OurCommonwealth670, a local non-profit community group, has submitted its official comments on the 2025 Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the CNMI Joint Military Training in Tinian.
The organization, which advocates for protecting the ancestral lands and environment of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, raised several key concerns about the proposed military expansion. These include:
- Impact on cultural sites: The group believes the analysis of historical and cultural sites is insufficient.
- Environmental threats: They are concerned about potential harm to endangered species and sensitive ecological areas.
- Lack of community engagement: The group states there was a lack of meaningful consultation with the community.
- Public access and health: The group argues that the proposed alternatives could compromise public access and environmental health.
As a result, the organization has recommended that the Department of Defense choose the "no-action alternative." This option would mean a decreased tempo for military training and, according to the group, represents a "responsible path forward, consistent with the stewardship values our islands strive to uphold."
The Department of Defense is currently gathering public input on its plans for Tinian, which include live-fire ranges, a base camp, and other infrastructure. The public comment period for the revised draft impact statement ends on Aug. 20.
This feedback will be used to finalize the environmental impact statement for the joint military training.
