By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Guam Del. James Moylan is proposing that federal inspectors with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency be tapped to undertake the inspections of military projects on Guam to ease the burden on the understaffed local EPA.
Guam EPA currently does not have the adequate number of inspectors to address both military and civilian projects, resulting in delayed completion of the tasks, according to a press release from Moylan's office.
Moylan is preparing to introduce a measure that would enhance the manpower needed to complete these inspections.
He is working with the House Armed Services Committee to try to get the language inserted into the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.
"This is a pro-business measure, which will supplement economic activity, which everyone in the community benefits from," Moylan said.
Under the proposal, the Department of Defense would enter a memorandum of understanding with the USEPA for the use of the agency's inspectors dedicated to defense projects. This would allow GEPA to focus its resources on civilian projects.
“The lack of manpower with inspections is concerning and creates unnecessary burdens on contractors, including the need to meet certain timelines. For military projects, this affects readiness," Moylan said.
"For civilian projects, this impacts timely completion of homes or commercial buildings. No one wants to bypass inspection requirements, and GEPA needs the help. We are hopeful that this legislation accomplishes many objectives," he added.
The delegate's office is currently circulating the measure to secure original co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and is also engaging some members of the Senate Armed Services Committee to consider the introduction of a companion measure. The introduction will take place this week once a pro forma session is called in the House.
“The draft legislation has certainly gained some interest with some house offices along with the House Armed Services Committee Staff since the brass of the INDOPACOM has raised concerns on the delayed inspections with military projects in Guam. It is no secret," Moylan said.
“The legislation is a process to educate members on the importance of
the issue, and to secure as much co-sponsorship and/or general support," he added.
