Guam lawmakers have long called for revisions to the Jones Act, but island politicians have mixed opinions on whether a 60-day waiver announced by the Trump administration will have any impact on gas prices here.
The Jones Act is a 1920 law that requires goods traveling between U.S. ports to be carried on ships built, crewed and owned by Americans.
Late Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on social media that the 60-day waiver was “just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury.”
She said it would allow “vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports.”
Del. James Moylan issued a video message Thursday announcing the move.
He said the temporary waiver is expected to help stabilize fuel supply and ease price pressures that directly impact the cost of electricity, transportation, and the overall cost of living for families in Guam.
“My hope is that this step can serve as a foundation for broader discussions on long-term solutions that address the unique shipping and energy challenges facing Guam and the territories,” he said.
Guam’s fuel comes from Asia, and Sen. Jesse Lujan said the waiver opens the door to an untapped domestic fuel market.
Guam’s fuel suppliers will be allowed to access direct shipments of American fuel using foreign vessels.
“The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy chokepoint, but the overwhelming share of energy flowing through it is headed to Asia, not the United States,” he said. “Roughly 84% of the crude oil and condensate moving through Hormuz went to Asian markets in 2024, while only a small share went to the United States. That means Guam should not be forced to remain overly dependent on vulnerable foreign supply chains when American fuel is available.”
Sen. William Parkinson said any action that could reduce fuel prices is welcome, but “we have to be honest and realistic about what this waiver is likely to mean in practice.”
“Guam is a very small and remote market. Even with a temporary waiver, suppliers would have to rework logistics, secure cargoes, and determine whether it makes economic sense to redirect products this far into the Pacific. A 60-day window may simply not be enough time for supply chains to adjust in a way that produces any significant relief for our island,” he said.
