Federal Register #2026-12600

BOEM Seeks Input on Offshore Virginia OCS Mineral Leasing

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), part of the Department of the Interior, is seeking stakeholder input on potential commercial leasing for mineral extraction on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore Virginia. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior - Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) - Scope and Area: - Covers approximately 1,769,196 acres - Includes 301 whole and 19 partial OCS lease blocks - Located 3 to 63.5 miles offshore of the Delmarva Peninsula, seaward of Accomack and Northampton counties - Requested Information: - Input on lease terms, royalty rates, bid formats (sealed bid or ascending oral auction), minimum bid levels, lease area sizes, and rental rates - Feedback on potential environmental and regulatory considerations - Information on operational challenges and mineral extraction feasibility - Suggestions for community engagement strategies - Products/Services: - No specific products, part numbers, or quantities requested at this stage - No OEMs or vendors named; this is an information-gathering phase - Notable Requirements: - Focus on commercial leasing for marine minerals (e.g., sand, gravel, other marine minerals) - Emphasis on stakeholder engagement and environmental considerations - Potential lease terms discussed: 10 years for sand and gravel, 20 years for other marine minerals

Description

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding commercial leasing for minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia. This RFI is a preliminary step to gather comments, information, and indications of interest from any interested parties for a potential mineral lease sale. The area of interest includes approximately 1,769,196 acres offshore Virginia, covering 301 whole and 19 partial OCS lease blocks. BOEM seeks input on various aspects including lease terms, royalty rates, bid formats, and potential environmental and regulatory considerations. Comments and indications of interest are due by July 23, 2026.

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