STATEMENT: CLARIFYING CONCERNS REGARDING GUAM EPA FUNDING

(Washington, D.C.) In light of recent concerns regarding the future of funding for the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), I want to provide some clarity and reassurance on the issue.

The Guam EPA serves a critical dual and indispensable role on our island: safeguarding our natural environment and supporting national defense. As a strategically located U.S. territory, Guam relies on uninterrupted EPA operations to ensure environmental compliance for both civilian infrastructure and military construction. Every branch of the U.S. military depends on timely EPA reviews and permitting to advance mission-critical projects. Any disruption to this funding would not only hinder local development but also undermine key national security initiatives essential to the Indo-Pacific region.

Our office has been actively monitoring this issue since May 2nd, when concerns first emerged following the release of the White House’s proposed “Skinny Budget”. I took early, proactive steps to protect funding for Guam EPA’s continued operations, including formally submitting funding requests to the House Appropriations Committee. I made clear that sustaining these federal grant accounts is essential to both Guam’s environmental resilience and our strategic role in national defense.

We have consistently advocated with the House Appropriations Committee, fellow House members, and the U.S. EPA to protect these critical funding streams. That work continues. Our commitment remains firm: we will keep pressing federal partners to ensure Guam’s needs are acknowledged and that this essential funding is sustained.

END STATEMENT