Senator says delay won't defer negative impacts
Posted: Jan 29, 2010 6:13 PM PST
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Although he credits Governor Felix Camacho for sending a request to the feds to postpone the military buildup, Senator Ben Pangelinan says even if the troop migration happens later, Guam will still see negative impacts to the environment. "The problem is that all the destruction to the environment is going to happen on the front-end," said the senator.
He continued, "So whether the Marines come in 2016 or 2014, the way the buildup is planned under this Draft Environmental Impact Statement still says we need to destroy all these things. Still doesn't provide us for the mitigations, still doesn't provide us with the support for our side. So whether they come now or later under this plan, we still are not able to deal with this and the cost will still outweigh the benefits."
Pangelinan says he wants to ensure the people of Guam are able to provide comments even after the final EIS comes out and before a record of decision is signed.
Showing posts with label Feds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Feds. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
PNC :: Ada Says Feds Need to Pay for Infrastructure
PNC :: Ada Says Feds Need to Pay for Infrastructure
Friday, 29 January 2010
Guam - The Guam Economic Development Authority has issued a list outlining the major economic impacts to Guam as a result of the military buildup.
According to geda the potential economic impacts as outlined in the DEIS will exceed the economic benefits. GEDA does note however that these are potential impacts noted by the Department of Defense. One of the major impacts listed is the fact that Govguam can't afford to make the infrastructural upgrades needed for the military buildup.
Senator Tom Ada is the chairman of the committee on utilities. He says that after this weeks DEIS hearings the Consolidated Commission on Utilities made it clear that they will need money from the feds to make the necessary upgrades to the islands power water and wastewater systems. For example the Guam Power Authority will need at least 110 million dollars for it's upgrades while the Guam Waterworks Authority will need at least $50 million dollars. Senator Ada says that these upgrades are all achievable if the Federal Government provides the money needed to start on the projects.
Ada says that the CCU has worked with the Department of Defense to come up with solutions. Part of the solution is to identify the upgrades that are directly necessary as a result of the buildup and have the U.S. federal government pay for them. Ada says the bottom line is that the federal government will have to fund the improvements to infrastructure needed to support the buildup.
The senator also spoke about the indirect impacts to the island's utilities and how they are much harder to identify. In fact according to Ada DEIS fails to address the indirect impacts to the islands infrastructure.
The senator also wants to make it clear that the current bonds that GWA has secured are meant for upgrades that are needed without the buildup the agency still needs money to fund the upgrades necessary as a result of the buildup.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Guam - The Guam Economic Development Authority has issued a list outlining the major economic impacts to Guam as a result of the military buildup.
According to geda the potential economic impacts as outlined in the DEIS will exceed the economic benefits. GEDA does note however that these are potential impacts noted by the Department of Defense. One of the major impacts listed is the fact that Govguam can't afford to make the infrastructural upgrades needed for the military buildup.
Senator Tom Ada is the chairman of the committee on utilities. He says that after this weeks DEIS hearings the Consolidated Commission on Utilities made it clear that they will need money from the feds to make the necessary upgrades to the islands power water and wastewater systems. For example the Guam Power Authority will need at least 110 million dollars for it's upgrades while the Guam Waterworks Authority will need at least $50 million dollars. Senator Ada says that these upgrades are all achievable if the Federal Government provides the money needed to start on the projects.
Ada says that the CCU has worked with the Department of Defense to come up with solutions. Part of the solution is to identify the upgrades that are directly necessary as a result of the buildup and have the U.S. federal government pay for them. Ada says the bottom line is that the federal government will have to fund the improvements to infrastructure needed to support the buildup.
The senator also spoke about the indirect impacts to the island's utilities and how they are much harder to identify. In fact according to Ada DEIS fails to address the indirect impacts to the islands infrastructure.
The senator also wants to make it clear that the current bonds that GWA has secured are meant for upgrades that are needed without the buildup the agency still needs money to fund the upgrades necessary as a result of the buildup.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Guthertz & Respicio: Feds Respond Favorably to “Team Guam” Approach In EIS Extension
Guthertz & Respicio: Feds Respond Favorably to “Team Guam” Approach In EIS Extension
Guam - Senators Judi P. Guthertz and Rory J. Respicio are pleased by environmental impact review extension, but they warn Guam citizens not to expect much help in spotting negative findings from federally funded consultants.
After weeks of loud complaints on Guam that the forthcoming draft environmental impact statement could not possibly receive adequate public review and comment within a tight 45 day deadline, the Department of Defense has had a change of heart, doubling the comment period to 90 days. That word from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, who was told this, “will assure the interests of the citizens of Guam are fully represented in the study.”
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment Roger Natsuhara, visiting Guam this week, communicated this decision to Governor Camacho and members of the Guam Legislature.
“We’re certainly pleased to have been heard on this,” said Senator Guthertz, “but the question that remains is whether we can do a meaningful review of this 7,000 to 9,000 page technical document within the time frame and with the limited resources available to us.”She attributed the federal government’s quick and positive response to the seemingly concerted effort of local leaders advocating for the same goal. “Imagine the attention and favorable results we would get if the governor empanelled the Guam First Commission. The feds would certainly take notice of our requests.”
Senator Respicio added, “Telling us to depend on the Matrix analysis is like asking those who do not support our perspective or approach to prepare our position papers.” He explained that all he’s heard so far from Matrix is a promise to summarize points in the document to help the public review it. “Don’t expect Cliff’s Notes or any helpful pointers about how to identify problems that are hidden in the scientific jargon,” stated Respicio.
Earlier, Senator Guthertz’ request for funds to hire outside expertise to analyze the DEIS was turned down by Department of the Interior on the grounds that the governor’s office already had the Matrix consulting firm working on an analysis. Legislators have objected, questioning in particular whether the interest of Matrix was in a critical analysis of the DEIS and identifying errors or flaws or simply greasing the wheels for the military buildup that it serves as a primary consultant.
Written by :
News Release
Guam - Senators Judi P. Guthertz and Rory J. Respicio are pleased by environmental impact review extension, but they warn Guam citizens not to expect much help in spotting negative findings from federally funded consultants.
After weeks of loud complaints on Guam that the forthcoming draft environmental impact statement could not possibly receive adequate public review and comment within a tight 45 day deadline, the Department of Defense has had a change of heart, doubling the comment period to 90 days. That word from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, who was told this, “will assure the interests of the citizens of Guam are fully represented in the study.”
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment Roger Natsuhara, visiting Guam this week, communicated this decision to Governor Camacho and members of the Guam Legislature.
“We’re certainly pleased to have been heard on this,” said Senator Guthertz, “but the question that remains is whether we can do a meaningful review of this 7,000 to 9,000 page technical document within the time frame and with the limited resources available to us.”She attributed the federal government’s quick and positive response to the seemingly concerted effort of local leaders advocating for the same goal. “Imagine the attention and favorable results we would get if the governor empanelled the Guam First Commission. The feds would certainly take notice of our requests.”
Senator Respicio added, “Telling us to depend on the Matrix analysis is like asking those who do not support our perspective or approach to prepare our position papers.” He explained that all he’s heard so far from Matrix is a promise to summarize points in the document to help the public review it. “Don’t expect Cliff’s Notes or any helpful pointers about how to identify problems that are hidden in the scientific jargon,” stated Respicio.
Earlier, Senator Guthertz’ request for funds to hire outside expertise to analyze the DEIS was turned down by Department of the Interior on the grounds that the governor’s office already had the Matrix consulting firm working on an analysis. Legislators have objected, questioning in particular whether the interest of Matrix was in a critical analysis of the DEIS and identifying errors or flaws or simply greasing the wheels for the military buildup that it serves as a primary consultant.
Written by :
News Release
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Visiting Navy Installations Expert Faces A Guam Struggling To Find One Voice
Visiting Navy Installations Expert Faces A Guam Struggling To Find One Voice
Is 90 Days Enough To Vet The Buildup Impact Statement?
Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Thursday, 29 October 2009 16:00
GUAM - News from Washington, D.C. on Thursday morning that Guam would receive an additional 45 days to review the federal government's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the military buildup brought forth gratitude from local officials.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus told Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo in her Washington office on Wednesday that he would double the review time to 90 days.
What Senators Want: Time Enough To Act And Understand
But the extension raises important concerns about how local officials, particularly local senators, can maximize this time and whether they can garner the necessary expertise to read the documents and add their input before the 90-day deadline, once the DEIS is released and the clock starts ticking.
Time and again members of the Legislature have raised the issue of not having the funding or the know-how to sift through the estimated 8,000 pages of DEIS documents and generate analysis and recommendations. The Governor's Office says that its consulting firm the Matrix group will provide those services to the executive branch. But it isn't yet clear whether the legislative branch will ultimately have enough hours, days and months to review findings, provide checks and balances, and open another forum for public comment.
In Search Of Common Ground
Despite lingering questions about resources for the review period, the sentiment among leading island officials today is that we're at least making headway with the Department of Defense on the need to vet the study locally for effective scrutiny and input.
"I did receive a call this morning from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. That's Roger Natsuhara," said Governor Camacho during a media briefing late this morning. "He did inform me that the request was granted for an extension."
"We're very greatful for that...but it also means that there's a lot of work ahead for the Territory to review such a technical document, thousands of pages long.
"We currently have a group that's working with us in trying to summarize the key points that can then direct us...where we need to focus. And that's the Matrix group that's here right now, also working with us on our compatability study in our workshops in our villages."
The Governor said Natsuhara told him he's no stranger to the island. "He had served here for two years on Guam. He brings a familiarity with the Territory." According to a release from Guam Senators Judi Guthertz, Chair of the Guam Buildup Committee, and Legislative Rules Chair Rory Respicio, Natsuhara is Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment.
Camacho also said Natsuhara replaces a well-known buildup figure on Guam, retiring Assistant Secretary of the Navy B.J. Penn. The Governor said he planned to discuss a wide range of issues with Natsuhara this afternoon to help bring both of them up to speed.
Heading Camacho's list of touchpoints would be the Draft EIS and Guam's civilian-side buildup needs.
"Identifying the the huge gap, the huge delta, between what's going to be required of Guam and the impact the buildup brings and our capacity to underwrite the cost," said Camacho when asked what his discussion priorities would be with the new Assistant Secretary.
"There's only so much we can do, Camacho said. "There's got to be a collaborative effort... with the federal government in trying to find ways to underwrite the cost. And Guam has to make a compelling case when it comes to monies because, as the budget process goes, anything that we receive in the way of paying for the buildup is going to take from some other community."
Camacho added that other communities have senators, representatives and lobbyists fighting for all of their special interests. "Guam doesn't have much of a voice. We have a nonvoting (delegate) in the House and that's it."
Senator Guthertz, an outspoken advocate for federal assistance for the local community, told Guam News Factor that it appears the federal government is coming to understand and appreciate the fact that Guam wants a one-island approach that benefits civilian residents and the military alike.
"This extension shows some good faith on the part of JGPO [Joint Guam Program Office] and the Department of Defense," said Guthertz.
"My hope is that this reasonableness and good faith will be reflected in the Draft EIS document and in the manner in which our input on the document will be respected by the Secretary of the Navy who has ultimate authority in approving the final version, which will hopefully incorporate our recommendations."
Guthertz and Respicio issued a news release on Thursday evening, putting forth their outlying concerns now that the Department of the Navy has expanded the DEIS review period.
Here is that release:
FEDS RESPOND FAVORABLY TO "TEAM GUAM" APPROACH IN EIS EXTENSION
Still, Sens. Guthertz And Respicio Caution Public To Be Wary And Do EIS Homework
HÅGATÑA - Senators Judi P. Guthertz and Rory J. Respicio are pleased by environmental impact review extension, but they warn Guam citizens not to expect much help in spotting negative findings from federally funded consultants.
After weeks of loud complaints on Guam that the forthcoming draft environmental impact statement could not possibly receive adequate public review and comment within a tight 45 day deadline, the Department of Defense has had a change of heart, doubling the comment period to 90 days. That word from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, who was told this, "will assure the interests of the citizens of Guam are fully represented in the study."
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment Roger Natsuhara, visiting Guam this week, communicated this decision to Governor Camacho and members of the Guam Legislature.
"We're certainly pleased to have been heard on this," said Senator Guthertz, "but the question that remains is whether we can do a meaningful review of this 7,000 to 9,000 page technical document within the time frame and with the limited resources available to us."
She attributed the federal government's quick and positive response to the seemingly concerted effort of local leaders advocating for the same goal. "Imagine the attention and favorable results we would get if the governor empanelled the Guam First Commission. The feds would certainly take notice of our requests."
Senator Respicio added, "Telling us to depend on the Matrix analysis is like asking those who do not support our perspective or approach to prepare our position papers." He explained that all he's heard so far from Matrix is a promise to summarize points in the document to help the public review it. "Don't expect Cliff's Notes or any helpful pointers about how to identify problems that are hidden in the scientific jargon," stated Respicio.
Earlier, Senator Guthertz' request for funds to hire outside expertise to analyze the DEIS was turned down by Department of the Interior on the grounds that the governor's office already had the Matrix consulting firm working on an analysis. Legislators have objected, questioning in particular whether the interest of Matrix was in a critical analysis of the DEIS and identifying errors or flaws or simply greasing the wheels for the military buildup that it serves as a primary consultant.
Here is a news release from Congresswoman Bordallo's Washington, D.C. office recounting the Representative's meeting with the Secretary of the Navy:
Congresswoman Bordallo Meets With U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus
October 28, 2009 - Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today met with the Honorable Ray E. Mabus, Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Navy. The meeting was held at Congresswoman Bordallo's office in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill. Secretary Mabus is the 75th Secretary of the Navy and was formerly the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
"During our meeting, Secretary Mabus informed me that the public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement relating to the military buildup on Guam will be extended to 90 days," Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo said today. "I appreciate the Navy's response to our concerns regarding the public comment period. I also discussed the importance of the Department of Defense being more proactive in supporting H.R. 44, and I requested that this message be relayed to the Secretary of Defense. I appreciate the efforts taken by this new Administration to address Guam's needs for the build-up, and I look forward to working with Secretary Mabus and the Obama Administration on these issues."
Is 90 Days Enough To Vet The Buildup Impact Statement?
Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Thursday, 29 October 2009 16:00
GUAM - News from Washington, D.C. on Thursday morning that Guam would receive an additional 45 days to review the federal government's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the military buildup brought forth gratitude from local officials.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus told Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo in her Washington office on Wednesday that he would double the review time to 90 days.
What Senators Want: Time Enough To Act And Understand
But the extension raises important concerns about how local officials, particularly local senators, can maximize this time and whether they can garner the necessary expertise to read the documents and add their input before the 90-day deadline, once the DEIS is released and the clock starts ticking.
Time and again members of the Legislature have raised the issue of not having the funding or the know-how to sift through the estimated 8,000 pages of DEIS documents and generate analysis and recommendations. The Governor's Office says that its consulting firm the Matrix group will provide those services to the executive branch. But it isn't yet clear whether the legislative branch will ultimately have enough hours, days and months to review findings, provide checks and balances, and open another forum for public comment.
In Search Of Common Ground
Despite lingering questions about resources for the review period, the sentiment among leading island officials today is that we're at least making headway with the Department of Defense on the need to vet the study locally for effective scrutiny and input.
"I did receive a call this morning from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. That's Roger Natsuhara," said Governor Camacho during a media briefing late this morning. "He did inform me that the request was granted for an extension."
"We're very greatful for that...but it also means that there's a lot of work ahead for the Territory to review such a technical document, thousands of pages long.
"We currently have a group that's working with us in trying to summarize the key points that can then direct us...where we need to focus. And that's the Matrix group that's here right now, also working with us on our compatability study in our workshops in our villages."
The Governor said Natsuhara told him he's no stranger to the island. "He had served here for two years on Guam. He brings a familiarity with the Territory." According to a release from Guam Senators Judi Guthertz, Chair of the Guam Buildup Committee, and Legislative Rules Chair Rory Respicio, Natsuhara is Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment.
Camacho also said Natsuhara replaces a well-known buildup figure on Guam, retiring Assistant Secretary of the Navy B.J. Penn. The Governor said he planned to discuss a wide range of issues with Natsuhara this afternoon to help bring both of them up to speed.
Heading Camacho's list of touchpoints would be the Draft EIS and Guam's civilian-side buildup needs.
"Identifying the the huge gap, the huge delta, between what's going to be required of Guam and the impact the buildup brings and our capacity to underwrite the cost," said Camacho when asked what his discussion priorities would be with the new Assistant Secretary.
"There's only so much we can do, Camacho said. "There's got to be a collaborative effort... with the federal government in trying to find ways to underwrite the cost. And Guam has to make a compelling case when it comes to monies because, as the budget process goes, anything that we receive in the way of paying for the buildup is going to take from some other community."
Camacho added that other communities have senators, representatives and lobbyists fighting for all of their special interests. "Guam doesn't have much of a voice. We have a nonvoting (delegate) in the House and that's it."
Senator Guthertz, an outspoken advocate for federal assistance for the local community, told Guam News Factor that it appears the federal government is coming to understand and appreciate the fact that Guam wants a one-island approach that benefits civilian residents and the military alike.
"This extension shows some good faith on the part of JGPO [Joint Guam Program Office] and the Department of Defense," said Guthertz.
"My hope is that this reasonableness and good faith will be reflected in the Draft EIS document and in the manner in which our input on the document will be respected by the Secretary of the Navy who has ultimate authority in approving the final version, which will hopefully incorporate our recommendations."
Guthertz and Respicio issued a news release on Thursday evening, putting forth their outlying concerns now that the Department of the Navy has expanded the DEIS review period.
Here is that release:
FEDS RESPOND FAVORABLY TO "TEAM GUAM" APPROACH IN EIS EXTENSION
Still, Sens. Guthertz And Respicio Caution Public To Be Wary And Do EIS Homework
HÅGATÑA - Senators Judi P. Guthertz and Rory J. Respicio are pleased by environmental impact review extension, but they warn Guam citizens not to expect much help in spotting negative findings from federally funded consultants.
After weeks of loud complaints on Guam that the forthcoming draft environmental impact statement could not possibly receive adequate public review and comment within a tight 45 day deadline, the Department of Defense has had a change of heart, doubling the comment period to 90 days. That word from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, who was told this, "will assure the interests of the citizens of Guam are fully represented in the study."
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment Roger Natsuhara, visiting Guam this week, communicated this decision to Governor Camacho and members of the Guam Legislature.
"We're certainly pleased to have been heard on this," said Senator Guthertz, "but the question that remains is whether we can do a meaningful review of this 7,000 to 9,000 page technical document within the time frame and with the limited resources available to us."
She attributed the federal government's quick and positive response to the seemingly concerted effort of local leaders advocating for the same goal. "Imagine the attention and favorable results we would get if the governor empanelled the Guam First Commission. The feds would certainly take notice of our requests."
Senator Respicio added, "Telling us to depend on the Matrix analysis is like asking those who do not support our perspective or approach to prepare our position papers." He explained that all he's heard so far from Matrix is a promise to summarize points in the document to help the public review it. "Don't expect Cliff's Notes or any helpful pointers about how to identify problems that are hidden in the scientific jargon," stated Respicio.
Earlier, Senator Guthertz' request for funds to hire outside expertise to analyze the DEIS was turned down by Department of the Interior on the grounds that the governor's office already had the Matrix consulting firm working on an analysis. Legislators have objected, questioning in particular whether the interest of Matrix was in a critical analysis of the DEIS and identifying errors or flaws or simply greasing the wheels for the military buildup that it serves as a primary consultant.
Here is a news release from Congresswoman Bordallo's Washington, D.C. office recounting the Representative's meeting with the Secretary of the Navy:
Congresswoman Bordallo Meets With U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus
October 28, 2009 - Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today met with the Honorable Ray E. Mabus, Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Navy. The meeting was held at Congresswoman Bordallo's office in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill. Secretary Mabus is the 75th Secretary of the Navy and was formerly the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
"During our meeting, Secretary Mabus informed me that the public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement relating to the military buildup on Guam will be extended to 90 days," Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo said today. "I appreciate the Navy's response to our concerns regarding the public comment period. I also discussed the importance of the Department of Defense being more proactive in supporting H.R. 44, and I requested that this message be relayed to the Secretary of Defense. I appreciate the efforts taken by this new Administration to address Guam's needs for the build-up, and I look forward to working with Secretary Mabus and the Obama Administration on these issues."
Monday, October 27, 2008
Submerged lands a ‘sensitive issue’ for feds
Monday, 27 October 2008 00:00 By Gemma Q. Casas - Variety News Staff
The Fitial administration is upbeat over the prospect of resuming talks over the CNMI’s submerged lands, but a federal official said it shouldn’t be so optimistic because the issue may be overshadowed by the change of administration in the U.S.
President Bush is leaving the White House on Jan. 20, 2009 —or less than three months from now.
The federal official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the CNMI’s request for a 12-mile jurisdiction over its submerged lands is a sensitive issue that will set a precedent if granted.
Federal courts have ruled that the U.S. owns the CNMI’s submerged lands.
Last Wednesday, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial met with the president’s senior environmental advisor, James Connaughton, who is also the chairman of the White House Council for Environmental Quality.
The governor said their meeting ended on a positive note and he expressed hope that Connaughton will act as his bridge to persuade the White House to consider granting the islands and other insular areas up to 12 miles jurisdiction over their submerged lands.
Connaughton was on Saipan last week on a fact-finding mission amid the Bush administration’s plan to designate as a marine monument up to 115,000 square miles of waters around the three uninhabited northern islands — Uracas, Maug and Asuncion.
Bush is expected to act on the proposal before his term ends.
Local officials, however, are strongly opposed to the project amid fears it may result to a restriction of access to their ancestral marine heritage.
A strongly worded four-page letter that the governor, Senate President Pete P. Reyes and Speaker Arnold I. Palacios co-signed was distributed to the local media on Thursday.
The administration and the Legislature, however, said that letter was withdrawn and wasn’t supposed to be released to the public.
“I do not believe Mr. Connaughton ever read the letter, however, because Governor Fitial decided to withdraw it. I believe this was done in the spirit of cooperation that was forged at our very productive meeting on Wednesday. To my knowledge, most of the copies were collected, to be destroyed. I myself collected a number of them,” said Reyes in a statement.
But the Senate president said though they have softened their stance on the marine monument issue, they stand firm that it shouldn’t be rushed because so much is at stake.
“In essence, [the letter] stated that if the [Bush] administration was attempting to rush a designation on the people of the CNMI without meaningful discussion of our concerns and attention paid to our submerged lands issues, we would like to have no part in the designation and would prefer that the designation not occur,” he said.
“We are willing to discuss these important issues and are willing to make them a priority. We hope we can find a common ground,” he added.
The Fitial administration is upbeat over the prospect of resuming talks over the CNMI’s submerged lands, but a federal official said it shouldn’t be so optimistic because the issue may be overshadowed by the change of administration in the U.S.
President Bush is leaving the White House on Jan. 20, 2009 —or less than three months from now.
The federal official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the CNMI’s request for a 12-mile jurisdiction over its submerged lands is a sensitive issue that will set a precedent if granted.
Federal courts have ruled that the U.S. owns the CNMI’s submerged lands.
Last Wednesday, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial met with the president’s senior environmental advisor, James Connaughton, who is also the chairman of the White House Council for Environmental Quality.
The governor said their meeting ended on a positive note and he expressed hope that Connaughton will act as his bridge to persuade the White House to consider granting the islands and other insular areas up to 12 miles jurisdiction over their submerged lands.
Connaughton was on Saipan last week on a fact-finding mission amid the Bush administration’s plan to designate as a marine monument up to 115,000 square miles of waters around the three uninhabited northern islands — Uracas, Maug and Asuncion.
Bush is expected to act on the proposal before his term ends.
Local officials, however, are strongly opposed to the project amid fears it may result to a restriction of access to their ancestral marine heritage.
A strongly worded four-page letter that the governor, Senate President Pete P. Reyes and Speaker Arnold I. Palacios co-signed was distributed to the local media on Thursday.
The administration and the Legislature, however, said that letter was withdrawn and wasn’t supposed to be released to the public.
“I do not believe Mr. Connaughton ever read the letter, however, because Governor Fitial decided to withdraw it. I believe this was done in the spirit of cooperation that was forged at our very productive meeting on Wednesday. To my knowledge, most of the copies were collected, to be destroyed. I myself collected a number of them,” said Reyes in a statement.
But the Senate president said though they have softened their stance on the marine monument issue, they stand firm that it shouldn’t be rushed because so much is at stake.
“In essence, [the letter] stated that if the [Bush] administration was attempting to rush a designation on the people of the CNMI without meaningful discussion of our concerns and attention paid to our submerged lands issues, we would like to have no part in the designation and would prefer that the designation not occur,” he said.
“We are willing to discuss these important issues and are willing to make them a priority. We hope we can find a common ground,” he added.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)