AS of January 2026, a significant shift has emerged in the Pacific. Localized environmental concerns have crystallized into a coordinated “Unified Pacific Position” involving Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
This alliance marks a historic moment of solidarity among U.S. territories as they respond to federal initiatives promoting “mineral independence.”
1) A Triple-Threat Alliance: Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa
The territories have moved from individual protests to a unified, bipartisan front.
– Congressional Solidarity: On January 22, 2026, Delegates James Moylan (Guam), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI), and Aumua Amata Radewagen (American Samoa) testified jointly before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee. They emphasized support for national security but underscored that the Pacific ecosystem must not be compromised for unproven industrial extraction.
– Moratorium Petition: By mid-January, advocacy groups reported over 60,000 combined comments, letters, and signatures opposing federal leasing plans near the Mariana Trench.
– Economic Non-Participation: CNMI leaders highlighted that under current U.S. law, territories would receive no direct tax revenue from mining in federal waters, leaving them with ecological risk but no financial benefit.
2) Outcomes of the Unified Position
The alliance has influenced federal timelines and legislative action.
– Extension of Comments: Following joint letters from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero (Guam) and Gov. David M. Apatang (CNMI), federal agencies granted a 30-day extension to the comment period for the 35-million-acre leasing proposal.
– Legislative Resolutions: The Guam Legislature (Resolution 132-38) and the CNMI House adopted resolutions calling for a 10-year moratorium. Though non-binding, these serve as legal signals to investors and regulators that mining projects will face strong local opposition.
3) NOAA Hearing Transcript
Virtual public hearings on consolidated permitting rules concluded Jan. 28, 2026.
– Current Status: The hearing record closed on Jan. 28. NOAA is now converting audio recordings and stenographer notes into a formal transcript.
– Tentative Release: Transcripts are typically posted within 5–10 business days.
– Expected Timeline: Earliest release by Feb. 6, 2026; latest by Feb. 13, 2026.
– Access: Once available, the transcript will be posted under “Supporting & Related Material” at Regulations.gov.
Summary of the current friction
The conflict represents a clash of mandates. The U.S. executive branch is invoking P.L. 119-21 to accelerate mining for national defense, while the Unified Pacific Position asserts indigenous sovereignty and environmental law to prevent the Pacific from becoming an industrial experiment without local consent.
Thank you.
NOEL M. SORIA
Gualo Rai, Saipan
