AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM advanced a proposed leasing notice for deep-sea critical minerals off American Samoa, setting up a potential Nov. 19 lease sale and requiring lessees to make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago—while Pacific leaders and local groups condemn the plan as reckless and dismissive of public opposition. Fuel Prices: The Office of Petroleum Management cut the Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, citing easing refined product prices and freight costs, with diesel declines highlighted as relief for households and businesses. Local Court Case: A Nu’uuli storeowner reported a suspect allegedly altering two payroll checks before cashing them; Talitiga Crawley faces theft and forgery charges with $30,000 bail. Public Safety: Police arrested Ronald Pickering after an alleged knife threat outside a Tafuna business; charges include public and private peace disturbance with $1,000 bail. Governance & Services: Swains Island faipule Alexander Jennings again asked the Fono to fund predictable transportation in FY2027, proposing $300,000 for trips and partnerships. Regional Science & Development: SPC Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili completed a first visit to American Samoa, meeting leaders on health, agriculture, fisheries, marine resources, energy, environment, infrastructure, and economic development. Business/Community: Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association thanked sponsors and the community after a successful fundraising campaign for St Joseph’s College renovations. Tech/Travel: SpaceX updated Starlink roaming rules by grouping countries into shared regions, with American Samoa included in the North America home region.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM has issued a proposed leasing notice to open about 33 million acres of seabed off American Samoa for deep-sea critical minerals, with two 20-year leases, minimum bids of $3 million each, and an initial auction slated for Nov. 19, while the governor gets 60 days to review before any final steps. Local & Regional Backlash: Pacific leaders, environmental groups, and Marianas officials say the plan ignores tens of thousands of public comments and threatens marine life, culture, and livelihoods, calling it reckless and “not for sale.” Fuel Costs Ease: American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, citing continued downward market correction and lower refined product prices and freight costs, with diesel declines highlighted as relief for households and businesses. Court Case—Payroll Check Allegations: A Nu’uuli storeowner reported a suspect accused of altering two payroll checks to cash for higher amounts; Talitiga Crawley faces felony theft and forgery charges, with bail set at $30,000. Community Support: Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association thanked sponsors and the community after a successful three-day fundraising drive for St Joseph’s College Centennial Hall. Policy Watch: Guam and CNMI leaders urged Rep. Morgan Griffith to drop a bill targeting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, warning it could create statelessness risks.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration and BOEM have issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to move forward with offshore critical-minerals leasing near American Samoa, with a potential Nov. 19, 2026 lease sale and proposed 20-year terms; the notice says lessees should make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago, while critics warn the plan could harm marine life and ignore tens of thousands of public comments. Regional Opposition: Pacific leaders and environmental groups—including voices from Guam and the Marianas—condem the move as a threat to ocean ecosystems and island livelihoods, arguing the process sidelines local consent even as the governor is given a 60-day window to review. Fuel Prices Update: American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management set the new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, reporting continued downward market correction for diesel and other major fuel categories, with savings passed through the MAP formula. Local Governance & Safety: Swains Island faipule Alexander Jennings again asks the Fono to fund predictable transportation in FY2027 (requesting $300,000), while police reports include arrests tied to alleged threats at a Tafuna business and a separate case involving an intoxicated machete threat at a Pago Pago-area store. Citizenship Politics: Guam and CNMI leaders urged U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw a bill targeting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, warning it could conflict with territorial compacts and Supreme Court precedent.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration and BOEM advanced a proposed leasing notice for deep-sea critical minerals off American Samoa, setting up potential 20-year leases and an initial Nov. 19 auction, while requiring lessees to make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago. Pacific Backlash: Pacific leaders, environmental groups, and Marianas voices condemned the move as ignoring tens of thousands of public comments and threatening ocean life, culture, and livelihoods. Fuel Costs Ease: The Office of Petroleum Management finalized a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, citing continued downward market conditions and easing freight costs, with diesel declines highlighted for power generation. Swains Transportation Funding: Swains Island faipule Alexander Jennings again asked the Fono to back $300,000 in FY2027 for predictable Manu’atele and partner vessel trips to address long-running access and emergency support hardships. Public Safety & Local Governance: Police arrested a man after an alleged knife threat outside a Tafuna business, and a House committee member requested fire investigation reports from DSAR to support upcoming hearings. Regional Development: SPC Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili completed a first official visit, meeting Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and discussing cooperation across health, agriculture, fisheries, marine resources, energy, environment, infrastructure, and economic development.

Offshore Minerals Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice for an American Samoa Outer Continental Shelf mineral lease sale, setting up a potential Nov. 19 auction and requiring lessees to make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago. Pacific Backlash: Pacific leaders and environmental groups say the move ignores roughly 70,000 public comments opposing seabed extraction and threatens ocean life, culture, and livelihoods; Marianas leaders also joined the criticism. Environmental Risk Watch: A new report warns deep-sea mining could involve a “radioactivity blind spot,” citing studies that found radioactive isotopes on polymetallic nodules and concerns about radon release during storage and processing. Fuel Costs Relief: Separately, American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management finalized a Maximum Allowable Price update effective July 15, showing a second straight month of price drops across major fuel categories, with diesel declining across classifications. Community Note: Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association says its three-day fundraising campaign for St Joseph’s College Centennial Hall renovation has concluded successfully, thanking sponsors and the community.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM moved ahead with proposed deep-sea mining leasing off American Samoa, setting up a Nov. 19, 2026 auction for about 33 million acres and two 20-year leases (minimum $3M bids), while critics warn of irreversible harm to marine life and culture. Local & Regional Opposition: Pacific leaders, including Marianas voices, condemned the plan as Washington forcing an extractive industry on island communities; American Samoa officials and groups say the ocean is not for sale and point to the territory’s moratorium. Environmental Concerns: A new report flags a “radioactivity blind spot,” citing studies that found radioactive isotopes on deep-sea nodules and potential risks during processing. Fuel Costs: American Samoa’s OPM finalized the Maximum Allowable Price (MAP) effective July 15, showing a second straight month of price drops across major fuel categories, with diesel falling across classifications. Citizenship Politics: A U.S. birthright citizenship fight is shifting toward the territories after a Supreme Court ruling, with lawmakers pushing changes that could affect how citizenship rules apply in places like American Samoa. Community Update: Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association wrapped a three-day fundraising drive for St Joseph’s College renovations, thanking sponsors and the community. Regional Cooperation: SPC Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili completed a first visit to American Samoa, meeting leaders on health, fisheries, marine resources, energy, environment, infrastructure and economic development. Public Safety: Police reported a July 4 incident where an intoxicated man allegedly threatened a store owner with a machete, leading to arrest and charges.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a Proposed Leasing Notice for an American Samoa Outer Continental Shelf Pacific Mineral Lease Sale, setting up a potential Nov. 19 lease sale and giving Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula 60 days to review and comment—while Pacific leaders and environmental groups say the process ignores roughly 70,000 opposing public comments and threatens culture, livelihoods, and marine life. Regional Opposition: Marianas leaders joined the criticism, arguing Washington decisions lack equal representation and calling for “hands off” the sacred seabed. Radioactivity Warning: A new report from the Deep Sea Mining Campaign says seabed mining risks a largely unexamined radioactivity issue, pointing to studies finding radioactive isotopes on polymetallic nodules and concerns about radon release and concentration during processing. Auction Details: Separate coverage says the federal plan would auction large offshore areas around American Samoa for 20-year leases tied to critical minerals supply chains, with minimum bids and escalating royalties—again drawing calls for a moratorium. Local Governance & Safety: In American Samoa, lawmakers requested fire investigation reports for eight fires since last August, while police charged a store owner’s alleged machete-threat incident from July 4.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to move forward with offshore mineral leasing off American Samoa, with a potential Nov. 19 lease sale—despite roughly 70,000 public comments opposing extraction. Local & Regional Backlash: Pacific leaders, including Marianas voices, say the plan disregards community opposition and threatens sacred ocean life and livelihoods; American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has 60 days to review and comment before a Final Leasing Notice. Environmental Risk Watch: A new report warns seabed mining could involve a “scientific blind spot” around radioactivity, citing studies that found radioactive isotopes on polymetallic nodules and concerns about radon release during storage and processing. Policy & Market Stakes: The federal move is framed as securing “critical minerals” for batteries and defense, while an IEA warning highlights how supply-chain control risks could reach $6.5 trillion. Business-Adjacent Note: Separately, the U.S. House advanced the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent—though American Samoa already does not observe DST.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM has published a proposed leasing notice to open about 33 million acres of seabed off American Samoa for deep-sea critical minerals, setting up potential two 20-year leases (minimum $3 million bids each) with an initial auction slated for Nov. 19, 2026—an unprecedented step that’s already drawing strong Pacific opposition. Local & Regional Backlash: Marianas leaders and other Pacific voices say the plan threatens sacred ocean ecosystems and island community rights, while American Samoa’s government has opposed seabed mining and called for a moratorium. Environmental Alarm on Radioactivity: A new report warns that seabed mining could expose a largely unexamined risk—radioactivity tied to mineral nodules, including radium-226 and radon gas—urging regulators to close the “blind spot” before moving ahead. Supply-Chain Framing: Supporters argue the move is meant to reduce reliance on China-controlled mineral processing and strengthen U.S. energy, defense, and manufacturing supply chains. Governance Watch: The MMA notice also says lessees would be expected to make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago. Other Business-Adjacent Items: The House advanced the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide (Senate next), and SpaceX updated Starlink roaming rules by grouping U.S. territories (including American Samoa) into a shared region.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM has published a proposed leasing notice to auction about 33 million acres of seabed off American Samoa for deep-sea critical minerals, with a Nov. 19, 2026 auction timeline and two 20-year leases; the move breaks with prior deference to the UN International Seabed Authority and is already drawing sharp criticism over potential harm to marine life and fisheries. Local Opposition & Jobs Terms: American Samoa’s leaders and lawmakers oppose seabed mining, while the notice says lessees should make “every reasonable effort” to hire Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago—but opponents say the decision is being forced without meaningful local consent. Global Supply-Chain Pressure: The policy is framed as reducing reliance on China for battery and defense minerals, while the IEA warns that concentrated processing and export control risks could threaten trillions in downstream manufacturing. Other Business/Community Notes: MBOPA wrapped up its St Joseph’s College Centennial Hall fundraising campaign, thanking sponsors and the community for renovation support.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration has published a proposed leasing notice for seabed mineral activity off American Samoa, setting up a potential Nov. 19, 2026 lease sale and auctioning about 33 million acres of ocean area, with terms that include efforts to hire Samoans, use local businesses, and rely on the Port of Pago Pago—moves that have drawn strong opposition from the territory and environmental groups. Critical Minerals Supply Chain: A new IEA warning flags major economic risk from concentrated processing and export controls, underscoring why Washington is accelerating offshore critical-minerals plans. Local Governance: At the opening of the 39th Legislature’s fourth regular session, Governor Pulaalii extended an “olive branch” to the Fono after earlier budget tensions, while outlining efforts to stabilize finances and align spending with expected revenues. Public Safety: Police charged a man after an alleged July 4 machete threat at a Pago Pago business, and separately charged two men for alleged gunfire during the Independence Day celebration near Lions Park. Consumer/Finance Watch: Regulators across the Pacific and U.S. have warned American Samoa residents about BG Wealth Sharing LTD and its DSJ Exchange crypto platform, alleging an unregistered scheme promising unusually high returns. Time & Travel: The U.S. House advanced the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, while SpaceX updated Starlink roaming rules that now treat American Samoa as part of a shared North American home region for roaming.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration has published a proposed leasing notice for deep-sea mineral activity off American Samoa, setting up a major next step toward commercial mining despite strong opposition. The plan would auction off about 33 million acres of ocean surface and could lead to 20-year leases for two areas, with a $3 million minimum bid each and royalties starting in year 11. Local & Regional Backlash: American Samoa’s government has already imposed a moratorium and opposed federal mining proposals, while critics warn the move could harm fragile marine life and fisheries; the notice also says lessees should make “every reasonable effort” to hire Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago. Global Supply-Chain Context: The administration argues the push is needed to reduce reliance on foreign critical minerals and manage risks tied to China’s dominance, while the IEA warns of massive economic exposure if processing and export channels stay concentrated. Business & Community: Separately, MBOPA wrapped up its American Samoa fundraising campaign supporting renovations at St Joseph’s College, and the event thanked local sponsors and community partners.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration and BOEM have issued a proposed leasing notice for two 20-year deep-sea mining leases off American Samoa, with critics warning of major harm to seabed ecosystems and fisheries while the Trump administration frames it as a critical-minerals and national-security move. Local Impact & Opposition: American Samoa’s leaders have already called for a moratorium, and the new notice includes proposed terms aimed at hiring Samoans, using local businesses, and leveraging the Port of Pago Pago—while residents and Pacific groups say decisions are being forced without proper consultation. Next Steps for Industry: The notice and environmental materials are posted online, with a Notice of Availability set for publication in the Federal Register July 17 and an auction timeline discussed by advocates and NGOs. Fono-Executive Tone Shift: Separately, Governor Pulaalii opened the 39th Legislature’s fourth regular session with a more conciliatory, English-heavy address, citing improved fiscal stability and urging alignment with the Fono as lawmakers prepare for the FY2027 budget. Business & Consumer Note: SpaceX also updated Starlink roaming rules by grouping the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories (including American Samoa) into one shared home region, potentially changing how international roaming limits apply for travelers.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The Trump administration, through the Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM, has issued a proposed leasing notice for two 20-year deep-sea mining leases off American Samoa, with bid areas tied to $3 million per lease—while critics warn of major harm to seabed habitats and fish stocks. Local Governance & Budget Mood: At the opening of the 39th Legislature’s fourth regular session, Gov. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula signaled a more conciliatory tone toward the Fono after earlier budget fights, saying the government has reached financial stability despite revenue shortfalls. Election Watch: American Samoa’s election office has certified Uifa’atali Amata’s candidacy, confirming her spot on the 2026 ballot. Public Safety: Two men were charged after alleged gunfire during the July 4 celebration near Lions Park in Tafuna. Fishing & Ocean Policy: The administration’s broader push to expand commercial fishing in Pacific waters continues, with Wespac council appointments drawing conservation concerns as protections erode. Consumer/Finance Risks: Regulators across the Pacific have warned residents to avoid BG Wealth Sharing LTD and its DSJ Exchange crypto platform, citing alleged unregistered scheme activity and high-return promises. Scam-Call Crackdown: Multi-state AG efforts are urging the FCC to tighten rules that limit scammers’ access to legitimate phone numbers.

American Samoa Politics: Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula opened the Fourth Regular Session of the 39th Legislature with a more conciliatory tone, extending an “olive branch” to the Fono after earlier budget tensions, while also saying the administration has reached “financial stability” despite revenue drops and upcoming FY2027 funding pressures. Election & Governance: The American Samoa Election Office has certified Uifa’atali Amata’s candidacy, confirming she is officially on the 2026 ballot as Aumua Amata. Air Service: USDOT approved Samoa Airways to keep flying between Tutuila and Manu’a for another six months (July 6, 2026 to Jan. 1, 2027), citing an emergency due to lack of U.S. carrier aircraft. Marine & Business Risk: Regulators across the Pacific and North America are warning residents to avoid BG Wealth Sharing LTD and its DSJ Exchange crypto platform, alleging an unregistered scheme promising unusually high returns. Public Safety: Two men face charges after alleged gunfire during the July 4 Independence Day celebration near Lions Park in Tafuna. Regional Economy: Pacific regulators and U.S. policy moves continue to reshape fishing access, with new appointments at Wespac raising conservation concerns as protections erode.

Legislative-Executive Reset: At the opening of the Fourth Regular Session of the 39th Legislature, Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula struck a more conciliatory tone toward the Fono after earlier budget tensions, saying the administration has reached “financial stability” despite inherited obligations and noting FY2026 and FY2027 revenue reductions. Ballot & Elections: The American Samoa election office certified Uifa’atali Amata’s candidacy, confirming she is officially on the 2026 ballot as Aumua Amata. Public Safety: Two men were charged after alleged gunfire during the July 4 celebration near Lions Park in Tafuna, with bails set at $1,000. Local Finance & Risk Warnings: Residents were urged to be cautious about BG Wealth Sharing LTD and its DSJ Exchange crypto platform after regulators across the Pacific and North America warned of an alleged unregistered investment scheme promising unusually high returns. Aviation Connectivity: Samoa Airways’ Tutuila–Manu’a flights were extended for another six months after USDOT approved an emergency exemption tied to limited U.S. carrier service. Pacific Economy & Policy: Pacific regulators and U.S. moves continue to reshape the region’s business environment, from potential permanent daylight saving time in the U.S. to fishing policy shifts and broader scam/robocall crackdowns that affect consumer trust and commerce.