Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said rising fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures have not met the threshold for a state of emergency, responding to a call from Sen. Jesse A. Lujan for immediate action.
In her response, the governor acknowledged concerns about global market disruptions affecting energy supply chains but emphasized there is no current fuel shortage on Guam. “At the same time, I want to assure you and the public that based on direct communications with Guam’s major fuel suppliers and the Guam Power Authority, there is no current fuel shortage and no indication that a shortage is imminent,” Leon Guerrero said, adding that fuel inventories remain sufficient to meet the island’s needs.
While recognizing that “price volatility is a serious concern,” the governor said it is important to distinguish rising costs from an actual disruption in supply. She noted that emergency declarations must be based on “clear and immediate threats to public safety or the continuity of essential services,” and said those conditions have not been met despite Sen. Lujan citing similar actions taken in other regions, including the Philippines and the Marshall Islands.
Leon Guerrero said her administration continues to monitor the situation closely and would act if conditions materially change. She also addressed proposals to use State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for direct payments, stating that federal guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury does not authorize across-the-board payments to taxpayers under the program.
The governor concluded noting she shares the same goal as the senator and welcomed continued dialogue on the issue.