Hagåtña, Guam – The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in cooperation with the Department of the Navy, has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense (EIAMD) system on Guam. This marks a significant milestone in the Department of Defense’s efforts to bolster the island’s defensive capabilities against evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The Final EIS evaluates potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development and deployment of a 360-degree missile defense system on Guam, encompassing land use, air quality, cultural and historic resources, and socioeconomic factors, among others.
The publication of this Final EIS initiates a 30-day waiting period before the Department of Defense issues a Record of Decision (ROD), which will formally outline a final decision on the proposed action, the alternatives considered, the impacts, and any mitigation measures that will be adopted.
“The Government of Guam (GovGuam) will conduct a thorough review of the Final EIS to assess the potential impacts on our island’s environment, culture, and community, “ said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We will reserve any formal comment on the content and conclusions of the EIS until our review is complete. This process is critical to ensuring that the interests of Guam’s people and the integrity of our land and heritage are fully considered.”
Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio noted the importance of public participation and interagency coordination during this stage. He added, “As we review the Final EIS, we are focused on engaging our local experts and community stakeholders to ensure that technical, cultural, and social considerations are fully understood. Our role is to elevate the voices of the community and ensure that any decisions affecting Guam reflect not only strategic priorities, but also the lived realities and values of our people. Transparency and responsiveness will be key as we move through this next phase.”
For more information on the Final EIAMD EIS, visit:
https://www.mda.mil/news/25news0007.html
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