Gov. David M. Apatang, Del. Kimberlyn King‑Hinds, and delegate candidate Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero are outlining sharply different but overlapping concerns as the federal government advances early‑stage offshore mineral leasing in waters east and west of the Commonwealth.
Apatang said the Marine Minerals Administration’s Proposed Leasing Notice triggers a 60‑day gubernatorial review and stressed that “no activity, survey or otherwise, takes place without rigorous scientific baseline studies, complete transparency, and explicit protections for our marine resources.”
His office listed four non‑negotiable prerequisites: independent scientific baselines, enforceable fishery safeguards, equitable economic and infrastructure commitments, and active territorial co‑management with CNMI environmental officials and traditional leaders.
Guerrero criticized BOEM’s Area Identification decision, saying it “dismisses” more than 60,000 public comments and weakens the CNMI’s ability to control its surrounding waters. He warned that deep‑sea mining remains globally unproven and poses risks to tourism and fisheries. Guerrero said he supports guaranteed CNMI ownership and long‑term benefits from any offshore resources, adding, “Decisions made thousands of miles away must include us in a meaningful way.”
King‑Hinds emphasized that BOEM’s action does not authorize mining, only preliminary mapping, surveys, environmental studies, and limited sampling. She said her proposed legislation is an “insurance policy” requiring revenue sharing, mandatory financial assurances, environmental mitigation studies, and formal notice and consultation for the CNMI.
“I don’t want us waking up five or 10 years from now and discovering that an industry has developed right outside our doorsteps,” she said.
