The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a Request for Information and Interest to solicit public feedback and assess industry interest in potential mineral leasing areas on the United States’ Outer Continental Shelf offshore of Virginia.
This is an initial step in BOEM’s planning process and does not constitute a decision to hold a lease sale.
“Virginia’s offshore mineral resources present a pathway to lessen foreign dependence and reinforce America’s strategic position by establishing secure domestic supply chains,” said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona.
“This request is designed to identify locations where responsible marine minerals development can advance innovation, support production growth, and sustain future progress.”
The initiative underscores the Trump administration’s goal of boosting domestic mineral production and reducing reliance on imports. By identifying opportunities offshore Virginia, BOEM aims to strengthen supply chains critical to manufacturing, defense and emerging technologies.
The RFI was published in the Federal Register on June 23, opening a 30-day public comment period that will end at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 23. Stakeholders can submit comments here.
Companies interested in specific offshore blocks should follow instructions in the notice and submit their information to [email protected] or by mail to: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Office of Strategic Resources, Marine Minerals Division, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166.
Source: BOEM