Santos, Ind.-Rota and House Committee on Natural Resources chairwoman, said this task force will determine the availability and identification of issues concerning the status of the CNMI’s natural resources.
“There have been recommendations to mine natural resources in or within our commonwealth such as the Pagan pozzolan, as well as trace minerals between the Rota I and Rota II areas,” she said.
She suggested appointing a natural resources task force that will include House Floor Leader Rep. George N. Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, House Minority Floor Leader Diego T. Benavente, R-Saipan, Reps. Ramon A. Tebuteb, R-Saipan, Sylvestre I. Iguel, Covenant-Saipan, legal counsel Joe Taijeron and legislative assistant Claire Sablan.
Santos said the task force will conduct a fact-finding mission as to the status of pozzolan and other natural resources in, or within, the commonwealth.
The findings of the task force will be submitted to her committee.
Santos said she already discussed her proposal with Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Ignacio Dela Cruz.
She said DLNR supports the undertaking, which includes cooperation on identifying funding sources for the operation of the task force.
Santos said this proposal is in line with a “proactive approach in finding solutions to generate revenue to augment the commonwealth’s economic growth.”
