Your Voice Matters!
Stop the Offshore Seabed Mining Proposal
Submit Your Public Comment to BOEM by July 23.
Read Issue 1 of H.O.T. Off the Press (link opens newsletter in Constant Contact) to learn more about the impact of Seabed Mining Proposal would have on Northampton County and how to leave a comment for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
Map of the proposed area for seabed mining off the coast of the Eastern Shore. Courtesy of BOEM
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Resolution No. 2026-
A Resolution Expressing Opposition to the Proposed Commercial Leasing of Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia and Encouraging Public Participation
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has initiated a federal Request for Information and Interest regarding the potential commercial leasing of Outer Continental Shelf minerals offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia;
WHEREAS, this federal action is an early step intended to gather information and public comment before any future leasing decisions are considered;
WHEREAS, Northampton County's economy, heritage, and quality of life are closely tied to its coastal resources, commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and maritime industries;
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors believes that any activity with the potential to affect these resources warrants careful scientific review, meaningful public participation, and thoughtful consideration of long-term environmental and economic impacts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northampton County Board of Supervisors expresses its opposition to the proposed commercial leasing of Outer Continental Shelf minerals offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia unless and until comprehensive scientific, environmental, and economic analyses demonstrate that such activities pose no unacceptable risk to Northampton County, its residents, its economy, or its natural resources.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board encourages all interested residents, businesses, watermen, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to participate in the federal public comment process established by BOEM.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk shall transmit copies of this Resolution to the Governor of Virginia, the County's legislative delegation, Virginia's Congressional delegation, BOEM, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and other appropriate agencies.
Adopted this 14th day of July, 2026.