Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore Alaska-Request for Information and Interest
Published Date: 1/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is asking companies and the public if they’re interested in leasing areas offshore Alaska to mine minerals. This is just the first step—no decisions have been made yet, but your input by March 2, 2026, could shape future leasing plans that might bring new business and jobs. If you’re curious or want to get involved, now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Royalty Structure Being Considered
BOEM requests input on royalty rates and schedules, including possible ad valorem royalties, a minimum royalty equivalent to the rental rate, and an anticipated lower royalty rate during early lease years to help lessees recoup capital investments.
Rental Payment Timing Under Review
BOEM is asking whether rental payments for a minerals lease should be required in the first five years or deferred until year six, and whether rental payments could be adjusted or suspended for factors like geology or economics. Your input will inform what BOEM might require if it offers leases.
Bid Format and Minimums Up For Comment
BOEM is asking for public comment on auction design, including whether to use sealed bids or an ascending oral auction, what bid deposits and minimum bid levels are appropriate, and whether bidders should be limited to one lease area if multiple areas are offered.
Two-Stage Lease Contraction Proposed
BOEM is evaluating lease contraction clauses that would shrink lease acreage in two stages, around years 7 and 14, to focus on the area most suitable for further exploration and commercial recovery. BOEM asks commenters what acreage and timing are preferable for each stage.
Deadline to Signal Leasing Interest
BOEM asks companies and the public to send comments or indicate interest in commercial mineral leasing offshore Alaska by March 2, 2026. Indications of interest must be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to BOEM's Alaska Region address and may shape whether BOEM proceeds toward a lease sale.
Confidentiality and Public-Record Rules
BOEM will make the identities of people or organizations that indicate interest in specific areas public, but it treats the actual area nominations as proprietary and will not disclose which area is tied to which party. Submitters should label trade secrets or confidential data to request FOIA protection.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09208 — Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations; Extension of Public Comment Period
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is giving everyone an extra week to share their thoughts on new rules about managing risks and money for ocean energy leases and grants. This extension means folks involved in offshore energy projects have until May 15, 2026, to comment. No need to resend old comments—they’re already counted!
2026-04517 — Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations
The Department of the Interior is proposing new rules to make it easier and cheaper for companies drilling for oil, gas, and sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf to prove they can cover cleanup costs. These changes will lower the extra money companies must set aside, freeing up about $6.2 billion to invest back into energy projects. The updates affect current and future leaseholders and grant holders and aim to boost American energy while keeping the environment safe.
2026-13779 — Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas One Big Beautiful Bill Act Lease Sale 3
On August 12, 2026, the government will hold a big oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America’s Outer Continental Shelf. Companies wanting to drill can submit bids by August 11, with the sale following strict rules to keep things fair and clear. This sale could bring new energy projects and money to the region, affecting businesses and communities tied to offshore drilling.
2026-12600 — Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia-Request for Information and Interest
The government is asking people and companies if they're interested in leasing areas offshore Virginia to dig up minerals from the ocean floor. This is the first step and doesn’t guarantee any leases yet, but it could lead to future mining projects that might bring money and jobs. If you want to share your thoughts or show interest, you need to do it by July 23, 2026.
2026-11184 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; United States West Coast Port Infrastructure Survey
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is asking for approval to start a new survey about West Coast port infrastructure. This affects port operators and related businesses who will provide info to help improve port planning and safety. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, with no new costs announced yet.
2026-11183 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management wants to keep collecting info about mining minerals (not oil, gas, or sulfur) on the Outer Continental Shelf. This renewal helps make sure the rules stay clear and fair for companies involved, with no big changes or extra costs expected. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01805 — Office of the Chief of Protocol; Gifts to Federal Employees From Foreign Government Sources Reported to Employing Agencies in Calendar Year 2024
Federal employees who get gifts or travel perks from foreign governments worth over $480 must report them to their agencies, which then share the info with the Office of the Chief of Protocol. This 2024 report lists all those gifts from last year, plus some late reports from previous years. It helps keep things transparent and fair, with deadlines and rules everyone needs to follow.
Next: 2026-01809 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Disability Accommodation Reimbursement Request Form
AmeriCorps is renewing its form that helps people and groups get money back for disability accommodations during service. This affects individuals, businesses, and governments who support AmeriCorps members needing special help. You’ve got until March 30, 2026, to share your thoughts, and the process is quick with only about 7 hours of total paperwork yearly.