A final push to speak on the record against a federal proposal for deep sea mining in the Marianas, as the federal government considers opening more United States territorial waters to extract valuable minerals from the ocean floor, Pacific island communities are coming together to document their opposition. 

Just hours before the comment period closes on Tuesday Guam time, right to democracy, in partnership with the America the Beautiful for All Coalition, will host a virtual panel examining the federal proposal and its implications for island communities, ocean ecosystems and self determination. 

The panel will feature speakers from local and national civil society organizations who will share the results of their outreach efforts and successes in submitting comments to the federal register for a similar proposal in American Samoa.

Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio and Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. are expected to attend as special guests. The virtual panel will take place January 13 at 8am, Chamorro Standard Time. 

The community is encouraged to register for free.