120-day extension request denied: BOEM to accept public comments on CNMI deep-sea mining until Jan 12.

 By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has agreed to stretch the comment period for the proposed deep-sea mining off the shore of the Northern Marianas for another month, falling short of the 120-day extension sought by CNMI and Guam leaders.

The closing date for the comment period was initially set for Dec. 12.

John Romero, public affairs officer for the Department of the Interior, said stakeholders were notified today that the bureau will continue accepting comments until 11:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 12, 2026.

Last month, CNMI Gov. David Apatang and Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero wrote to Matthew Giacona, bureau director, to request a four-month extension, stating that both governments require additional time to conduct coordinated technical reviews and stakeholder consultations on the proposed commercial leasing for outer continental shelf minerals around the waters of the U.S. territories.

Delegates Kimberly King-Hinds of the CNMI and James Moylan of Guam followed up with a similar request to the bureau.  

 During a Dec. 8 meeting on Guam, Leon Guerrero and Micronesian Vice President Alen Palik agreed on the need for robust scientific research and environmental assessments before machines are sent down the seabed to extract minerals.

“The FSM is currently establishing its legal framework on seabed mining, while remaining mindful of the need for more scientific research and assessments to guide environmentally sound decisions moving forward,” Palik said.

On Saipan, the Friends of the Mariana Trench 

slammed the federal government’s handling of the public comment period for its request for

information, saying the “process has been rushed and disrespectful to island communities.”

According to the bureau’s solicitation, the target area is located west of the Mariana Trench National Monument along the eastern edge of the U.S. exclusive economic zone.

"Deep-sea mining could have irreversible impacts on our ocean and our way of life," said Angelo Villagomez, board member of Friends and senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. "Our communities asked for 120 days because these decisions are complex and consequential. Instead, we were given a timeline that ignored our voices and our religious holidays."

He said holding a comment period during the holiday season “is not just inconsiderate” as “it disregards the faith and traditions of the majority of our people.”

Sheila Babuata, board chair and a fellow at Right to Democracy, argued that forcing public engagement during the holidays “is a big burden and feels contrary to the values of respect and inclusion."

 “For many in the Marianas, Christmas is a sacred time for family and worship,” she added.

Despite the poor timing, the Friends encourage Guam and CNMI residents "to educate themselves about this issue and to participate to the degree that they can."

The organization has created a deep-sea mining resource document

 and started separate petitions for individuals and organizations to sign.

"We all have a collective responsibility to be stewards of creation," said

 Tina Sablan, board member and former lawmaker. "Decisions about our ocean

should reflect that responsibility, and show respect for the people who live here."

Prutehi Guåhan hosted a workshop on Dec. 9, facilitated by Earthjustice, a nonprofit public-interest law firm based in San Francisco, to assist Guam and CNMI residents with the commenting process.

“Prutehi Guåhan has assisted the community in many formal comment processes, mostly with environmental impact statements and NEPA,” said Monaeka Flores, executive director. “BOEM’s request for information occurs within a different context and we want to ensure our community is equipped to engage.”

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