Sen. San Agustin Abandons Efforts to Override Quarry Bill Veto

Senator Joe San Agustin announced on Monday that he will not pursue an override of Acting Governor Josh Tenorio‘s veto of his proposed legislation, known as Bill 7-38. This bill aimed to permit the use of a 60-acre property in Mangilao for commercial quarrying. San Agustin’s decision follows Tenorio’s veto issued on Friday, which raised significant concerns from opponents regarding the environmental impact of such operations.

Legislative Background and Future Prospects

With San Agustin himself stating he will not seek to overturn the veto, the potential for a successful override becomes more challenging. The bill had initially passed with a vote of 9-5, with Senator Vince Borja absent. Should any senators decide to pursue an override, they would need one additional vote to succeed.

San Agustin expressed, “With the veto of Bill 7, despite the positive financial and landform gains the CHamoru Land Trust Commission (CLTC) will benefit, I will not pursue an override of the veto.” He remains optimistic that the CLTC will continue efforts to lease more lands to families in need. The Pacific Daily News has reached out for clarification on whether San Agustin will encourage other senators to refrain from pursuing an override.

The senators who supported Bill 7-38 alongside San Agustin include Sens. Shelly Calvo, Chris Duenas, Shawn Gumataotao, Jesse Lujan, Sabrina Salas Matanane, Tina Muña Barnes, Vice Speaker Tony Ada, and Speaker Frank Blas Jr.

Environmental Concerns and Public Response

Bill 7-38 sought to empower the CLTC to issue requests for proposals for a company to grade quality limestone aggregate on the designated property. The senator highlighted that the ultimate goal was to prepare the land for residential lots for eligible CLTC applicants and a government service building. Currently, the CLTC is permitted to seek proposals for grading lands that are unsuitable for lease under Guam procurement law.

San Agustin noted the importance of preparing both habitable and uninhabitable properties for families, stating, “They must work diligently to get all habitable and uninhabitable properties prepared and ready with the infrastructure needed for families who have waited decades for the opportunity to build homes to care for their families.” He emphasized the potential for the undeveloped lot to provide hundreds of housing lots for Land Trust lessees, a sentiment echoed by Land Trust commissioners who supported the proposal.

Despite the legislative support, Tenorio’s veto cited “grave concerns” regarding the environmental implications of using the site as a quarry. This area, Lot 5412, is part of the Guam Forest Plan and is currently managed to fulfill requirements set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The ongoing debate has galvanized community action, with over a hundred participants joining a guided hike organized by the Guam Boonie Stompers over the weekend to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the area.

As the situation unfolds, the future of Bill 7-38 and the potential for commercial quarrying on the Mangilao site remains uncertain. The community’s response underscores the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental conservation in Guam.