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Committee reviews Guam Solid Waste Authority budget amid questions about impact of new universal trash law
Summary
OFB presented a proposed FY2026 appropriation of $19,942,319 for solid waste operations. Senators discussed whether recent "universal trash" legislation and Public Utilities Commission oversight would reduce customer fees or revenues for the Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA).
The committee heard a presentation from OFB on the Guam Solid Waste Authority’s FY2026 appropriation and discussed possible revenue impacts from recent legislation commonly described in the hearing as the "universal trash bill."
Mister Guerrero reported the total appropriation for the solid‑waste operation as $19,942,319 and explained the figure was raised approximately $1.3 million from the EBR because the fund was "tracking" at a higher level. "Total appropriation for the Wall and Solid Waste operation is $19,942,319, and that is the total appropriation for solid waste," Guerrero said.
Senator Talahi noted the governor had signed what participants referred to as the universal trash bill and asked whether that bill or its implementation would reduce fees paid by existing customers or otherwise affect GSWA operating costs. Senator Perez, who was congratulated for work on the bill, responded that the committee had not been apprised of anything "that would probably cause any serious reduction in the fund" and added that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has oversight of the measure.
Guerrero told the panel OFB adjusted the appropriation to align with current tracking because GSWA is the only agency receiving funding from the referenced fund. Senator Talahi and other senators welcomed the bill’s aim to reduce illegal dumping and said they expect fee adjustments for customers, but no formal revenue projections or statutory citations were provided during the hearing.
Why it matters: the appropriation and questions about the effect of the universal trash legislation could affect customer fees and GSWA service levels. Committee members requested follow‑up documentation to confirm whether the law or PUC action will materially change GSWA revenues.
The transcript records presentation and questions; no formal committee vote on the appropriation or on changes tied to the legislation was recorded during the session.
