Federal Officials Consider Leasing Minerals Off American Samoa
Published Date: 6/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is exploring the idea of leasing mineral rights offshore American Samoa after getting a request to do so. They’re asking companies and the public to share their thoughts and interest by July 16, 2025. This is just the first step—no leases are guaranteed yet, but it could lead to new business opportunities and jobs in the area.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Possible New Offshore Mining Jobs
BOEM published this RFI after receiving an unsolicited lease request (submitted April 8, 2025) and states that future leasing could lead to new business opportunities and jobs offshore American Samoa. This RFI is an initial step and does not guarantee a lease sale.
Lease Payment Structure Proposed
BOEM states a minerals lease is expected to require no rental payment for the first five years (per 30 CFR 581.27) and requests comments on what a reasonable rental rate would be beginning in the sixth lease year. BOEM also intends to issue minerals leases with an ad valorem royalty, include a minimum royalty equivalent to the rental rate per 30 CFR 581.30, and anticipates a lower royalty rate during early lease years to help lessees recoup capital investments.
Large Area Identified for Potential Leasing
The RFI Area identified in the unsolicited request covers about 18.1 million acres (73,222 km2), with water depths of approximately 4,600–20,000 feet (1,400–6,000 meters), and includes 3,355 whole or partial OCS lease blocks; BOEM invites nominations of specific blocks or acreage within or around this RFI Area for consideration.
Deadline to Indicate Leasing Interest
If you want BOEM to consider your comments or an indication of interest in leasing Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) minerals offshore American Samoa, BOEM must receive your submission by July 16, 2025. Indications of interest should be sent electronically to [email protected] or by mail to BOEM Pacific Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo (CM 102), Camarillo, CA 93010; other comments can be submitted via regulations.gov or mail.
Confidentiality and Public Disclosure Rules
BOEM will protect trade secrets and commercial or financial information labeled confidential under FOIA Exemption 4 and 30 CFR 581.7; respondents should label such material 'Contains Confidential Information.' BOEM says the identities of those indicating interest become public record, but BOEM will not release information that links a particular area nomination to a particular party so as not to compromise competitive positions.
Protections for Indigenous Cultural Information
BOEM states it will engage with the Indigenous Peoples of American Samoa about economic, environmental, and public health concerns and will protect confidential information shared by Indigenous Peoples to the extent authorized by Federal law. Under Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), BOEM is required to withhold location, character, or ownership information about historic resources if disclosure may risk harm, and Indigenous respondents should designate such information as confidential.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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