Guam’s Legislature will convene an emergency session Friday morning to consider a resolution opposing a federal proposal related to deep-sea mining near the Mariana Islands.
Speaker Frank F. Blas Jr. notified all senators Thursday that an emergency condition exists under legislative rules, prompting the special session scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 9 at the Guam Congress Building.
The action follows a Dec. 30 request from Sen. Therese M. Terlaje, who urged lawmakers to address a Request for Information issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM. The request seeks public input on potential commercial leasing for seabed minerals offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
According to Blas’ memorandum, the Legislature will take up Resolution No. 132-38 (COR), which qualifies for consideration during an emergency session. The resolution reaffirms the Guam Legislature’s call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining and objects to BOEM’s proposal ahead of a looming federal comment deadline.
The BOEM request has drawn concern from regional leaders and advocates who argue the proposed mining area could affect waters near Guam and raise environmental, cultural and economic issues for island communities.
The emergency session will be broadcast live on GTA Channel 21, Docomo Channel 117 or 112-4, and streamed on the Guam Legislature’s website. A recording will be posted later on the Guam Legislature Media YouTube channel.
The Legislature’s action comes as federal comments on the BOEM proposal are due in mid-January, adding urgency to local deliberations.