Federal Government Proposes Critical Habitat Designation for 22 Endangered Species Across CNMI and Guam
SAIPAN — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed designating nearly 60,000 acres across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam as critical habitat for 22 endangered and threatened species, a move that could affect how federally funded and federally permitted projects are reviewed across both jurisdictions.
Guam Governor’s Office Addresses DRT System Problems, Vendor Dispute
HAGÅTÑA — The Office of Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero issued a statement Monday acknowledging concerns about performance issues with the Department of Revenue and Taxation’s tax system and the department’s relationship with its technology vendor, while declining to assign fault as a review remains ongoing.
Tsunami Risk for the Marianas Is Real, and the Myths Around It Could Get People Killed
SAIPAN — The Mariana Trench will not save you. Neither will the reef.
Moylan Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Speed Up Military Discharge Reviews for Veterans with PTSD, TBI
WASHINGTON — Congressman James Moylan has joined Congressman James Walkinshaw of Virginia in introducing the Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing delays in the military discharge review process for veterans seeking to upgrade their discharge status.
CHamoru Commission Features New Read-Along for Mes CHamoru
HAGÅTÑA — The Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru yan Fina’nå’guen i Historia yan Lina’la’ i Taotao Tåno’ has announced the latest addition to its Read-Along Series, featuring Ai si Kai by Frances Balajadia in recognition of Ha’ånen Hila’ Nåna and Mes CHamoru.
Guam Governor Reaffirms Opposition to BOEM Deep-Sea Mining Expansion as Area Closes to 46 Miles from Shore
HAGÅTÑA — Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua F. Tenorio are reaffirming their opposition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s deep-sea mining proposal after the agency announced it was effectively doubling the potential lease area to include seabed west of the Marianas archipelago — bringing the mining zone as close as 46 miles from Guam’s shores.
The Marianas Had a Lot to Say This Week
It was one of the busiest news weeks in recent memory for the Commonwealth, with federal policy, economic development, military affairs, politics and community all competing for the front page.
Moylan: White House Authorizes 60-Day Jones Act Waiver for Oil and Fuel Shipments
WASHINGTON — Congressman James Moylan announced Wednesday that the President has authorized a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for oil and fuel shipments, a move he said will help stabilize fuel supply and ease energy costs for Guam families amid global supply disruptions tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
CHCC Says Oxygen Supply Stable Amid Guam Disruption Reports
SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation says its medical oxygen supply remains unaffected by disruptions reported in Guam, reassuring the public that patient care at its facilities is not at risk.
Deep-Sea Mining Expansion Draws Condemnation from Mariana Islands Conservation Advocate
WASHINGTON — A Mariana Islands conservation advocate is condemning BOEM’s recommendation to nearly double the deep-sea mining zone around the CNMI, calling it an industrial experiment in one of Earth’s most biodiverse ocean regions.
