Bringing the CNMI’s Energy Challenges to Washington

I wrote to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, in his role as Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council, this week regarding fuel supply conditions and rising energy costs affecting the CNMI and other Pacific territories. Our islands depend on imported fuel, and current global conditions are driving up the costs of power generation, transportation, cargo movement, and daily life across the Commonwealth. These pressures have become even more severe as recovery efforts continue following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. In the letter, I requested information on fuel availability in the Pacific region, aviation fuel pricing, and what federal coordination mechanisms exist to help territories during periods of disruption and recovery. I also raised the need for territorial fuel supply conditions to be incorporated into the federal government’s broader energy security discussions and planning. These issues are directly affecting our residents, our businesses, and the continuity of essential services throughout the CNMI.