Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio vetoed a bill that would authorize a quarry on CHamoru Land Trust property near Fadi’an Cove in Mangilao on Friday, sending the measure back to the legislature for a possible override vote.
The bill, introduced by Joe S. San Agustine, requires the CHamoru Land Trust Commission to solicit bids for mineral extraction and grading on the property.
The bill was met by opposition from environmental groups and people living near the property, which is behind the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building.
The bill was passed by a vote of 9-5, with one senator absent. Ten votes are needed to override a veto.
In striking down the legislation, Tenorio said using the property for “a quarry would be contrary to prior decisions made by the legislature to preserve Guam’s limestone habitat.”
The acting governor said the lot was included in a habitat conservation plan worked out with the federal government that would reduce delays for landowners and developers by "minimizing project-specific requirements for compliance with the Endangered Species Act."
Tenorio also said he was concerned that removing the limestone forest would increase the sediment runoff into water along the coastline.
