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Comprehensive National Energy Policy focus of NGA Centennial Meetings

July 15, 2008

(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Governor Felix P. Camacho joined discussions with governors from throughout the nation as they explored alternative energy sources and new strategies to reduce carbon emissions nationwide during the final day of the 2008 National Governors Association Annual Meeting.

Governor Camacho and other governors focused on the results of a recent National Petroleum Council Study that called on the nation's policy leaders to reduce dependency on foreign oil.

"The price of fuel, electricity and the basic needs of our people are hitting all Americans hard, especially the people of Guam who rely almost entirely on imported goods," said Governor Camacho.  "We must look at innovative ways to promote secure and affordable energy solutions for our island and our nation."

The session provided an opportunity to look at options to craft a comprehensive and multi-faceted energy future for the United States.  Among the presenters was Jim Slutz, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, who in breaking down the NPC study remarked that for areas like Guam, challenges remain to addressing power supply and demand issues that would impact livelihood and cultures.  Governor Camacho and the Nation's Governors called for a National Energy Policy to keep pace with the rest of the industrialized nations of the world.

"What we as a country are doing about this important issue needs more interaction from the federal government," said Governor Camacho.  "The more engaged the federal government is, the more they will see the benefits of expanding U.S. supply, strengthening energy security, reinforcing capabilities and lowering our carbon footprint for the good of our country and the world."

The final plenary session focused on clean energy technology. Dr. Richard Lester, director of the Industrial Performance Center and a professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, joined the discussion with Governor Camacho and the other governors.

Governor Camacho will leave Philadelphia to join Congresswoman Madeline Z. Bordallo in Washington D.C. for a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and for a celebration of the 64th Liberation of Guam at the U.S. House of Representatives.

"This is a complex problem which is why the June 30 directive was issued in the first place, to protect due process and fairness. The AG wants these licenses revoked immediately without debate and due process. I want to protect the due process rights of our people and notwithstanding the writ, I have instructed DRT to begin the Administrative Adjudication Act process."

HHS presents inventory of priority issues related to move of U.S. Marines to Guam

July 14, 2008

(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Governor Felix P. Camacho today met with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt to discuss the progress of the Guam Buildup and to seek increased federal attention to the planned U.S. Department of Defense-led program.

The 45-minute discussion focused on the public health program assistance currently being provided to Guam by HHS and the expansion of related programs to meet the needs of the growing civilian and military communities.

Leavitt told Governor Camacho there is an immediate need for senior HHS officials and other executive branch agencies to visit Guam to better understand concerns about the military buildup from all island stakeholders.

"Secretary Leavitt agrees there must be more interaction with senior federal officials," said Governor Camacho.  "This dialogue will lead to policy decisions to help the people of Guam in our nation's Capitol."

Secretary Leavitt presented Governor Camacho an inventory of priority issues raised by the Civilian Military Task Force with HHS options and related funding opportunities to address them.  The inventory was generated through the efforts of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas Working Group Health and Human Service Sub-Committee over the past year.  The priorities focused on strengthening workforce capacity, increasing funding for infrastructure and services and addressing licensing and certification.

July 11, 2008

The Department of Revenue and Taxation delivered Allegations regarding the illegal use of gambling devices on Friday.  DRT Acting Director John Camacho told Acting Governor Michael Cruz that they have been working closely with the Attorney General's office. DRT previously requested for additional documentation and the AG's investigation regarding whether or not certain gambling devices were in fact illegal. Since that request, DRT has been provided adequate information to now move forward with the revocation notices. With assistance of the AG's Office, DRT has drafted and issued the accusation.

"This positive step forward is what we have been asking for all along," said Acting Governor Cruz. "The government can now present its position in front of a hearing officer that will help us come to a decision on this matter."

Now the various businesses affected will be able to exercise their due process rights and request for an administrative hearing under the administrative adjudication act before they rights are adversely affected.

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. and Governor Felix P. Camacho issued the following statement after receiving word of one injured soldier and two casualties of war from Guam:

"The people of Guam are deeply saddened by the loss of two of our island's brave soldiers.  SGT Brian S. Leon Guerrero, 34, from Tamuning and SPC Samson A. Mora, 28 from Dededo are heroes of our nation whose memory will live on in the hearts and minds of a grateful people. A third brave soldier, SPC Kalani Echang, 25 of Mangilao was also seriously injured.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Leon Guerrero and Mora families for the loss of their sons.  Our thoughts are also with the Echang family as we pray for his recovery and all the loved ones whose lives have been changed by this tragedy.  I have ordered all government and federal agencies to fly all flags at half staff in honor of Sgt Brian Leon Guerrero and SPC Samson Mora."