HB 204—Next stop: The Senate

Last week, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to approve House Bill 204, “The Pozzolan Extraction Act of 2004.” This bill aims to do what so many concerned CNMI citizens have repeatedly called for—ensure that beautiful and pristine Pagan, one of the CNMI’s most treasured assets, is protected from careless and irresponsible exploitation.

We are deeply grateful to House Speaker Benigno R. Fital who authored the bill, to Clyde Norita, Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, who introduced it, and to the members of the House of Representatives who supported this landmark bill. It is an extremely important first step in realizing the great potential of the mineral resources on Pagan without destroying that beautiful place that means so much to so many people.

Many families call Pagan home. It has historic and cultural significance to the Chamorro and Refalawasch people. It is a stunningly beautiful and natural place and, if you’ve ever visited Pagan, you would understand just how truly unique and special it is. We know you’ll agree that it must be protected for today’s and future generations to experience and enjoy.

Yesterday, the CNMI was dangerously close to handing Pagan over to outside speculators who know nothing about the mining business but recognized the immense value of the pozzolan deposits. They sought to gain control of this resource via a 20-year exclusive permit. Once this permit was in hand, the pozzolan of Pagan would no longer have belonged to the people of the CNMI.

Today, with H.B. 204, the people of the CNMI say in a strong and clear voice, “No! We will not be taken advantage of. We will educate ourselves and manage this resource ourselves. We will protect our land, protect our heritage, and if there is a fortune in pozzolan on Pagan, then it will not be taken away but will benefit our people.”

We believe that it is possible to remove the valuable pozzolan deposits on Pagan without causing serious and long-term damage to the environment. But this can only be done if the task is approached in a responsible and informed manner. That is what H.B. 204 aims to do. Further, the bill recognizes that the residents of Pagan have a right to be involved in decisions that affect their island home. We are proud of H.B. 204 and of the leaders who listened to our pleas and took appropriate action.

This week, H.B. 204 comes up for a vote in the Senate. Although the bill passed unanimously in the House, we cannot assume that it will pass in the Senate, where each senator must consider whether or not this bill is in the best interests of the CNMI and their constituency.

If you support H.B. 204, please contact your representative in the Senate today. Let your senator know that you want H.B. 204 passed so that the Task Force it creates can do what is necessary to protect your interests, your children’s interests and your beautiful, pristine island of Pagan.

Si Yu’us Ma’ase yan Olomwaay.

Cinta M. Kaipat
United Northern Mariana Islanders Association

Peter J. Pangelinan Perez
PaganWatch