Attorneys for Earthjustice a non-profit environmental law organization are working with Faasao Amerika Samoa to engage in the federal process for the deep sea mining lease proposal and advising on options that American Samoa can take.

Chris Eaton and American Samoa’s own Joseph Victor JV Langkilde along with Faasao Amerika Samoa’s Rudy Bartley were guests on the Morning Show Wednesday.

They explained the main concerns with what they view as the federal government fast tracking the lease sale process and the impacts deep sea mining would have on the ocean, culture and people of American Samoa. The attorneys said if the lease sale goes ahead, American Samoa will become the first place on earth where deep sea mining on a commercial scale would take place. Attorney Chris Eaton said there’s a reason why the Trump administration is moving fast on the lease sale.

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Attorney JV Langkilde said the proposed lease does not require any revenue sharing with the territory.

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