Just days before the January 12 deadline to comment on a federal proposal that could open more than 35 million acres of seabed to deep sea mining, the 38th Guam Legislature has once again made its position clear.

On Wednesday, senators held a public hearing on Resolution No. 132, a measure reaffirming Guam’s opposition to deep sea mining and renewing calls for a moratorium.

It responds to a request for information issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management seeking input on commercial seabed mineral leasing in waters offshore Guam and the CNMI – waters long considered ecologically, culturally, and legally tied to the people of the Marianas.

The hearing drew environmental advocates, scientists, legal experts, and concerned residents, all urging lawmakers to push back against a process they say risks irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems, island communities, and violates our right to self-determination.  

And in an emergency session this morning, every senator present stood unified in opposition. Senator Wil Parkinson said, “We do not consent to the destruction of our waters. We do not consent to being treated like an acceptable loss.”

Senators emphasized there is no conclusive scientific evidence showing deep sea mining can be done safely – and argued speculative profits cannot outweigh the loss of resources that define island life. Senator Sabina Perez pointed to recent attempts of mining near american samoa as a warning, saying, “Pacific nations are promised wealth, but are instead saddled with the harmful consequences of exploitative mineral extraction.”

Lawmakers also noted that minerals like cobalt and nickel – key targets of deep sea mining – are becoming less essential as battery technology evolves. The legislature formally adopted Resolution 132 today, with Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. saying, “Resolution No. 132-38 (COR) is duly adopted by the body.”