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U.S. Energy Department Partners with Guam to Produce Renewable Energy

Secretary of Energy agrees to Governor Camacho's request

August 24, 2008

The U.S. Secretary of Energy has agreed to Governor Felix P. Camacho's request for a partnership, which may result in the production of renewable energy in Guam.

"This is welcome news that comes at a time when families are struggling with their power bills and the price of gas," Governor Camacho said. "Our island has so much potential for the production of renewable energy. We can harness it with the resources and expertise the U.S. Department of Energy can provide to us."

Renewable energy is clean technology, which uses natural elements such as the sun, water and wind to produce energy. The use of renewable energy in Guam will result in greater independence from imported fossil fuels.

Governor Camacho in April wrote to Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman asking for a partnership, which will provide the resources and expertise to develop renewable energy in Guam. "I must pursue all available alternative and renewable energy sources in order to achieve my goal for Guam to become independent from fossil fuels," Governor Camacho wrote to Secretary Bodman in April.

"Your letter identifies a significant opportunity for collaboration on renewable energy deployment," Under Secretary of Energy C.H. Albright, Jr. wrote in the U.S. Department of Energy's response to Governor Camacho's letter. "Due to our renewable energy expertise, DOE is positioned to help facilitate the deployment of renewable energy technologies. To that end, DOE would like to start a dialog with Guam to identify how we can best work together to capture the benefits of your local renewable energy resources."

Camacho Takes Action on Three Bills

August 22, 2008

Governor Felix P. Camacho today signed two measures into law and vetoed one.

Bill No. 346, now Public Law 29-106, adjusts the student enrollment capacity of new public schools and appropriates funds for textbooks and the Child Nutrition program.

Governor Camacho also signed Bill No. 351 into law. Bill No. 351 now is P.L. 29-107. The measure authorizes the Governor to restrict travelers from jurisdictions deemed by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as having a health-related outbreak from entering Guam.

Bill No. 295, which would have shortened the tenure of administrators appointed by the Governor in an acting capacity, was vetoed.

"Unfortunately, finding permanent appointees for agencies and boards has been difficult," Governor Camacho wrote in his veto message. "Litigation coupled with inadequate compensation rates have discouraged highly qualified and competent individuals from accepting positions."

The bill also would have prevented appointees to boards and commissions from serving until receiving legislative confirmation.

"Prohibiting board appointees to serve in an acting capacity pending confirmation would effectively paralyze agencies and delay critical government services," Governor Camacho wrote.

Leaders Discuss Guam's Needs with Defense Under Secretary

Camacho, Cruz and Arny meet about port, defense access road

August 20, 2008

Governor Felix P. Camacho and Lt. Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. this morning met with Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installation and Environment Wayne Arny.

Under Secretary Arny is visiting Guam, touring military installations and observing the community's needs.

"This is an opportunity for us to show the Defense Department what we need to improve to ensure a successful buildup in our island," Governor Camacho said.

Governor Camacho and Lt. Governor Cruz spoke to the Under Secretary about infrastructure improvements needed to sustain the buildup. They discussed efforts to expand the commercial port. The leaders also talked about the potential construction of a Defense access road built with Defense Department funds.

"We need a partnership with the resources to get things done quickly and the U.S. military is our most important partner in this mission," Lt. Governor Cruz said.

Under Secretary Arny has management and oversight responsibilities within the Defense Department for military installations worldwide. His responsibilities include the development of installation capabilities, programs and budgets; base realignment and closure; privatization of military housing and utilities systems; competitive scoring; and integrating installations and environment needs into the weapons acquisition process. He also has responsibility for environmental management, safety and occupational health; environmental restoration at active and closing bases; conservation of natural and cultural resources; pollution prevention; environmental research and technology; fire protection; and explosive safety.

Media Advisory – 08/14/08

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. will sign Bill No. 239 which will amend the compensation of public safety and law enforcement officers.

A signing ceremony is scheduled for today, August 14, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cabinet Conference Room, Adelup.

Acting Governor Cruz Signs Nuclear Testing and Monitoring Bill

Bill appropriates thousands to nuclear testing and rhinoceros beetle

August 12, 2008

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz signed Bill No. 349 into Public Law 29-104 today. The bill appropriates two hundred fifty thousand dollars to support an independent investigation and study into the Navy's findings regarding the USS Houston's radioactive leak into Apra Harbor.

Prior to signing the bill, the Acting Governor met with COMNAVMAR Admiral William French and other military officials yesterday to discuss the Navy's results of their routine environmental monitoring program. In the letter addressed to Governor Felix P. Camacho dated August 11, 2008, it stated "survey results for water, sediment and marine life continue to confirm that releases from U.S. naval nuclear-powered warships have not caused measurable increases in the general background radioactivity of the environment." The report further states "the marine life sample analysis results show the presence of only naturally occurring radioactivity at very low concentrations."

"This bill gives us the means to pursue independent testing in and around water and land resources. It also will begin the process of developing a long term monitoring system that will help our government ensure necessary checks and balances are in place to safeguard our environment," the Acting Governor said. "I fully expect the cooperation of the Navy as they have promised as we move forward on this matter."

"Although their reports have consistently conveyed that the U.S. Naval nuclear operations on Guam have not had an adverse impact on our environment, I am concerned that there is a leak to begin with," the Acting Governor said.

An equally important second measure included in the new public law appropriates two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication program.

"The spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle doesn't only affect our coconut trees but has the potential to affect an entire ecosystem," the Acting Governor said. "There will be lasting ramifications to our environment if we do not address the threat of these invasive species."

A STATEMENT FROM THE ACTING GOVERNOR AND GOVERNOR OF GUAM

August 10, 2008

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. released the following statement upon learning of the death of a solider from Guam:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Carbullido who will be remembered as a young brave hero. I urge the people of Guam to join us as we pray for the family and friends whose lives have been changed by this great loss," Acting Governor Cruz said. "Anthony will rest in the hearts and minds of a grateful people who are humbled by his ultimate sacrifice. Governor Camacho and I extend our support to his loved ones and I have ordered all government and federal agencies to fly all flags at half staff in honor of Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Carbullido."

ADMINISTRATION AND LEGISLATURE WORK TOGETHER TO ADDRESS NUCLEAR LEAK

Acting Governor says independent study should be a top priority for agencies

August 8, 2008

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz met with Legislative Speaker Judi Won Pat and Senator Frank Blas this morning to discuss next steps in developing an independent process and protocol to monitor the leakage of nuclear waste in Guam's inner Apra Harbor and any leakage in the future.

"This is a concern for our people and it needs to be addressed by our island's leaders," the Acting Governor said. "We recognize we do not have the expertise on Guam, which is why our agencies are seeking out existing policies to address this matter.

The Acting Governor was informed of the legislature's intention to appropriate one hundred thousand dollars to pursue resources that would assist independent testing and develop standard operating procedures moving forward. The proposed bill introduced by Senator BJ Cruz is expected to be addressed in legislative session today.

"Placing the bill in emergency status will allow it to be heard without a public hearing," Legislative Speaker Won Pat said. "The sooner we do this the better. There will be no hesitation to act on this bill and it will have the legislature's full support."

"I have discussed this bill with my colleagues and they support it moving forward quickly," Senator Blas said.

In a report released on Thursday, officials with U.S. Naval Forces Marianas presented information to the government of Guam that a shut valve in the USS Houston's engineering plant has been steadily leaking in Guam's inner Apra Harbor since June 2006. Of that time period, the submarine was docked in Guam's waters for 366 days.

"While the Navy is stating the leakage is apparently a negligible amount, I'm concerned at the fact that there is a leak at all," the Acting Governor said. "It is our priority to secure an independent study to review the Navy's results and any impact on our environment."

The Department of Public Health and Social Services, 94th Civil Support Team (CST), Guam Environmental Protection Agency and Guam Office of Homeland Security/Civil Defense officials are working with their federal counterparts to address radioactive release into Guam.

In response Guam EPA's request to examine the U.S. Navy's findings, U.S EPA stated they agree the amount of leakage was minimal however they question how data was presented and recommend Guam pursue independent testing.

U.S. NAVY REPORT SHOWS NUCLEAR LEAK LASTED 366 DAYS ON GUAM OVER TWO YEAR PERIOD

Acting Governor calls for independent environmental testing on eve of Guam Buildup

August 7, 2008

In a report released late these afternoon, officials with U.S. Naval Forces Marianas presented information to the government of Guam that a shut valve in the USS Houston's engineering plant has been steadily leaking in Guam's inner Apra Harbor since June 2006.

Prior to the report being released, Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. met with the Department of Public Health and Social Services, 94th Civil Support Team (CST), Guam Environmental Protection Agency and Guam Office of Homeland Security/Civil Defense officials to discuss current protocols that would address the Government of Guam's response to any reported incidents of radioactive materials leaking into Guam's waters or land resources.

"We are concerned about this new information and we will do everything we can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people," Acting Governor Cruz said. "The Guam EPA has contacted USEPA to examine the Navy's findings. The Guam National Guard CST also is working with their counterparts at the Hawaii National Guard for technical analysis on the response and reported findings."

Acting Governor Cruz has directed GovGuam agencies to identify resources to begin independent testing of the waters in and around Apra Harbor. Agencies have been tasked to develop an interagency plan for long term environmental monitoring related to the increased movement of nuclear-powered Navy vessels expected with the pending military buildup on Guam.

"I spoke with COMNAVMAR Admiral William French and U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Timothy Keating who has assured their full cooperation of the U.S. military with any concerns related to this nuclear leakage into Apra Harbor and committed additional resources towards this effort if needed. Long term planning by our government will ensure the necessary check and balance to safeguard our environment," Acting Governor said.

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