BOEM and NOAA officials had traveled to American Samoa and that the Deputy Secretary of the Interior visited in April, providing more direct engagement than Guam and CNMI received.

All three governors, along with Sen. Mazie Hirono, called for more scientific research, data collection, and meaningful consultation with Pacific island communities before any leasing decisions are made. When Hirono asked whether the governors shared the concern that they were not being given meaningful consultation, the responses varied: Guerrero affirmed the concern directly, while Pula noted that American Samoa had seen more engagement from federal agencies, though he said he was still not comfortable with the speed at which the process was moving forward.