WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Governor) — Gov. David M. Apatang joined fellow U.S. insular leaders, congressional representatives, and federal officials at the Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting on September 4, 2025, to address shared priorities and challenges facing the U.S. territories. The discussions focused on infrastructure, biosecurity, workforce development, and energy resilience, with leaders emphasizing the importance of federal partnerships in building sustainable futures for their communities.
Hosted by the U.S. Department of the Interior and attended by DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary William “Bill” Hague, and White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Alexander Meyer, the IGIA meeting provided a platform for territorial leaders to present their governments’ strategic priorities and calls for support directly to federal decision-makers.
Governor Apatang underscored the CNMI’s need for stronger collaboration with federal agencies, stating, “The CNMI needs its federal partners to be sensitive to how commerce can be so vastly different in remote small Pacific islands, like the CNMI and Guam, from anywhere in the Continental United States. Imported goods and materials significantly increase prices upon arrival. We need to find solutions on how to keep imported goods and materials cost down, as well as construction project costs.”
Building a strong and affordable grid
The second half of the day focused on Territory Energy Coordination, bringing together territorial leaders, energy experts, and federal agencies to explore strategies for building a reliable, affordable, and modern energy grid for the U.S. territories.
The session began with a territorial discussion of priorities, plans, and challenges, where leaders shared their unique energy landscapes and identified common issues such as high utility costs, limited generation capacity, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
A presentation on technology for grid reliability highlighted innovative approaches to affordable and dependable power generation, including renewable energy integration, battery storage solutions, and microgrid systems designed to improve resilience during extreme weather events.
Another key topic was the potential of waste-to-energy technology and its application in island settings. Experts also discussed emerging opportunities such as modular nuclear technology, which could offer sustainable long-term energy solutions for territories with limited land and resources.
The session concluded with a federal response, in which agencies outlined commitments to support the territories through funding, technical assistance, and streamlined processes aimed at accelerating energy modernization efforts.
Unified vision
The combined IGIA and Territory Energy Coordination sessions marked a significant step forward in aligning territorial priorities with federal resources. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, these meetings aim to build stronger infrastructure, more resilient energy systems, and vibrant economies for the U.S. territories.
Governor Apatang emphasized the importance of these conversations, adding, “Meetings like this ensure that our voices are heard and that we are working side by side with our federal partners to create lasting solutions for our people.”
The Interagency Group on Insular Areas, established by executive order, is chaired by the U.S. Department of the Interior and brings together federal agencies and territorial leaders to discuss policies, programs, and initiatives affecting the U.S. territories.
From left, Lt. Gov. of Guam Joshua Tenorio, CNMI Gov. David M. Apatang, American Samoa Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary William “Bill” Hague, Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Alexander Meyer, Congresswoman Amata Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Congressman James C. Moylan of Guam, Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds of the CNMI, and Assistant Deputy for the Office of Insular Affairs Angel Demapan.
Contributed photos
