A HOUSE joint resolution opposing nuclear testing, storage, and waste disposal in the Pacific has been adopted by the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Authored by Rep. Sheila J. Babauta, H.J.R. 22-11 reaffirms “everyone’s fundamental right to a safe and healthy living environment.”
“I want to begin by thanking my colleagues in the House and most recently the Senate who voted to advocate for a safe and healthy environment,” she said in a statement. “This resolution demonstrates that despite our political differences there are key issues where we must work together. Nuclear activity — especially the dumping of nuclear waste in the Pacific Ocean — is an existential threat to all of us in the Marianas and globally.”
Babauta also thanked Japanese Consul Kazuhiko Ono for his input as well as others who shared their thoughts about the resolution.
“This resolution details the history and current nuclear actions of other countries that have disproportionately impacted us Pacific peoples,” she said. “Knowing this history and these current events is critical to tackling this issue and those like it.”
She added, “Issuing our position on this controversial issue will help raise awareness in the Marianas, increase dialogue across the Pacific, and support organizations who work on nuclear policy and oppose the plans to discharge.”
Babauta said her “hope moving forward is to engage in more dialogues on directly addressing the future of nuclearism in our community on both state, regional, and federal levels.”
She also hopes that “this resolution provides further support for the many grassroot movements, nonprofits, and non-governmental agencies around the globe who are fighting for our environment and the health and well-being of us all.”
Babauta introduced H.J.R. 22-11 on Sept. 23, 2021. It was adopted by the House on Oct. 29, 2021, and by the Senate on Dec. 15, 2021.
Her office received a physical commemorative copy of the resolution on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.
Sheila Babauta
