AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining: Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero is demanding formal federal consultation on the CNMI’s proposed deep-sea mineral lease sale (PACM-2), arguing Guam is an “adjacent state” and that Interior must follow federal rules before moving forward. Power Costs: Guam Power Authority is getting support for $100 monthly power bill credits for September through November, while the PUC approved a fuel surcharge (LEAC) that will push average bills up about $88 starting Oct. 1. Education Funding: A bill would set aside $19.8M from excess Section 30 revenues for Simon Sanchez High School modernization, aiming to fund capital improvements tied to the new campus. Military & Logistics: USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Guam for a brief logistics stop, marking the 10th month of its deployment and underscoring Guam’s role in sustaining carrier operations. Sports & Community: Avira Sports opened an air-conditioned, multi-sport pickleball-and-more facility in Dededo, bringing a new public recreation hub to the island.

Defense & Logistics: USS Abraham Lincoln returned to Guam for a brief logistics stop after nearly seven months in the U.S. Central Command area, underscoring Guam’s role as a key hub for carrier strike group replenishment and readiness. Aviation Tech: Joby Aviation says it completed the first fully autonomous cross-country U.S. flight, covering 3,199 miles with no hands-on control input from a safety pilot—an eye-opener for future commercial freight and disaster logistics. Energy Costs: Guam’s utilities commission approved a fuel surcharge increase for GPA, pushing the average residential bill up about $88 starting Oct. 1, as fuel costs stay volatile. Water Infrastructure: PUC authorized Guam Waterworks Authority to issue revenue and refunding bonds, including up to $110M for capital improvements tied to federal consent decree schedules. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam’s governor is calling for mandatory federal consultation on offshore mineral lease sales, while Guam and American Samoa leaders oppose rushing commercial deep-sea mining; meanwhile, CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds proposes sharing seabed mining revenue with Pacific territories. Trade & Customs: Guam Customs is moving from decades of paper processing toward an electronic ASYCUDA system to streamline cargo data and revenue collection. Local Business & Permits: The ABC board approved multiple alcohol license applications, including expansions and new openings. Community & Education: GDOE is shifting students into double sessions after a major plumbing failure at Tiyan, affecting nearby high school campuses.

Power Costs: Guam residents brace for another hit as the PUC approved a Guam Power Authority fuel surcharge increase under the LEAC, lifting the charge from about 19.4 to 28.4 cents per kWh starting Oct. 1—adding roughly $88.56 to the average monthly bill and extending through Jan. 31, 2027. Water Infrastructure: The PUC also okayed Guam Waterworks Authority revenue and refunding bonds, including up to $110M in new money for capital projects tied to federal consent decree schedules. Education Disruption: After a plumbing failure at Tiyan High School, GDOE moved hundreds of students into double sessions—Tiyan will share with George Washington High in Mangilao, and Simon A. Sanchez will share Okkodo in Dededo. Customs Modernization: Guam Customs is replacing decades-old paper processing with ASYCUDA, an electronic system for cargo data, manifests, and revenue functions. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Activists urged Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to stop the Northern Marianas lease sale, but he said he won’t request a pause before the Oct. 19 deadline. Logistics & Trade: FedEx announced new demand surcharges affecting shipments to and from Guam, while USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. made a brief Guam logistics stop.

Power & Utilities: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved an 8.8-cent jump to the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, lifting the average residential bill by about $88.56 starting Oct. 1, as GPA cites higher fuel costs tied to the Iran war and other issues. Deep-Sea Mining: Activists are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to stop the Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale, but Apatang says he won’t seek a pause before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits and planning formal comments instead. Customs Modernization: Guam Customs and Quarantine is moving from decades of paper processing to an electronic ASYCUDA system under a UNCTAD agreement, aiming to streamline cargo data, manifests, and revenue collection. Shipping & Logistics: USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. arrived on Guam for a brief logistics stop, with liberty for crew and a reminder of Guam’s role as a command-and-control hub. Community & Education: GDOE is shifting students into double sessions after a major plumbing failure at Tiyan, sending Sanchez to Okkodo and Tiyan to George Washington next week. Environment & Policy: The U.S. House advanced federal invasive-species strike teams and an urban bird habitat program, a potential boost for Guam’s ongoing invasive species fight. Sports: Guam’s junior tennis team won at Japan’s Senko Cup, led by Camelo “JJ” Chen’s singles gold.

Deep-Sea Mining Showdown: Environmental groups and community allies are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to recommend stopping the Dec. 16 Marianas-area deep-sea mining lease sale, ahead of an Oct. 19 deadline, as Interior chief Doug Burgum says permits could come “within months.” Local Customs Modernization: Guam Customs and Quarantine is moving from decades of paper processing to an electronic ASYCUDA system under a UNCTAD-backed rollout, aiming to streamline cargo data, manifests, revenue collection, and enforcement. Power Costs Hit Home: The Public Utilities Commission approved a Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause increase to 28.2 cents/kWh starting Oct. 1, adding about $88.56 to the average residential bill. Education Disruption: After a major plumbing failure at Tiyan, GDOE is shifting students into double sessions next week, with Sanchez sharing Okkodo and Tiyan sharing George Washington. Logistics & Defense: USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. arrived for a brief Guam logistics stop after a nine-month deployment. Invasive Species Funding: The U.S. House advanced federal invasive species strike teams and urban bird habitat measures that could bolster Guam’s efforts. Trade & Shipping Fees: FedEx announced demand surcharges on multiple international lanes, including Guam-bound services. Sports: Guam’s junior tennis team won gold at Japan’s Senko Cup, led by Camelo “JJ” Chen.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says deep-sea mining permits in the Pacific could start “within months,” with more developments coming as the Marine Minerals Administration moves through its lease-to-permit process. Power Costs in Focus: Guam’s PUC approved a new Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, lifting the fuel surcharge to about 28.2¢/kWh starting Oct. 1—pushing the average residential bill up roughly $88. Invasive Species Push: The U.S. House passed bills to codify invasive species strike teams and expand an urban bird habitat program, a win Guam lawmakers say could help protect island ecosystems and agriculture. Logistics & Shipping: FedEx announced demand surcharges on multiple international lanes, including Guam-bound shipments, while Guam’s port activity in Margarita reported 2,505 metric tons moved in one day. Military Presence: USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. arrived for a brief logistics stop at Naval Base Guam. Local Business Licensing: Guam’s ABC board approved eight applications, including upgrades for CUL Hagåtña and new alcohol sales for a Micronesia Mall Food Court vendor. Education Disruption: After a major plumbing failure at Tiyan, GDOE is shifting students into double sessions at Sanchez/Okkodo and Tiyan/GW next week.

Energy Costs Hit Home: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved an increase to the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) to 28.2 cents per kWh starting Oct. 1, lifting the average residential bill by about $88.56 as fuel costs stay pressured by global events and earlier power-plant issues. Port & Shipping Fees: The PUC delayed a decision on a requested 17% Port Authority of Guam tariff hike, with possible implementation by Jan. 1 but a commission vote expected in November or December. Logistics Costs Abroad: FedEx announced demand surcharges and higher fees on certain international shipments, including routes that list Guam among affected destinations. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Environmental and community groups urged Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to halt a Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale, citing a fast-moving permitting timeline. Tourism Growth Plan: A Guam economist projects the Philippines’ proposed inclusion in the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program could bring about 25,000 visitors and roughly $11M in direct spending in the initial year. Education & Workforce: University of Guam enrollment rose to 2,942 for Fall 2026, up 3%, with growth in undergraduate and doctoral programs.

Power Costs in Focus: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved a fuel surcharge (LEAC) that will lift the average residential power bill by about $88 starting Oct. 1, pushing typical bills to about $407 per month after a prior $58 jump earlier this year. Port Tariff Delay: The PUC also won’t decide on a requested 17% Port Authority of Guam tariff hike until later this year, with a possible Jan. 1 implementation if approved. Tourism Push: A Guam-CNMI visa waiver proposal that would add the Philippines is projected to bring about 25,000 new visitors and roughly $11M in direct spending in the first year. Local Governance & Services: The Guam Visitors Bureau board approved a $28.97M FY2027 operating budget to expand tourism marketing and outreach. Energy Innovation: Researchers discussed ocean energy options at a townhall, highlighting ocean thermal energy and other approaches to reduce reliance on imported diesel. Environment & Agriculture: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched the “Båsta BTS” campaign to help stop the spread of the invasive brown treesnake. Missing Divers Update: Palau officials officially ended the search for two missing scuba divers after a five-day effort. K-pop Connection: A new report revisits Perry, a Guam-raised producer who helped shape YG Entertainment’s early sound, now missing from public view for years.

Tourism & Travel: Guam’s tourism push got a boost as the Guam Visitors Bureau Board approved a $28.97M FY2027 operating budget, citing a $1.6B tourism impact in 2025 and funding for marketing, destination development, research, and international outreach. Visa Policy & Air Demand: Lawmakers are moving to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines (plus other countries), with projections of about 25,000 more arrivals and roughly $11M in visitor spending—plus knock-on benefits for regional air service. Energy Costs: The Public Utilities Commission is set to vote on a proposed 17% Port Authority tariff increase, while Guam Power Authority is asking for a pause on another Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause change as fuel costs stay volatile and underrecovery grows. Local Wildlife Protection: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched the “Båsta BTS” campaign to stop the spread of the invasive brown treesnake, training nearly 200 participants through control workshops. Education & Workforce: UOG reported Fall 2026 enrollment of 2,942 students, up 3%, with growth in undergraduate and doctoral programs tied to workforce needs. Community & Services: Joint Region Marianas coordinated nearly 190 volunteers to help Southern High School get ready for a required sanitary inspection.

Power Rates Watch: Guam Power Authority fuel costs keep climbing, and the PUC is set to decide on a proposed LEAC increase that could add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential bill, with the judge recommending 28.2 cents/kWh starting Oct. 1 through Jan. 2027. Invasive Species Push: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched the “Båsta BTS” campaign to help the military community learn, spot, and report brown treesnakes to stop spread to neighboring islands. Local Education & Workforce: UOG reports Fall 2026 enrollment of 2,942 students, up 3%, with growth in undergraduate and doctoral programs tied to career pathways. Community Readiness: Joint Region Marianas and partners helped Southern High School ahead of a sanitary inspection, with nearly 190 volunteers tackling facilities, HVAC support, and cleanup. Tourism & Travel Policy: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, including adding the Philippines. Agriculture Support: In Liberia, Rep. Koinah distributed rice mills and rain protection gear to help farmers and motorcyclists during heavy rains. Environment & Shipping Safety: BoatUS Foundation renewed calls to report abandoned and derelict vessels, citing habitat damage, pollution risks, and navigation disruptions. Defense & Tech: Japan confirmed a Global Hawk crash in the Sea of Japan, while NASA marked full restoration of the Guam Remote Station after Typhoon Mawar.

Power & Cost of Living: The PUC is weighing a possible 17% Port Authority tariff increase and a separate LEAC fuel surcharge move that could add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential power bill, as GPA cites volatile fuel costs tied to the Iran war and shipping disruptions. Local Governance & Elections: An OUR VIEW op-ed urges Guam to pause before raising tariffs/fees during an election year, arguing the incoming administration should weigh in. Island Infrastructure & Resilience: NASA marked the full restoration of its Guam Remote Station after Typhoon Mawar, restoring key TDRS satellite communications. Military Readiness & Tech: Textron and Merlin unveiled the Cessna SkyCourier UX for autonomous, crew-free resupply in contested environments, while Japan said a Global Hawk crash won’t disrupt its missions. Education & Community Support: Career Tech High Academy won a six-year charter renewal with expansion plans, and Joint Region Marianas helped Southern High School prepare for a sanitary inspection. Shipping & Trade: Maersk added a $500 surcharge for Gulf-bound containers, adding pressure to logistics costs. Climate & Culture: A Guam-based lawyer says climate change is eroding Indigenous Chamorro culture and rights, framing it as a human rights issue.

Energy Costs & Utility Oversight: Guam Power Authority is asking the Public Utilities Commission to delay another Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause change while it lines up a fuel line of credit, but PUC Chief Administrative Law Judge Fred Horecky is recommending a jump that would add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential bill starting Oct. 1, with a vote set for Thursday. Port & Shipping Costs: The PUC is also set to decide on a 17% Port Authority of Guam tariff increase, aimed at covering rising service delivery costs and economic conditions, with consumer impact estimates cited by the Port. Education & Workforce Development: Career Tech High Academy won a six-year charter renewal and outlined plans to expand enrollment and services, while Guam Community College received about $2,000 in equipment donations for culinary and baking labs. Manufacturing & Defense Industry: GAMMA says Guam’s first Navy-grade 3D-printed metal parts have been produced at its Dededo facility, reaching initial operating capability. Local Governance & Health Funding: Guam lawmakers paused action on Section 30 funding for GMH and UOG, scheduling public hearings before deciding how to allocate the money. Community & Infrastructure Support: Joint Region Marianas coordinated nearly 190 volunteers to ready Southern High School for a sanitary inspection, including repairs, cleaning, and HVAC help.

Energy Costs & Regulation: Guam’s PUC Chief Administrative Law Judge Fred Horecky is recommending a Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) increase to 28.2 cents/kWh starting Oct. 1 through Jan. 2027, which he says would add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential bill; the PUC will discuss the possible hike Thursday as GPA reviews the proposal amid fuel under-recovery. Local Governance & Health/Innovation Funding: The Guam Legislature paused its 11th special session briefly, then set hearings on competing uses of about $20M in excess Section 30 funds, including Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s plan for $15.8M for GMH’s electronic health records system and $4M for UOG’s Blue Economy Innovation Center. Tourism & Travel Access: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026 to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program by adding the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia, aiming to boost tourism and air service. Defense & Logistics: The Quad nations advanced a shared Indo-Pacific Logistics Network after a Tokyo tabletop exercise, building toward standard operating procedures; Guam was previously part of a related field exercise. Industry & Training: Guam Community College received about $2,000 in culinary equipment donations for hands-on training, while GAMMA reported Guam’s first Navy-grade 3D-printed metal parts reaching initial operating capability. Weather Watch: NWS Guam is monitoring two weak disturbances near the Marianas as peak typhoon season ramps up, with uncertainty over which system—if any—could develop.

Visa & Tourism: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Guam Del. James Moylan introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026 to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program by adding the Philippines plus India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Mongolia, aiming to boost visitor access and air service while keeping travel limited to Guam/CNMI. Defense & Logistics: The Quad (Australia, India, Japan, U.S.) advanced Indo-Pacific Logistics Network plans after a Tokyo tabletop exercise focused on natural-disaster response, with SOP development as the next step. Manufacturing & Navy Supply: Guam Additive Materials and Manufacturing Accelerator (GAMMA) says it has reached initial operating capability, producing Guam-made Navy-grade 3D-printed metal parts locally. Health & Public Finance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special session on using about $20M in excess Section 30 funds, with senators scheduling public hearings before deciding on GMH electronic health records, UOG aquaculture support, and other options. Energy Costs: The PUC will review Guam Power Authority’s fuel surcharge (LEAC) after GPA reported a $37M fuel under-recovery, as oil prices climb. Agriculture & Food Security: UOG’s Fadian Hatchery aquaculture work is tied to the Section 30 proposal, while a UOG land grant workshop links aquaculture production to salted and smoked fish products. Disaster Recovery: A regional workshop highlights how fishing communities across the Pacific struggle to rebuild fast enough after storms, leaving livelihoods at risk. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Guam’s governor is pushing to be recognized as an “adjacent state” for consultation on deep-sea mining, mirroring CNMI’s role.

Feral Swine Management: Guam’s feral pig population is estimated at 30,000 to 50,000, and the USDA’s Wildlife Services says the island still can’t keep up—though Guam’s federal swine program is set to nearly double to about $260,000 for FY2027. Energy Costs: The Public Utilities Commission will review Guam Power Authority’s Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) after GPA reported about $37M in fuel under-recovery, with a possible LEAC increase for Oct. 1 through Jan. 2027. Healthcare Modernization: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special session for a $15.9M GMH electronic health records replacement, warning of a “catastrophic blackout” risk if procurement slips; the bill also includes $4M for UOG’s Blue Economy Innovation Center. Logistics & Resilience: The Quad nations wrapped a Tokyo tabletop exercise to advance a shared Indo-Pacific civilian logistics network, building on Guam’s prior field training. Tourism Investment: GEDA is pushing the Enhancing Tourism Aesthetic Program, offering tax incentives for visible commercial upgrades starting Oct. 1. Hospital Maintenance: GMHA received a $136K federal grant for a boom lift to expand in-house repairs and inspections. Shipping Costs: Maersk added a $500 surcharge for Gulf-bound containers, with Guam listed among “regulated countries” eligible for later deadlines.

PUC & Power Costs: The Public Utilities Commission will discuss a possible increase to Guam Power Authority’s Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) at Thursday’s meeting, with GPA urging a customer-protective approach while acknowledging fuel costs; the last LEAC jump took effect in July and raised typical bills by nearly $60 a month. Health & Education Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special legislative session to move a $19.8M funding bill for Guam Memorial Hospital Authority’s electronic health record system and UOG’s Blue Economy Innovation Center. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: The governor says she’ll seek “adjacent state” status for Guam so the island gets the same consultation window CNMI receives ahead of federal seabed lease activity near Guam. Environment Debate: A local opinion piece argues ocean mining is risky because the deep sea is still poorly understood and damage may only be noticed after it’s irreversible. Tourism Incentives: GEDA is pushing the Enhancing Tourism Aesthetic Program, a tax-credit push for “responsible private sector investment” to improve tourism-facing commercial properties. Logistics & Disaster Response: The Quad wrapped a Tokyo tabletop exercise to advance the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, focusing on disaster relief coordination and standard operating procedures—building on Guam’s earlier field training. Hospital Maintenance Upgrade: GMHA received a $136K federal grant for a boom lift to expand in-house repairs and inspections. Local Business & Warehousing: GLUC approved a new Tamuning warehouse for Perez Properties to support distribution for Guam’s construction-heavy demand. Defense & Guam’s Role: A defense analyst argues shifting more U.S. posture toward Guam and the “second island chain” could reduce war risk with China. Marianas Mining Legal Push: Lawsuits challenge deep-sea mining lease actions in the Marianas and American Samoa, contesting federal findings on endangered species impacts.