The Governor has established a Deep Sea Minerals Steering Committee to provide oversight of deep sea mineral related activities.
In a May 7 letter to cabinet members Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said, “As part of our commitment to responsibly evaluate and manage the opportunities presented by deep sea minerals in American Samoa, including potential participation in the transshipment of critical minerals from the Cook Islands and international waters to the United States, I am pleased to formally establish the Deep Sea Mineral Steering Committee.”
The committee is to provide high level strategic oversight, coordination and policy guidance to ensure that any deep sea mineral related activities “align with core values of environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, community well being, economic prosperity and full compliance with local, federal and international obligations”.
Seven sub committees have been set up to support the steering committee and co chairs were named in the Governor’s letter.
1. Infrastructure Subcommittee. Co-Chairs: Director of Port Administration & Director of Public Works. Tasks: Assess and plan infrastructure requirements for DSM exploration and operations, including port upgrades, transportation logistics & supporting technology systems.
2. Revenue Sharing Subcommittee. Co-chairs: Treasurer & Attorney General. Tasks: Monitor federal legislation and Trump Administration’s policies regarding revenue sharing from deep-sea mineral activities and advocate for fair and equitable outcomes for American Samoa should commercial extraction advance.
3. Economic Development Opportunities Subcommittee. Co-Chairs: Director of American Samoa Economic Development Authority & Director of Commerce. Tasks: Identify and promote investment, job creation, business development and supply-chair opportunities arising from DSM activities.
4. Workforce Development Subcommittee. Co-Chairs: Director of Human Resources & President of American Samoa Community College. Tasks: Design and implement training programs, educational pathways and skills initiatives to prepare American Samoans for DSM-related employment and careers.
5. Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee. Co-Chairs: Directors of Marine & Wildlife Resources & American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency. Tasks: Assess potential environmental impacts, develop mitigation strategies, protect marine ecosystems and ensure adherence to the highest standards of sustainability.
6. Community Engagement & Education Subcommittee. Co-Chairs: Director of Marine & Wildlife Resources & Director of Education. Tasks: Lead stakeholder consultations, public education campaigns and ensure that cultural, indigenous and community perspectives are meaningfully integrated into all decision-making.
7. Legal and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee. Co-Chairs: Attorney General and Governor’s Office Legal Counsel. Tasks: Coordinate with federal agencies, international partners, Pacific Island neighbors and other stakeholders to address legal, regulatory and transboundary issues.
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The Governor said that Assistant Director of Port Administration Michael McDonald will continue as ASG’s Senior Policy Advisor on Deep Sea Minerals and will lead the day to day operations of the Steering Committee, meet individually with each subcommittee to clarify tasks and provide support, facilitate communication and collaboration across subcommittees and stakeholders and report directly to the Governor on all DSM-related matters.
