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Guam lawmakers, scientists and activists warn deep-sea mining could harm ecosystems, call for tighter safeguards
Summary
Senators, a University of Guam scientist and community groups told the General Government Operations and Appropriations committee they fear ecological harm, weak enforcement and insufficient mitigation for proposed deep-sea mining and related military testing; speakers urged coordinated regional action and legislative tightening.
Senators, scientists and community advocates told the General Government Operations and Appropriations committee that proposed deep-sea mining and renewed military testing risk substantial harm to Guam’s marine ecosystems and local livelihoods and that current enforcement and mitigation plans are inadequate.
The committee heard testimony that companies conducting seabed surveys have promised "no disturbance," but witnesses said that responsibility appears to fall to an agency different from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and asked who would enforce such commitments. "We do not want to be the guinea pigs," was cited in the hearing as a comment the lieutenant governor made during a related meeting, underscoring local unease about untested equipment and methods.
Why it matters: Witnesses said Guam’s deep waters…
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