Amata Urges Environmental Impact Study, and Again Expresses Concerns to Secretary Burgum

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata has urged Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to conduct an environmental impact study to determine "how an at scale deep-sea mineral extraction operation will affect the ocean ecosystem around American Samoa."

In calling for the environmental impact study, she also once again formally expressed her concerns. "I am writing to express concerns over the proposed mineral lease sale in the waters near the American Samoa continental shelf," she said, noting her letter in July of 2025 in which she stated that she "cannot support this proposal."

She complimented the Department's efforts at transparency through reports, letters, presentations, and hearings on this issue, before stating her main reason for concern: "Unfortunately, many of my constituents and I remain unconvinced that the material benefits of deep-sea mining are going to outweigh the risks that it will cause to the waters around American Samoa. This concern is strongly embedded in our culture; neither Samoans nor the United States are the true owners of that water, but merely the stewards of it for generations to come."

She then issued a call for the environmental impact study.

"Therefore, I ask that the Department of Interior, in conjunction with NOAA and/or the EPA conduct an environmental impact study on how an at scale deep-sea mineral extraction operation will affect the ocean ecosystem around American Samoa."

She further requested that if a study needs to wait until receipt of final proposals from the potential lessees, then "a public statement from your office that a sale will not move forward without strong environmental protections and oversight would go a long way in strengthening public trust."

She closed with a request that the voice of the people should be heard and this reminder: "The care of our ocean remains deeply emotional and spiritual issue for my people."

In addition to Secretary Burgum, Amata's letter is copied to Matthew Giacona, Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM); The Honorable Dr. Neil Jabobs, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator; and The Honorable Pulaali'i Nikalao Pula, Governor of American Samoa.

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FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER:

Dear Secretary Burgum,

I am writing to express concerns over the proposed mineral lease sale in the waters near the American Samoa continental shelf.

In my first letter to you on this issue in July of 2025, I wrote, "I support the many good things [DOI and BOEM] are doing for the country, but unfortunately, I cannot support this proposal."

To your and the Department's credit, you have made efforts to move through the full legal process transparently and emphasized a strong commitment to a scientific approach in conjunction with NOAA. There have been many reports, letters, presentations, and hearings held on this issue, and I thank you and the administration for your cooperation in the year since that initial announcement of mineral exploration near our island home.

Unfortunately, many of my constituents and I remain unconvinced that the material benefits of deep-sea mining are going to outweigh the risks that it will cause to the waters around American Samoa. This concern is strongly embedded in our culture; neither Samoans nor the United States are the true owners of that water, but merely the stewards of it for generations to come. This administration has consistently shown willingness to acknowledge and engage with the people of the territories.

Therefore, I ask that the Department of Interior, in conjunction with NOAA and/or the EPA conduct an environmental impact study on how an at scale deep-sea mineral extraction operation will affect the ocean ecosystem around American Samoa.

If a study needs to wait until receipt of final proposals from the potential lessees, then a public statement from your office that a sale will not move forward without strong environmental protections and oversight would go a long way in strengthening public trust. The care of our ocean remains deeply emotional and spiritual issue for my people, and I thank you in advance for helping me ensure that they feel like their voice is being heard.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this letter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.