In a statement issued Friday, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula acknowledged the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) release of the proposed deep sea mining lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa.

The Governor emphasized that the Department of the Interior (DOI) and BOEM have maintained consistent and transparent communication with the American Samoa Government (ASG) throughout this process, including timely updates regarding the Proposed Lease Notice.

“I spoke with Deputy Secretary Katherine MacGregor this past week regarding the Proposed Lease Notice,” said Governor Pula. “I continue to strongly advocate for the people of American Samoa. We have expressed clear concerns over potential environmental impacts that could affect our vital tuna canning industry and other important sectors. We trust that the BOEM process will remain fully transparent and that the people of American Samoa will continue to have a meaningful seat at the table.”

The Governor noted that American Samoa has already submitted proposed lease stipulations to BOEM in advance of this announcement as part of ongoing engagement between BOEM and ASG.

The administration will continue to review the Proposed Lease Notice and submit additional feedback as necessary during the 60-day comment period made available to Governor Pula.

The Governor encourages all interested members of the public, stakeholders, and organizations to participate in this important process by first reviewing the PLN on BOEM’s website and submitting recommendations or comments to deepseainfo@go.as.gov.

“This is an opportunity for our community to provide informed input,” Governor Pula added. “Should BOEM ultimately decide to move forward with a lease sale, I remain steadfast in my position that any such development must be fully transparent, responsible, science-based, and carefully managed to protect our environment, safeguard our vital tuna fisheries and cultural heritage, and deliver meaningful, tangible benefits for the people of American Samoa.”