AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The Trump administration is moving toward the first-ever deep-sea mining lease sale in the world, with a proposed auction of 20 years of mining rights in federal waters off American Samoa—potentially as soon as Nov. 19, 2026—drawing sharp opposition from local leaders, church voices, and environmental groups warning of irreversible harm to the ocean, culture, and livelihoods. Local Opposition & Federal Process: American Samoa’s Governor Pulaali’i says BOEM’s Proposed Leasing Notice is now out, and the territory will use the 60-day comment period to press concerns, including impacts to the tuna canning industry; Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata also reaffirmed her consistent opposition. New Concerns Over Marine Impacts: A new report flags naturally occurring radioactive materials on targeted nodules, arguing mining could release them into the environment during extraction or processing. Road Infrastructure Funding: The Department of Public Works received a $19.3M FY2026 BUILD grant to rebuild and modernize Route 001 between Leone and Nu’uuli, covering rehabilitation, drainage, and traffic-safety upgrades. Fuel Costs: OPM set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, with diesel reductions passed through to consumers. Public Safety Tech: AG Kwame Raoul joined other state attorneys general urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Energy Policy Watch: The Interior Department says it will coordinate with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on potential offshore nuclear energy projects in federal waters. Community & Education: ASCC’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa, and a Samoan language course at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville highlights growing interest in Samoan learning. Sports Tourism: Guam will host the Oceania Volleyball Championship Aug. 3–9, with American Samoa among the teams.

Transportation Funding: The U.S. DOT awarded American Samoa’s Department of Public Works a $19.3 million FY2026 BUILD grant to rebuild and modernize Route 001 between Leone and Nu’uuli, including roadway rehab, drainage upgrades, traffic-safety improvements, and structural work. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: As the Interior Department’s Marine Minerals Administration advances a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, local leaders and residents are renewing opposition—youth and elders held a “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her consistent no stance, and Governor Pulaali’i said the territory will use the 60-day comment period to press concerns tied to the tuna canning industry and ocean health. Energy Policy Watch: The Trump administration is also evaluating offshore nuclear energy projects in federal waters, coordinating oversight between the Marine Minerals Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Community & Education: American Samoa Community College’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa, funded through USDA NIFA support, to boost community-focused research. Local Fuel Update: OPM set the Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, with diesel categories declining again as market and freight costs ease. Regional Sports: Guam will host the Oceania Volleyball Championship Aug. 3–9, with American Samoa among the participating teams.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration has advanced a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale for federal waters off American Samoa, with a tentative Nov. 19, 2026 auction—sparking fresh Pacific-wide backlash over risks to ocean life, culture, and public health, including new concerns about naturally occurring radioactive materials on targeted nodules. Local Opposition on Record: American Samoa Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her opposition, saying no one else speaks for her, while Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said ASG will review the Proposed Leasing Notice during a 60-day comment period and urged transparency. Community Pushback: Youth and community leaders held a “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration in Utulei, and church leaders called for a decisive stand and a moratorium. Energy Costs Update: The Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, 2026, citing lower refined product prices and easing freight costs, with diesel seeing the biggest declines. Local Development: American Samoa Community College’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa, funded by USDA NIFA, to expand community-focused research. Governance & Budget: Governor Pulaali’i outlined FY2027 priorities, shifting from pandemic recovery to long-term sustainability and private-sector investment.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and residents are stepping up opposition as the U.S. Interior Department’s Marine Minerals Administration advances a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale in federal waters near the territory, with a proposed Nov. 19, 2026 auction and a 60-day comment period for the governor; critics warn of irreversible harm to the ocean, culture, and livelihoods, including fresh concerns about possible radioactive materials from mining and processing. Community Mobilization: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration in Utulei brought youth, elders, educators, fishermen, and conservation advocates together in a peaceful, ocean-respect event against the leases. Church and Legal Pressure: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa urged a decisive stance, calling for a moratorium, while Earthjustice and local partners said they’re engaging the federal process and pushing back on fast-tracked steps. Local Government Response: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said BOEM has kept communication transparent, but he’s still pressing concerns—especially impacts to the tuna canning industry—and will submit feedback during the comment window. Congresswoman Amata Reaffirms: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her unchanged opposition to seabed mining, saying no one else speaks for her. Fuel Costs: The Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, citing continued downward market conditions and easing freight costs, with diesel declines highlighted. ASCC Facility Upgrade: American Samoa Community College’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa to boost community-focused research, with USDA NIFA support noted.

Deep-Sea Mining Push in American Samoa: The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration and BOEM have advanced a Proposed Leasing Notice for a potential deep-sea mineral lease sale off American Samoa, with a possible auction date of Nov. 19, 2026—prompting sharp local and regional backlash over environmental, cultural, and public health risks. Local Opposition Mobilizes: In Pago Pago, youth and community leaders held a “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration, while the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa urged a decisive stand and called for a moratorium. Governor and Lawmakers Respond: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said ASG will use the 60-day comment period and flagged concerns for the tuna canning industry; Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reaffirmed her consistent opposition, saying no one speaks for her. New Concerns on Radioactivity: A report from the Deep Sea Mining Campaign highlights research suggesting naturally occurring radioactive materials on targeted nodules could become a health risk if released during mining or processing. Fuel Costs Ease: American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management set a lower Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, with diesel dropping across classifications. Community & Education: ASCC’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa, and Cold Springs FCCLA students earned national recognition in leadership competitions.

Deep-Sea Mining Push in American Samoa: The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration has advanced a Proposed Leasing Notice for deep-sea mineral activity in federal waters off American Samoa, setting up a potential first-ever global lease sale later this year (with an auction date tentatively set for Nov. 19, 2026). Local Opposition Grows: American Samoan leaders and residents are pushing back hard—Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reaffirmed her consistent opposition, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said ASG will review and comment during the 60-day window, and community groups staged a “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration. New Environmental Alarm: A fresh report warns mining could release naturally occurring radioactivity, including radium-226, raising public health and ocean safety concerns. Fuel Costs Ease: The Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, with MAP reductions across major fuel categories, including diesel, citing lower refined product prices and freight costs. Community & Training: American Samoa Community College’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa, funded by USDA NIFA, to boost community-focused research.

Deep-Sea Mining Push (American Samoa): The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to advance offshore seabed mineral leasing near American Samoa, with a potential first-ever U.S. deep-sea mining lease sale tied to a Nov. 19, 2026 auction; the plan covers tens of millions of acres and is framed as securing “critical minerals” for U.S. supply chains, but it’s met with strong local and regional backlash. Local Opposition & Governance: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says the territory has raised concerns—especially over impacts to the tuna canning industry—and will use a 60-day comment period; Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterates her opposition, saying no one speaks for her and pointing to her repeated public statements and filings. Community Voices: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration drew youth, elders, educators, fishermen, and conservation advocates to oppose the leases, while the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa urged a decisive stand and called for a moratorium. New Concerns on Radioactivity: A report warns mining could release naturally occurring radioactive materials from polymetallic nodules, adding fresh health and environmental worries. Fuel Prices Relief: Separately, American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, citing easing freight and refined product prices, with diesel declines across categories. ASCC Agriculture Research Facility: American Samoa Community College’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa, funded through USDA NIFA support, to boost community-focused research.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Interior Department/BOEM has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to move ahead with deep-sea mineral leasing off American Samoa, with a potential Nov. 19, 2026 auction for about 31+ million acres—prompting strong Pacific opposition over risks to the ocean, culture, and livelihoods. Local & Regional Backlash: Governor Pulaalii says ASG will use its 60-day comment window and has raised concerns tied to the tuna canning industry; Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterates her opposition, while Pacific leaders and groups across the region condemn the plan despite tens of thousands of public comments. Legal/Policy Options: Earthjustice and Faasao Amerika Samoa are urging engagement in the federal process and laying out possible paths for American Samoa to respond. Fuel Costs: The Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, 2026, with MAP reductions across major fuel categories, led by lower diesel. Community & Education: ASCC-ACNR opened its renovated Fale Samoa, and a new Samoan language course at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville drew students from across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and American Samoa. Research Watch: USGS research in Faga’alu Bay finds wave energy, not just runoff, drives when and where sediment builds up on coral reefs. Transport Updates: PAAS added voyage-tracking and email alerts to ManuateleSchedule.com to help families follow Manuʻa travel and disruptions.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration in Utulei drew youth, elders, educators, fishermen, and community leaders to urge the U.S. to stop proposed deep-sea mining leases near American Samoa, with organizers framing the ocean as home, food, culture, and future. Local Governance: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says BOEM’s Proposed Leasing Notice is another step in the process, but he’s pressing concerns—especially potential impacts to the tuna canning industry—during the 60-day comment period. Industry & Policy: The Trump administration’s Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM plan would auction major seabed areas east of Taʻū Island for 20-year leases, with a Nov. 19, 2026 target, while MMA says lessees must make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans and use local businesses and the Port of Pago Pago. Environmental & Public Health: Opponents are raising fresh alarms, including a new report warning mining could release naturally occurring radioactivity, and Earthjustice says American Samoa could become the first commercial-scale site before key questions are answered. Community Voice: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa’s assembly urged a decisive stand against deep-sea mining, calling for a moratorium. Energy Costs: The Office of Petroleum Management’s MAP update (effective July 15) shows continued fuel price declines across major categories, with diesel dropping across classifications.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to advance deep-sea mining off American Samoa, with a potential Nov. 19, 2026 lease sale for about 31–33 million acres; the governor gets 60 days to review before a final notice, and the plan requires lessees to make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago. Local Opposition: American Samoans and regional voices say the move ignores widespread public pushback (tens of thousands of comments), threatens tuna and marine life, and could bring radioactive risks; Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata and Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula both reaffirm strong opposition and urge meaningful consultation. Religious & Legal Pressure: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa called for a decisive stand and a moratorium, while Earthjustice and Faasao Amerika Samoa are urging engagement with the federal process. Marine Industry Updates: American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, with MAP reductions across major fuel categories, including diesel. Education & Research: ASCC’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa to boost community-focused research. Energy Policy Watch: The Trump administration is also evaluating offshore nuclear energy projects in federal waters, coordinating oversight with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to advance deep-sea mineral leasing off American Samoa, with a potential Nov. 19 sale and a 60-day comment window for the Governor—while Pacific leaders and local groups say the process is rushed and threatens ocean life, culture, and livelihoods. Local Opposition: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her unchanged stance against seabed mining, saying no one else speaks for her; Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula also flagged concerns tied to the tuna canning industry and urged meaningful public input. New Environmental Alarm: A fresh report warns mining could release naturally occurring radioactivity from targeted nodules, raising fresh public health and environmental questions. Fuel Costs Update: American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, citing continued downward market conditions and easing freight costs, with diesel declines across categories. Community & Education: ASCC’s ACNR Division held the grand opening of its renovated Fale Samoa, highlighting expanded community-focused research.

Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: American Samoans and regional voices are pushing back hard as the U.S. Marine Minerals Administration advances a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale near the territory, with critics warning the ocean, tuna canning, and culture would bear the risks while benefits stay unclear. Local Leadership Response: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reaffirmed her opposition, saying no one speaks for her but the people of American Samoa, while Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said the government will review the Proposed Leasing Notice during the 60-day comment period and urged transparency. Fresh Environmental Concerns: A new scientific warning adds to opposition, citing research that radioactive materials could be released during mining or processing. Community & Education: American Samoa Community College’s ACNR Division held the opening of its renovated Fale Samoa, boosting community-focused research. Fuel Costs: The Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, with MAP decreases across major fuel categories, including diesel. Climate Scholarships: Tower backed future climate leaders with 2026 scholarships, including recipients from Samoa. Church Statement: A church keynote urged a decisive stand against deep sea mining, calling for a moratorium. Port Updates: The Port Administration added voyage email notifications and vessel-tracking features to ManuateleSchedule.com for better public updates.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration and BOEM moved forward with a Proposed Leasing Notice for offshore mineral extraction near American Samoa, setting up a potential Nov. 19 lease sale for about 33 million acres and two 20-year leases, with minimum bids of $3 million and royalties starting at $1.25 per acre—while critics warn the plan could harm marine life and tuna, and say the process ignores tens of thousands of public comments. Radioactivity Concerns: A new report from the Deep Sea Mining Campaign flags a “radioactivity blind spot,” citing research that found naturally occurring radioactive elements on targeted nodules, raising fresh questions about health and environmental risks if materials are released during mining or processing. Local and Regional Opposition: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her unchanged opposition, saying no one speaks for her; meanwhile, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa urged a decisive stand, calling for a moratorium. Governor’s Review: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula acknowledged the Proposed Lease Notice and said ASG will review and comment during the 60-day period, citing concerns for the tuna canning industry and other sectors. Fuel Prices Ease: The Office of Petroleum Management’s MAP for July 15, 2026 dropped across major fuel categories for a second straight month, with diesel declines highlighted as relief for households and businesses. Community & Education: ASCC-ACNR celebrated the opening of its newly renovated Fale Samoa, boosting community-focused research capacity. Student Recognition: Cold Springs FCCLA members earned gold at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Port Updates: Port Administration added voyage email notifications and vessel-tracking features to ManuateleSchedule.com to help travelers follow routes and disruptions.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: BOEM/Marine Minerals Administration moved ahead with a Proposed Leasing Notice for American Samoa’s seafloor, setting up potential two 20-year leases and an Nov. 19 auction for about 33 million acres, with minimum bids of $3 million and royalties starting at $1.25 per acre—while critics warn the plan could harm marine life and tuna stocks. Fresh Radioactivity Concerns: A new report says mining could release naturally occurring radioactive materials from polymetallic nodules, citing radium-226 levels far above safety limits and calling it a “scientific blind spot.” Local and Regional Backlash: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her opposition, saying “no one else speaks for her,” while Pacific leaders and groups condemned the timeline and process despite tens of thousands of public comments. Governor’s Response: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said ASG will review the notice during a 60-day comment period, stressing concerns about impacts on the tuna canning industry and urging transparency. Industry/Cost Watch: American Samoa’s fuel MAP dropped again for July 15, with diesel declines across classifications as refined product prices and freight costs eased. Community & Training: ASCC-ACNR celebrated the grand opening of its renovated Fale Samoa, and Cold Springs FCCLA students earned gold at the national leadership conference.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to move ahead with deep-sea mineral leasing near American Samoa, setting up a potential Nov. 19 auction for large seabed areas east of Taʻū, with Governor Pulaalii given 60 days to review and comment before any final notice. Local & Regional Opposition: Pacific leaders and groups say the plan ignores tens of thousands of public comments and threatens ocean life, culture, and livelihoods; American Samoa Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata and local advocates reaffirmed opposition, arguing no one else speaks for the territory. Radioactivity Warning: A new report flags a “blind spot” on radioactivity risks, citing studies that found naturally occurring radioactive elements on targeted nodules could become a health concern if released during mining or processing. Fuel Costs Update: The Office of Petroleum Management finalized a Maximum Allowable Price (MAP) effective July 15, showing a second straight month of declines across major fuel categories, with diesel dropping across classifications. Community & Education: ASCC’s ACNR Division held a grand opening for its newly renovated Fale Samoa, while Cold Springs FCCLA students earned gold at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. Infrastructure/Shipping Tech: Port Administration added voyage email alerts and improved vessel-tracking on ManuateleSchedule.com to help travelers follow routes and disruptions. Policy Watch: Separately, the U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, sending it to the Senate.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM moved ahead with a Proposed Leasing Notice for deep-sea critical minerals off American Samoa, setting up a Nov. 19 lease sale and a 60-day comment window for Governor Pulaali’i—while critics warn the plan is reckless and could harm marine life and the tuna canning economy. Local Governance: Governor Pulaali’i says ASG has been in “transparent” talks with BOEM/DOI, has submitted stipulations, and will keep reviewing the notice during the comment period. Regional Backlash: Pacific leaders and environmental groups—including voices from the Marianas—condem the offshore plan as a threat to sacred waters and island rights, with calls to stop the lease sale. Environmental Watch: A new report flags a “blind spot” over possible radioactivity linked to seabed mining, urging more study before rules advance. Fuel Costs: OPM’s Maximum Allowable Price update (effective July 15) shows a second straight month of falling prices across major fuel categories, led by diesel declines. Education & Community: Cold Springs FCCLA students won gold at nationals, and ASCC’s ACNR Division held a grand opening for the renovated Fale Samoa. Shipping & Services: Port Administration added voyage email alerts and vessel-tracking updates to ManuateleSchedule.com for Manuʻa travelers. Infrastructure: ASPA is nearing completion of a new 500,000-gallon water tank and booster station to stabilize Industrial Park water pressure. Agriculture/Science: USGS research in Faga’alu Bay finds wave energy, not just runoff, drives when and where sediment builds up on coral reefs.