U.S. insular leaders, including CNMI Governor David Apatang, gathered in Washington, D.C. for the Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting with federal officials to address shared challenges. 

Discussions centered on infrastructure, biosecurity, workforce development, and the urgent need for energy resilience.

A key focus was on building reliable and affordable energy systems, with leaders exploring renewable integration, battery storage, microgrids, and even waste-to-energy and modular nuclear technology as future solutions. Federal agencies pledged support through funding and technical assistance to help modernize territorial energy grids.

The meetings underscored a unified commitment to strengthen infrastructure, lower costs, and build sustainable futures across the U.S. territories.