With deep-sea mining already under scrutiny, Guam lawmakers are advancing a resolution aimed at reinforcing the island’s opposition.  Supporters say this moment is about drawing a clear line as federal discussions move forward.

The word Guåhan means “We have” – a word rooted in abundance and responsibility. That meaning framed hours of testimony as lawmakers considered Resolution No. 132 by Senator Therese Terlaje, reaffirming our island’s call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining and opposing a request for information issued by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

The RFI seeks input on possible mineral leasing across over 35 million acres of ocean near the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands – an area that’s southern border comes close to Guam’s shores. While the request does not authorize mining, critics warn it opens the door to irreversible harm.

Attorney Julian Aguon of Blue Ocean Law says what’s at stake goes far beyond development, explaining, “The deep sea mining envisioned for the waters around Guam and the CNMI is not simply an industrial proposal: it is a profound decision about power, responsibility, and whether extreme and irreversible ecological destruction is something we are willing to sanction in the name of speculative gain.”

Blue Ocean Law argues BOEM's process is legally flawed and violates the right of the CHamoru people to control their natural resources and to self-determination—recognized for decades under international law.

That belief echoed through public testimony—from agencies, advocates, and residents—many grounding their opposition in personal connection.

Yona resident Roque Eustaquio spoke about what could be lost. He said, “Tagachang Beach is a gift from previous generations of Yona residents. It is my obligation to protect and preserve Tagachang Beach for this generation and subsequent generations to follow.”

environmental advocates say this isn’t just about science or law—it’s about values. Prutehi Guåhan’s Monaeka Flores says the wrongness is instinctive, noting, “You don’t have to be an expert on the law or the science to know that this is wrong.” 

“It is for all of your grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and every generation that follows that we must resist this extremely, permanently destructive act.”

Concerns also extend beyond Guam. Former U.S. diplomat Emily Wood warned the proposal could strain relations with Pacific neighbors who have already called for a moratorium on seabed mining. “This will put them not only at risk for their environments, health, and economies, but it will push them further away from the U.S. and harm our relations as an island," she said.

Testimony supporting Resolution 132 was unanimous, including from multiple government agencies.  And Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. has confirmed an emergency session friday at 9am to move the resolution forward, while urging the public to continue submitting their comments.