Request for Information and Interest: Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia

Clean Ocean Action, an environmental advocacy organization, opposes the proposed leasing program for offshore mineral extraction off the coast of Virginia. They argue that mining would cause significant environmental harm to endangered species and habitats, conflict with existing maritime industries, and that less damaging alternatives for mineral sourcing exist.

Fugro USA, Inc. supports the proposed action and recommends that BOEM conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing datasets and perform targeted seafloor and subsurface mapping to fill data gaps. They argue that high-resolution mapping is essential for de-risking exploration, ensuring environmentally responsible development, and maximizing lease revenues for the U.S. Treasury.

Christina Kramer, President of Protect Our Coast Long Island NY, opposes the proposed commercial leasing for minerals offshore Virginia. The organization argues that the process lacks a comprehensive programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and warns of severe environmental risks, cumulative regional impacts, and a failure to consider terrestrial mining alternatives.

Creation Justice Ministries, an organization representing various Christian denominations, opposes the proposal to allow seabed mining off the coast of Virginia. They argue that mining poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, endangered species, and coastal communities, and call for the protection of the seabed as a matter of moral and environmental responsibility.

The commenter opposes the proposed commercial leasing for offshore minerals, arguing that it threatens ocean habitats and national security. They advocate for a shift toward circularity and mining landfills for mineral recovery instead of new offshore extraction.

ECOncrete Biome Inc. submits comments regarding the Request for Information on offshore mineral leasing in Virginia. The company states it does not take a position on whether the leasing should proceed but recommends specific environmental safeguards, nature-inclusive materials, and early coordination with state and local agencies if the leasing occurs.

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. supports the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Request for Information regarding a potential mineral lease sale offshore Virginia. The company argues that developing domestic heavy mineral sands (HMS) will strengthen national security and supply chains using established dredging technologies.

Rebecca Loomis, a Staff Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), submitted a list of supporting documents and citations. The submission provides research and data regarding marine habitats, indigenous history, and environmental impacts related to the proposed action.

Rebecca Loomis, a Staff Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), submitted a list of supporting documents and citations. The submission provides research and data regarding indigenous rights, marine ecology, and commercial fishing impacts to inform the agency's consideration of the proposed action.

Rebecca Loomis of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) submitted a list of supporting documents and citations related to the proposed action. The submission provides research and data on indigenous rights, marine ecology, and the impacts of dredging and mining to inform the decision-making process.