Governor establishes Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula has established the Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee, according to a letter posted on a social media site by sabrinakelani. The letter is addressed to Cabinet Members, signed by the governor, and is dated May 7, 2026. Samoa News was not able to find a copy of the letter establishing the DSM Steering Committee on the official government website, americansamoa.gov, where its official memos, press releases and letters are usually posted. The sabrinakelani post states, “American Samoa, read this and read in between the lines. Then answer the question “Is this enough?” to protect our home? You decide!!” In his letter, Gov. Pulaali’i writes to his cabinet members that “as part of our commitment to responsibly evaluate and manage the opportunities presented by deep-sea minerals (DSM) 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 Minerals Steering Committee. “This Steering Committee will provide high-level strategic oversight, coordination, and policy guidance to ensure that any DSM-related activities align with our core values of environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, community well-being, economic prosperity and full compliance with local, federal, and international obligations.” The letter states that the Steering Committee is to be supported by seven (7) subcommittees under the leadership and coordination of Assistant Director Michael McDonald of the Port Administration, who will continue to serve as Senior Policy Advisor on Deep-Sea Minerals. His responsibilities will include leading day-to-day operations of the Steering Committee; meeting 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. The seven Subcommittees, according to the letter are: 1 Infrastructure Subcommittee — Co-Chairs: Director of Port Administration and Director of Public Works The committee is to assess and plan infrastructure requirements for DSM exploration and operations, including port upgrades, transportation logistics, and supporting technology systems. 2 Revenue Sharing Subcommittee — Co-Chairs: Treasurer and Attorney General It will monitor federal legislation and the Trump Admin’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 ASEDA & Commerce The committee will identify and promote investment, job creation, business development, and supply-chain opportunities arising from DSM activities. 4 Workforce Development Subcommittee — Co-Chairs: Director of the Department of Human Resources and President of the American Samoa Community College Responsibilities include design and implementation of training programs, educational pathways, and skills initiative to prepare American Samoans for DSM-related employment and careers. 5 Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee — Co-Chairs: Director of Marine and Wildlife Resources and Director of the Environmental Protection Agency The committee will 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 and Wildlife Resources and Director of Education This committee will 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 Responsibilities include coordinating with federal agencies, international partners, Pacific Island neighbors, and other stakeholders to address legal, regulatory, and transboundary issues. The governor concludes in is letter that “this structure will enable focused, coordinated, and accountable progress while maintaining strong alignment with our government's priorities.” He notes that he looks forwards to cabinet members being in full support and will actively participate as well as be dedicated to this important initiative. BACKGROUND Samoa News notes that the $270,000 from the Department of the Interior for public education on deep-sea mining, announced by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior Katherine MacGregor during her Flag Day speech, will probably be used to fund in part the DSM Steering Committee and its subcommittees. However, there has been no public announcement or mention of how the government is planning on funding this DSM initiative In the meantime, opposition to DSM in American Samoa continues, with the latest coming from the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS), recognized as one the mainline churches in the territory. It has announced that at the conclusion of its 36th General Assembly, scheduled to convene from July 12 to July 24, 2026, a comprehensive resolution will be drafted along with a public statement that will clearly articulate the church’s position on the controversial proposal for seabed mining in the waters near American Samoa. The central theme for this year’s assembly is “God Takes Residence in Creation,” reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and the sanctity of God’s creation. As part of its initiative, the church will encourage congregations across the territory to pray, learn, and advocate, seeing these as vital ways to live out faithful discipleship in their communities. CCCAS leadership sees this as presenting a unifying voice dedicated to the protection of God’s creation, standing steadfast in solidarity with Pacific churches and communities that are actively defending their homelands against threats of ecological degradation and harm. In Pacific news, it has been reported that the leaders of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam are seeking a moratorium on deep-sea mining in the Marianas. They cite a lack of meaningful engagement with affected communities; lack of addressing the potential environmental and health impacts that critical mineral extraction would have on the oceans, fisheries, and populations of Guam and the CNMI; and, that the federal Request For Information (RFI) does not consider the implications of deep-sea mining on national security priorities. Section: Local News Tags: deep sea mining
2026-05-11 17:14:00