PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — On November 19, 2025, the American Samoa Government acknowledged the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)’s recent press release regarding the completion of the Area Identification step of the lease sale process, which determines the specific area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) that will undergo an environmental review for proposed leases for critical minerals in the form of an environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

“American Samoa has been clear, we oppose any lease sale that risks irreversible harm to our ocean ecosystems,” said Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula. “Our people depend on healthy fisheries and a pristine marine environment. Any activity in the adjacent OCS must prioritize rigorous environmental safeguards and respect the cultural and economic interests of American Samoa.”

While maintaining this position of caution and opposition to premature leasing, the Pula Administration recognizes that federal processes will proceed. Accordingly, American Samoa insists on full inclusion in all stages of BOEM’s planning, environmental review, and decision-making process.

“We are prepared to engage constructively, provided that American Samoa continues to be kept fully informed, actively consulted, and that our concerns — particularly regarding potential impacts to our fisheries — are given priority in BOEM’s analysis,” Governor Pulaali’i continued. “Transparency and meaningful government-to-government consultation are essential.”

The press release notes that ASG will continue to monitor developments closely and urges BOEM to incorporate the Territory’s input into the draft programmatic environmental impact statement.

It concludes that American Samoa remains committed to protecting its marine resources for current and future generations.

BACKGROUND

The BOEM website lists its “Regulatory Pathway for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Minerals Leasing For American Samoa” and the progress it has made so far:

Request for Information and Interest — RFI for information and interest published in the Federal Register.

Identification of Areas — Areas to be considered for leasing.

Environmental Analysis —Analysis for the lease sale.

Proposed Leasing Notice — Published in the Federal Register.

Leasing Notice — Published in the Federal Register.

Competitive Lease Sale