Guam’s political leaders are standing united and sending a clear message against the federal government’s plans for deep sea mining in the Marianas. Several leaders gathered earlier this week in a meeting to discuss their concerns.
As the deadline to comment on plans to commercially lease waters in the Marianas for mineral extraction fast approaches, Guam’s political leaders have come together to clearly say they’re against deep sea mining.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, Congressman James Moylan, and ranking democratic member Senator Tina Muna-Barnes gathered at Adelup on Tuesday, agreeing on a unified opposition until there’s more concrete information about the impacts.
The governor says, “Our ocean is not a commodity. It is our lifeline, our heritage and our responsibility to protect for generations to come…we will not support any action that risks irreversible harm to our waters without clear science, meaningful consultation, and respect for our island communities.”
As reported, under president trump’s directive, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a request for information on their proposal to open over 35 million acres of waters offshore the CNMI for commercial deep sea mining. This kicked off a 30-day comment period that was supposed to end on December 12, leaving the island communities little time to research and provide meaningful input.
Local and regional leaders asked for a 120-day extension, but the deadline was only extended for an additional 30 days.
Lieutenant Governor Tenorio says, “We need to collectively assert our position, protect Guam’s interests, and safeguard our natural environment for the generations to come. The 30-day extension is not enough. We must all work together to prevent future damage from to our communities.”
As of newstime, over 1,000 comments were submitted.
Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. joins in opposition saying, “Because there are many things to be understood, like what will be happening, what should we expect, and what will be expected, exacerbated by the limited time provided for input.”
Adelup says the leaders expressed concern that the federal government is acting too quickly to move forward with natural resource exploitations without taking the necessary precautions.
Delegate Moylan says he’s “committed to working constructively with our federal partners on this issue in the best interest of our people.”
Senator Muna-Barnes adds “when the issue is as important as the health of our ocean and sea life, Guam's people deserve their leaders to speak with one voice.”
It should be noted Tenorio, Blas and Muna-Barnes are making a bid for Adelup and Moylan is running for re-election.
In the meantime, the Government of Guam is urging the public, community leaders, environmental organizations and anyone else to get involved and submit comments to BOEM.
Plus, local activist group Prutehi Guahan will be hosting a second free, virtual workshop with non profit EarthJustice on the deep sea mining proposal.
The current comment deadline is January 12.