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Mayor’s Council of Guam adopts resolution opposing deep‑sea mining, urges BOEM comment submissions
Summary
The Mayor’s Council of Guam on Jan. 11 adopted Resolution 26‑01 formally opposing exploration, leasing or commercial deep‑sea mining adjacent to Guam until credible evidence shows no harm and urged mayors and residents to submit comments to BOEM before the agency’s deadline.
The Mayor’s Council of Guam voted Jan. 11 to adopt Resolution 26‑01 declaring formal opposition to any exploration, leasing or commercial deep‑sea mining in waters adjacent to Guam until credible scientific evidence shows such activity would not harm the island’s marine environment, food systems, public health or cultural practices. President (presiding) introduced the motion and the mayor of Talofofo seconded it; the presiding officer called the vote and stated, "Motion carries." The resolution was read into the record and the council agreed to cosponsor the measure as a full body.
The resolution invokes the precautionary principle, citing peer‑reviewed research and potential harms including destruction of seabed habitat, loss of endemic species, long‑lasting sediment plumes, and disruption of food webs relied upon by Guam fishers. University of Guam climate action coordinator Emily Wood told the council that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management had originally provided a 30‑day comment window and that, "the current deadline is January 12 next week," and urged mayors to help circulate information and encourage public comments to BOEM. Presenters said there is no guarantee of federal or company compensation for community economic losses and urged mayors to raise awareness at senior centers and through village offices.
The resolution directs that copies be transmitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the governor, the speaker of the legislature and Guam’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. Council members asked staff to post the draft resolution and to support local outreach; several members pressed for broader public engagement before any offshore decisions proceed. The presiding officer closed the item after the reading and voice vote. Next steps listed in the resolution and during discussion include mayoral offices submitting formal comments to BOEM and the president certifying and the secretary attesting to adoption for transmittal to the federal and territorial offices named in the resolution.
