AGP Executive Report

Environmental Justice: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Oct. 7 over Air Force explosives disposal at Guam’s Tarague Beach. American Samoan community organizations joined groups from other territories urging the court to require environmental review and public participation. Seabed Mining: NOAA and USGS expeditions are mapping and sampling deep waters near American Samoa, including areas with mineral-rich nodules. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has opposed mining in Samoan waters, and a lawsuit challenges federal approval of a proposed lease sale covering more than 31 million acres offshore. Marine Research: NOAA Fisheries, local marine officials and fishermen have completed a bottomfish survey to improve understanding of species important to local diets and livelihoods. Airport Solar: A planned 25-megawatt solar farm and battery project at Pago Pago airport promises more renewable power, but the Chamber of Commerce wants details on environmental reviews, citing possible past contamination and site remediation.

Environmental Review: American Samoa organizations are among community groups backing Prutehi Guåhan’s Supreme Court challenge to Air Force explosives disposal at Guam’s Tarague Beach. The case, set for Oct. 7, could shape environmental oversight and public participation across U.S. territories. Deep-Sea Mining: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi are challenging federal assessments tied to a proposed lease sale covering more than 31 million acres off American Samoa. They say risks to threatened marine life have not been adequately assessed. Ocean Research: USGS researchers are testing deep-sea water samples gathered during an American Samoa expedition to see whether radon can help identify mineral deposits—research that also adds to knowledge of remote seafloor habitats. Clean Energy: Port officials are advancing a 25-megawatt solar farm and battery project at Pago Pago airport. The Chamber of Commerce has asked for details on environmental reviews, citing concerns about past contamination at the site. Fisheries: NOAA, local marine officials and fishermen have completed a bottomfish survey to improve understanding of species important to local food supplies and fishing management.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental group Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, challenging the claim that leasing off the territory won’t harm threatened species ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Opposition: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata told federal officials that American Samoa’s biggest concern is the rush to mine its ocean, urging the U.S. to reject seabed mining and listen to indigenous voices. NOAA Mapping Near Samoa: NOAA began another deepwater mapping expedition near American Samoa, adding to recent ROV and seafloor mapping work that includes environmental data and areas with polymetallic nodules. Solar at PPG: The Port Administration is pushing a major airport solar and battery storage project at Pago Pago International Airport, but the Chamber of Commerce is asking for proof of environmental and aviation reviews due to past contamination concerns. Bottomfish Research: NOAA Fisheries, the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, and local fishermen completed a bottomfish survey using community partnerships to improve species-by-species management. HIV Update: ASDOH says Fiji’s HIV crisis shouldn’t be taken as a sign of spread through everyday contact or travel in American Samoa. Tsunami Preparedness: Samoa recognized 17 villages for tsunami readiness, underscoring evacuation planning and community coordination. Wildlife Record: A filmed endangered leopard shark off Apolima is reported as the first verifiable record for Samoa’s waters, supporting better conservation planning.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: An American Samoa environmental group, Fa’asao Amerika Samoa, and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, challenging how risks to threatened and endangered marine life were assessed ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Aviation Safety: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce questioned the environmental history and aviation safety reviews for a solar project under construction at Pago Pago International Airport, asking for proof of prior remediation and FAA-style checks for glare near the runway approach. Federal Opposition to Seabed Mining: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to reiterate opposition to deep-sea mining in American Samoa waters, tying the issue to stewardship and long-term ocean protection. Marine Life Conservation: Scientists reported the first verifiable record of an endangered leopard shark in Samoa waters from filmed footage, a win for conservation planning in newly protected areas. Energy Resilience Program: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering technical help to coastal and island communities through Nov. 18. Public Health & Environment: American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work was highlighted at a CDC meeting, including building the territory’s first lead surveillance baseline after rapid early testing. Community Preparedness: Samoa marked 17 years since the 2009 tsunami by recognizing villages for strengthening tsunami readiness through a UNESCO-backed program. Budget Update: The American Samoa Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, including notable reductions tied to revenue and program cuts.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental group Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, challenging claims that the leasing won’t harm threatened or endangered marine species; the lease sale is set for Nov. 19. Local Opposition at Federal Level: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to reiterate opposition to seabed mining in Samoan waters, urging federal agencies to listen to indigenous voices. Community Pressure on Military Impacts: Eighteen environmental and cultural groups filed a Supreme Court amicus brief urging the U.S. Air Force to follow environmental and public engagement standards for open detonation of dangerous explosives, with concerns tied to contamination risks in Guam and other territories. Coastal Energy Scrutiny: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised questions about the Pago Pago International Airport solar project, asking for proof of environmental remediation checks, FAA review, and glare/glint analysis near runway approach paths. Marine Conservation Win: Scientists using baited underwater cameras filmed an endangered leopard shark off Apolima, providing the first verifiable record of the species in Samoa’s waters. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa marked 17 years since the 2009 tsunami by recognizing 17 villages for strengthening tsunami readiness through community warning and evacuation planning. Public Health: American Samoa’s lead poisoning prevention work was highlighted at a CDC meeting, noting a new locally built program that tested 500+ young children and created the territory’s first lead surveillance baseline.

Seabed Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental group Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, challenging risk assessments for threatened species ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Opposition: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used a federal insular affairs meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in Samoan waters, linking the issue to ocean stewardship and calling for indigenous voices to be heard. Solar at Pago Pago Airport: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about a solar project under construction at Pago Pago International Airport, asking for proof of environmental reviews, aviation safety checks, and whether past contamination history was considered. Marine Life Record: Scientists say a globally endangered leopard shark was filmed off Samoa for the first verifiable time, a boost for conservation planning in newly protected waters. Energy Resilience Support: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office opened applications for the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering technical help for reliable, resilient energy systems in Pacific communities. Flood Preparedness Tool: NOAA expanded Flood Inundation Mapping to nearly 100% coverage, aiming to help territories and communities plan for river flooding. Tsunami Readiness: Samoa recognized 17 villages for strengthening tsunami preparedness, underscoring community evacuation planning 17 years after the 2009 disaster. Health & Safety: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead poisoning prevention work, including building a lead surveillance baseline after launching the program without dedicated funding.

Daylight Saving Time Debate: The House has passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, but the Senate hasn’t scheduled a vote—so American Samoa and much of the U.S. still “fall back” this year, with Nov. 1, 2026 set as the end date for places that observe DST. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental groups are suing the U.S. government over plans to lease seabed areas near the territory, arguing the risk to endangered marine life and sacred species wasn’t properly assessed ahead of the Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Opposition Grows: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in Samoan waters, tying the issue to stewardship and disaster lessons from the 2009 tsunami. Solar Farm Scrutiny: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce is asking the Port Administration to confirm environmental and aviation reviews for a Pago Pago airport solar project, citing past contamination and concerns about runway approach glare. Marine Life Update: A leopard shark filmed off Apolima is being hailed as the first verifiable record for Samoa, a win for conservation planning in newly protected waters. Flood Preparedness: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to cover nearly 100% of the U.S. and territories, aiming to help communities plan for river flooding. Energy Resilience Support: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office is accepting applications for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering technical help for coastal and island communities.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: An American Samoa environmental group, Fa’asao Amerika Samoa, and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over proposed offshore deep-sea mining near the territory, arguing the assessment doesn’t adequately protect threatened species like whales, sea turtles, and sharks. Local Governance: The American Samoa Legislature has approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, cutting the overall plan by about $9 million and trimming several program and subsidy lines. Coastal Energy Watch: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce is pressing the Port Administration over a solar farm at Pago Pago International Airport, asking for proof of environmental and aviation reviews tied to past contamination and runway safety concerns. Marine Life Conservation: Scientists say a leopard shark filmed off Apolima is the first verifiable record for Samoa, strengthening conservation planning for protected ocean areas. Climate & Resilience: Samoa marked 17 years since the 2009 tsunami with village-level “Tsunami Ready” recognition, spotlighting evacuation planning and community coordination. Regional Policy: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is urging faster green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests.

Seabed Mining Fight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an Insular Affairs meeting to renew American Samoa’s opposition to deep-sea mining, warning the rush could harm ocean heritage and calling for federal agencies to listen to indigenous voices. Local Governance & Energy: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about a Pago Pago International Airport solar farm, asking for proof of environmental reviews tied to past contamination and for aviation safety checks like FAA review plus glare and glare-impact analysis. Legal Action on the Ocean: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii filed suit against the U.S. government over proposed seabed mining leases near American Samoa, challenging claims that the plan won’t likely affect threatened and endangered marine species. Marine Life & Conservation: Scientists reported the first verifiable record of an endangered leopard shark in Samoa waters from filmed footage, a win for conservation planning in newly protected areas. Climate & Flood Readiness: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly all U.S. areas, including territories, to help communities prepare for river flooding. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed maintenance on American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Public Health: CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, including building the first lead surveillance baseline after testing more than 500 young children.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental groups and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over proposed offshore deep-sea mining near the territory, challenging whether the risks to threatened and endangered marine species were properly assessed ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Public Info: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, share science and documents, and host weekly updates—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Policy Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in American Samoa’s waters, tying the issue to ocean stewardship and disaster preparedness lessons from the 2009 tsunami anniversary. Coastal Energy Scrutiny: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about a solar project at Pago Pago International Airport, asking for proof of environmental remediation, aviation safety reviews, and glare/glint analysis near runway approaches. Marine Life Discovery: A globally endangered leopard shark was filmed off Samoa for the first verifiable record of the species in Samoa’s waters, supporting conservation planning for protected ocean areas. Flood Risk Tools: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to cover nearly 100% of U.S. residents, including U.S. territories, to help communities prepare for river flooding. Health & Safety: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead poisoning prevention work, including building the first local lead surveillance baseline after testing more than 500 young children.

Seabed Mining Pressure Near Guam: China’s U.S. trade truce over critical minerals hasn’t changed a U.S. plan to lease seabed areas near the Northern Mariana Islands, with one zone about 47 miles from Guam—raising fresh concerns for the wider Pacific. Local Opposition to Deep-Sea Mining: American Samoa’s governor and lawmakers are pushing back hard: the Legislature backed a resolution opposing an offshore lease sale, and Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata told federal agencies that Samoans must be heard and that deep-sea mining should be rejected. Legal Fight Over Environmental Review: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, challenging claims that the activity won’t harm threatened and endangered marine species. Public Education Push: The American Samoa government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to share science, documents, and updates on deep-sea minerals, with weekly additions and interactive learning—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction for now. Marine Conservation Win: A globally endangered leopard shark was filmed off Samoa, providing the first verifiable record for the country and supporting smarter marine protection planning. Health & Safety: American Samoa highlighted progress preventing lead poisoning among young children at a CDC meeting, including building a lead surveillance baseline. Disaster Readiness: Samoa marked the 2009 tsunami anniversary by recognizing villages for strengthening community preparedness.

Seabed Mining Pressure Near Guam: China’s U.S. trade truce eased rare-earth worries, but the U.S. still plans to lease seabed areas near the Northern Mariana Islands—about 47 miles from Guam—keeping regional deep-sea mining concerns in the spotlight. American Samoa Legal Fight: An American Samoa environmental group is suing the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, arguing federal reviews didn’t adequately assess risks to threatened species and culturally important marine life ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Opposition in Congress: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an Insular Affairs meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in Samoan waters, tying the issue to the need for indigenous input and stronger protections. Energy Resilience Opportunity: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering planning and technical help for coastal and Pacific island communities. Marine Life Update: A leopard shark filmed off Samoa is reported as the first verifiable record for the country, a win for conservation planning. Flood Readiness Tool: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help communities track river flooding impacts.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental group Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea minerals plans, arguing the assessment didn’t adequately weigh risks to threatened species and sacred marine life ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Information Push: The American Samoa government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to share science, documents, videos, and updates on deep-sea minerals, with weekly additions and interactive learning for residents. Community Climate & Energy Support: Hawaiʻi State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering technical help for coastal, remote, and island communities to build more reliable, resilient energy systems. Flood Readiness: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help forecast where river flooding may spread. Marine Life & Harvest Rights: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged faster green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff repaired American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners.

Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: Deep Sea Minerals Corp. says NOAA is expanding mapping near American Samoa, including a new expedition aboard the Okeanos Explorer after earlier ROV and seafloor mapping—work that could shape future seabed critical-mineral decisions. Legal Pushback: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, arguing the assessment hasn’t adequately evaluated risks to threatened species tied to sacred Samoan wildlife. Local Voices & Oversight: The American Samoa Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and the Fono backed a resolution opposing an offshore lease sale, while the governor says American Samoans must be involved in federal decisions. Public Education Tool: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process, with weekly updates and interactive learning. Coastal Safety & Health: NOAA’s flood mapping tool expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S., and CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work for young children. Marine Life & Climate Signals: A leopard shark filmed off Apolima is described as Samoa’s first verifiable record, and NOAA/USGS updates continue monitoring volcanic activity and regional hazards.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near American Samoa, challenging claims that the lease would not harm threatened and endangered marine species—species many Samoans view as sacred, including whales, sea turtles, and sharks. Local Voice on Federal Decisions: The American Samoa Democratic Party backed the Fono’s resolution opposing the proposed offshore lease sale, urging federal decision-makers to protect ocean resources, the environment, and local way of life. Public Education Push: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to share science, documents, and updates on deep-sea minerals, with weekly additions and interactive learning—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Marine Life & Culture: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is calling for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Disaster Preparedness: Seventeen years after the 2009 tsunami, Samoa recognized 17 villages for strengthening tsunami readiness, with a focus on village-level warnings and evacuation planning. Flood Risk Tools: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help communities prepare for river flooding. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed maintenance on American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners.

Ocean Governance & Shipping Tolls: A new scramble over international waters is emerging as conflicts and chokepoints like the Bab el Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz raise the prospect of fees and tighter control over sea routes. Public Health & Lead Safety: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead poisoning prevention push, including testing of 500+ young children and building the first local surveillance baseline in seven months. Local Voice on Offshore Leasing: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised the Fono’s resolution opposing a proposed offshore lease sale, calling for stronger protection of ocean resources and local way of life. Flood Risk Info for Everyone: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to nearly 100% of the U.S., improving neighborhood-scale river flood forecasts for territories and Hawaii. Sea Turtle Harvest Review: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews tied to restoring traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring Update: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and ran K-12 outreach with emergency partners. Deep-Sea Mining Education & Opposition: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and decision steps, while leaders continue pushing for safeguards and more time for science.