office of the governor
TOGIOLA T.A. TULAFONO Governor
Telephone: (684) 633·4116
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
FAOA A. SUNIA Lieutenant
Fax: (684) 633·2269
American Samoa
Governor
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.
002
[email protected]
-2011
AN ORDER ESTABLISHING AND ENABLING THE TERRITORIAL CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ADVISORY GROUP Section 1.
Preamble.
WHEREAS, American Samoa recognizes that the impacts of global climate change will heavily affect Pacific island nations in the future, especially: • Loss of coastal lands due to increased erosion stemming from sea level rise, and coastal inundation from storm systems ; • Increased dependence on off-island food sources due to projected decreases in local food production due to changes in precipitation trends (i.e. floods, droughts), severe storm systems, higher rates of pest infestation, and decreases in near-shore fish stocks; • Coral reef ecosystem degradation stemming from changes in ocean water temperature and acidity trends; • Economic and environmental damages caused by intensified tropical cyclones and associated changes in precipitation trends; • Increased health risks from the transmission of diseases, potential decreases in available potable water resources, and other associated risks; • And other, as yet unforeseen, repercussions arising from climate change. WHEREAS, Climate change will have detrimental effects on American Samoa's industries, including tourism, agriculture, recreation, commercial fishing, and American Samoa's fragile and unique natural resources. Accordingly, the Territory must understand and prepare to respond to the effects of climate change. While the ASG has taken actions to reduce the Government's impacts on greenhouse gases, the ASG recognizes that adaptation is the realistic future for American Samoa. WHEREAS, On February 1 and 2,2001, the ASG held a Climate Change Summit, entitled "Making Climate Change Local: Building Climate Resilient Communities in the Pacific" with participation from scientists, academics, historians, government agencies, business and nonprofit organizations, schools, and members of the public. The Summit produced a Climate Change Summit Report detailing recommendations provided by Summit participants and leaders for the Territory to address the effects of climate change. With these recommendations in mind, the ASG has created a Territorial Climate Change Framework template to guide a Territorial Climate Change Advisory Group. The completed Report and Framework template of the 2011 Climate Change Summit are adopted and incorporated herein.
A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building
• Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
• www.arnericansamoa.gov
Section 2.
Authority
This Executive Order is issued under the authority granted to the Governor in Article IV, Sections 6 and 7 of the Revised Constitution of American Samoa, and Section 4.0111 of the American Samoa Code Annotated. Section 3.
The Territorial Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Group.
A. Creation. There is created a Territorial Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Group ("Advisory Group") within the Office of the Governor, for administrative purposes only. The goal ofthe Advisory Group is to ensure American Samoa's long-term sustainability and prepare the Territory for future climate change impacts through climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Advisory Group shall exist for one year, and will cease to exist on June 1,2012. B. Members. The Advisory Group shall consist of one representative each from the following: (1) The Department of Commerce; (2) The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources; (3) The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency; (4) The American Samoa Power Authority; (5) The Department of Health; (6) The Department of Public Works; (7) The Territorial Energy Office; (8) American Samoa Community College; (9) American Samoa Senate; (10) American Samoa House of Representatives; (11) A village mayor representing the Eastern District; (12) A village mayor representing the Western District; and (13) A village mayor representing Manu'a. The Advisory Group shall begin meeting in June 2011. At the first meeting, the Advisory Group shall choose a chairperson, who will preside over meetings, and coordinate the actions of the Advisory Group. Meetings shall be held at least once per month, or more as decided by the chairperson and the Advisory Group. The presence of seven members of the Advisory Group members shall constitute a quorum. Section 4.
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Tasks The Advisory Group shall be tasked with developing a comprehensive Territorial Climate Change Framework which identifies, develops, and prioritizes specific actions that will reduce American Samoa's vulnerability to climate change and the Territory's contribution to climate change. To this end, it shall identify specific actions to be taken by the government, private sector, villages, individuals, and other organizations in order to meet the goals outlined during the 2011 Climate Change Summit.
B. Action Plan. (a) The comprehensive territorial climate change action plan shall include, but is not limited to: (1) Recommended draft legislation; (2) Recommended draft administrative rules; (3) Recommended draft executive orders; (4) Mitigative actions for all levels of society; (5) Specific project plans; (6) Potential school curricula; (7) Alternative energy solutions; (8) The creation of new boards, committees, departments, or other institutions; (9) Areas of needed research, and means to obtain that research; (10) Potential sources of funding for climate change issues; and (11) Final Territorial Climate Change Framework. This document will serve as a Territorial-wide plan to address climate change implications in future management strategies. (b) A preliminary report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, shall be presented to the Governor and Fono no later than 20 days prior to the closing of the Fall 2011 Fono Session .. (c) The final comprehensive Territorial Climate Change Framework, including any proposed legislation, shall be presented to the Governor and Fono no later than 20 days prior to the closing of the Summer 2012 Fono Session. C. Public Comment After release of the preliminary report, the Advisory Group shall accept public comments. The public shall have 30 days from the release of the preliminary report to submit comments, in writing, to the Advisory Group via the American Samoa Department of Commerce. The Advisory Group will appropriately consider all public comments submitted. All comments shall be attached as an annex to the final Territorial-Climate Change Framework. Section 5.
Subcommittees and Support.
A. Subcommittees. The Advisory Group shall create subcommittees as necessary to complete the required tasks. Subcommittees may be made up of expert advisors from agencies and organizations that are not members of the Advisory Group. Subcommittees shall meet as often as required or as often as requested by the Advisory Group. Subcommittees shall report to the Advisory Group and complete tasks as assigned by the Advisory Group. There shall be subcommittees dedicated to the following subjects: (1) Coral reefs and mangroves - The subcommittee will develop project plans related to enhancing coral reef and mangrove conservation and preservation with respect to climate change impacts; (2) Human health - The subcommittee will develop project plans associated with improving human health issues that may be impacted by the effects of climate change. Examples of such issues may include, but are not limited to, increased spread of disease and increased health problems resulting from changes in weather patterns;
(3)
Forestry, agriculture, and water resources - The subcommittee will address issues related to enhancing the quality and sustainability of forest and water resources, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices; (4) Education and outreach - The subcommittee will develop project plans related to improving climate change education and outreach opportunities throughout American Samoa communities. This may include school curriculum, specific events, and other recommendations; (5) Coastal hazards - The subcommittee will identify risks and develop project plans to enhance American Samoa's resilience to climate change related hazards. Examples of hazards include sea level rise, increased coastal inundation, intensified storm systems, and others; (6) Development - The subcommittee will develop project plans related to encouraging sustainable development throughout the territory. This will include addressing economic and business impacts expected from climate change; (7) Energy - The subcommittee will address issues related to American Samoa's energy system, develop projects that encourage energy independence and sustainable energy use, and identify options for alternative energy sources. The subcommittee will work closely with the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee, created by Executive Order 004-2010, and coordinate their efforts. Nothing in this Order shall modify the tasks of the Renewable Energy Committee. Nothing in this section shall limit the Advisory Group from creating subcommittees not otherwise mentioned, or dividing the existing subcommittees into more specific groups. The Advisory Group shall determine which agencies and organizations will be represented on each subcommittee. B. Subcommittee Organizations. The following agencies and organizations shall be included, or invited to be included, to the subcommittees. Nothing in this section limits or precludes the organizations that may be invited to a subcommittee. (a) The American Samoa Government shall pzovide representatives from each of the following agencies: (1) Department of Parks and Recreation; (2) Department of Education; (3) Department of Agriculture; (4) American Samoa Telecommunications Authority; (5) Department of Information Technology; (6) LBJ Tropical Medical Center; (7) American Samoa Visitors' Bureau; (8) Historic Preservation Office; (9) Port Authority; (10) Department of Homeland Security; and (11) Department of Public Safety. (b) The Advisory Group shall invite representatives from each of the following non-ASG agencies: (1) Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary; (2) National Park Service;
(3) National Weather Service; (4) NOAA-PIRO; (5) NOAA-PICC; (6) United States Coast Guard; (7) Federal Emergency Management Agency; (8) U.S. Coral Reef Task Force / Climate Change Working Group (9) UNDP; and (10) Representative from the Government of Samoa. (c) The Advisory Group shall invite other representatives as necessary, which may include, but are not limited to: (1) Village mayors; (2) Representatives of the youth of American Samoa; (3) The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce; (4) Business representatives; (5) Other regional bodies such as WESPAC and SPREP; (6) Non-profit organizations. (d) The Office of Samoan Affairs shall assist in the invitation and communication with nongovernmental agencies and individuals. C. Experts. The Advisory Group shall request the opinions of experts from a wide range of agencies, disciplines, and expertise. Experts will attend meetings, help the Advisory Group draft reports and suggestions, and advise the Advisory Group regarding issues in their field of expertise. This includes concerns, comments, and suggestions from other government agencies, private industry, the community, or other individuals and organizations. D. Staff and support. The Department of Commerce and the Governor's Coral Reef Advisory Group shall provide administrative and clerical support required by-the Advisory Group. A representative from the Attorney General's Office shall provide legal counsel to the Advisory Group. Section 6.
Effective Date.
This order shall take effect immediately upon signing. Dated: June 17,2011.
Distribution:
As per standard list
Telephone: (684) 633·4116
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
FAOA A. SUNIA Lieutenant
Fax: (684) 633·2269
American Samoa
Governor
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.
002
[email protected]
-2011
AN ORDER ESTABLISHING AND ENABLING THE TERRITORIAL CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ADVISORY GROUP Section 1.
Preamble.
WHEREAS, American Samoa recognizes that the impacts of global climate change will heavily affect Pacific island nations in the future, especially: • Loss of coastal lands due to increased erosion stemming from sea level rise, and coastal inundation from storm systems ; • Increased dependence on off-island food sources due to projected decreases in local food production due to changes in precipitation trends (i.e. floods, droughts), severe storm systems, higher rates of pest infestation, and decreases in near-shore fish stocks; • Coral reef ecosystem degradation stemming from changes in ocean water temperature and acidity trends; • Economic and environmental damages caused by intensified tropical cyclones and associated changes in precipitation trends; • Increased health risks from the transmission of diseases, potential decreases in available potable water resources, and other associated risks; • And other, as yet unforeseen, repercussions arising from climate change. WHEREAS, Climate change will have detrimental effects on American Samoa's industries, including tourism, agriculture, recreation, commercial fishing, and American Samoa's fragile and unique natural resources. Accordingly, the Territory must understand and prepare to respond to the effects of climate change. While the ASG has taken actions to reduce the Government's impacts on greenhouse gases, the ASG recognizes that adaptation is the realistic future for American Samoa. WHEREAS, On February 1 and 2,2001, the ASG held a Climate Change Summit, entitled "Making Climate Change Local: Building Climate Resilient Communities in the Pacific" with participation from scientists, academics, historians, government agencies, business and nonprofit organizations, schools, and members of the public. The Summit produced a Climate Change Summit Report detailing recommendations provided by Summit participants and leaders for the Territory to address the effects of climate change. With these recommendations in mind, the ASG has created a Territorial Climate Change Framework template to guide a Territorial Climate Change Advisory Group. The completed Report and Framework template of the 2011 Climate Change Summit are adopted and incorporated herein.
A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building
• Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
• www.arnericansamoa.gov
Section 2.
Authority
This Executive Order is issued under the authority granted to the Governor in Article IV, Sections 6 and 7 of the Revised Constitution of American Samoa, and Section 4.0111 of the American Samoa Code Annotated. Section 3.
The Territorial Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Group.
A. Creation. There is created a Territorial Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Group ("Advisory Group") within the Office of the Governor, for administrative purposes only. The goal ofthe Advisory Group is to ensure American Samoa's long-term sustainability and prepare the Territory for future climate change impacts through climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Advisory Group shall exist for one year, and will cease to exist on June 1,2012. B. Members. The Advisory Group shall consist of one representative each from the following: (1) The Department of Commerce; (2) The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources; (3) The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency; (4) The American Samoa Power Authority; (5) The Department of Health; (6) The Department of Public Works; (7) The Territorial Energy Office; (8) American Samoa Community College; (9) American Samoa Senate; (10) American Samoa House of Representatives; (11) A village mayor representing the Eastern District; (12) A village mayor representing the Western District; and (13) A village mayor representing Manu'a. The Advisory Group shall begin meeting in June 2011. At the first meeting, the Advisory Group shall choose a chairperson, who will preside over meetings, and coordinate the actions of the Advisory Group. Meetings shall be held at least once per month, or more as decided by the chairperson and the Advisory Group. The presence of seven members of the Advisory Group members shall constitute a quorum. Section 4.
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Tasks The Advisory Group shall be tasked with developing a comprehensive Territorial Climate Change Framework which identifies, develops, and prioritizes specific actions that will reduce American Samoa's vulnerability to climate change and the Territory's contribution to climate change. To this end, it shall identify specific actions to be taken by the government, private sector, villages, individuals, and other organizations in order to meet the goals outlined during the 2011 Climate Change Summit.
B. Action Plan. (a) The comprehensive territorial climate change action plan shall include, but is not limited to: (1) Recommended draft legislation; (2) Recommended draft administrative rules; (3) Recommended draft executive orders; (4) Mitigative actions for all levels of society; (5) Specific project plans; (6) Potential school curricula; (7) Alternative energy solutions; (8) The creation of new boards, committees, departments, or other institutions; (9) Areas of needed research, and means to obtain that research; (10) Potential sources of funding for climate change issues; and (11) Final Territorial Climate Change Framework. This document will serve as a Territorial-wide plan to address climate change implications in future management strategies. (b) A preliminary report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, shall be presented to the Governor and Fono no later than 20 days prior to the closing of the Fall 2011 Fono Session .. (c) The final comprehensive Territorial Climate Change Framework, including any proposed legislation, shall be presented to the Governor and Fono no later than 20 days prior to the closing of the Summer 2012 Fono Session. C. Public Comment After release of the preliminary report, the Advisory Group shall accept public comments. The public shall have 30 days from the release of the preliminary report to submit comments, in writing, to the Advisory Group via the American Samoa Department of Commerce. The Advisory Group will appropriately consider all public comments submitted. All comments shall be attached as an annex to the final Territorial-Climate Change Framework. Section 5.
Subcommittees and Support.
A. Subcommittees. The Advisory Group shall create subcommittees as necessary to complete the required tasks. Subcommittees may be made up of expert advisors from agencies and organizations that are not members of the Advisory Group. Subcommittees shall meet as often as required or as often as requested by the Advisory Group. Subcommittees shall report to the Advisory Group and complete tasks as assigned by the Advisory Group. There shall be subcommittees dedicated to the following subjects: (1) Coral reefs and mangroves - The subcommittee will develop project plans related to enhancing coral reef and mangrove conservation and preservation with respect to climate change impacts; (2) Human health - The subcommittee will develop project plans associated with improving human health issues that may be impacted by the effects of climate change. Examples of such issues may include, but are not limited to, increased spread of disease and increased health problems resulting from changes in weather patterns;
(3)
Forestry, agriculture, and water resources - The subcommittee will address issues related to enhancing the quality and sustainability of forest and water resources, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices; (4) Education and outreach - The subcommittee will develop project plans related to improving climate change education and outreach opportunities throughout American Samoa communities. This may include school curriculum, specific events, and other recommendations; (5) Coastal hazards - The subcommittee will identify risks and develop project plans to enhance American Samoa's resilience to climate change related hazards. Examples of hazards include sea level rise, increased coastal inundation, intensified storm systems, and others; (6) Development - The subcommittee will develop project plans related to encouraging sustainable development throughout the territory. This will include addressing economic and business impacts expected from climate change; (7) Energy - The subcommittee will address issues related to American Samoa's energy system, develop projects that encourage energy independence and sustainable energy use, and identify options for alternative energy sources. The subcommittee will work closely with the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee, created by Executive Order 004-2010, and coordinate their efforts. Nothing in this Order shall modify the tasks of the Renewable Energy Committee. Nothing in this section shall limit the Advisory Group from creating subcommittees not otherwise mentioned, or dividing the existing subcommittees into more specific groups. The Advisory Group shall determine which agencies and organizations will be represented on each subcommittee. B. Subcommittee Organizations. The following agencies and organizations shall be included, or invited to be included, to the subcommittees. Nothing in this section limits or precludes the organizations that may be invited to a subcommittee. (a) The American Samoa Government shall pzovide representatives from each of the following agencies: (1) Department of Parks and Recreation; (2) Department of Education; (3) Department of Agriculture; (4) American Samoa Telecommunications Authority; (5) Department of Information Technology; (6) LBJ Tropical Medical Center; (7) American Samoa Visitors' Bureau; (8) Historic Preservation Office; (9) Port Authority; (10) Department of Homeland Security; and (11) Department of Public Safety. (b) The Advisory Group shall invite representatives from each of the following non-ASG agencies: (1) Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary; (2) National Park Service;
(3) National Weather Service; (4) NOAA-PIRO; (5) NOAA-PICC; (6) United States Coast Guard; (7) Federal Emergency Management Agency; (8) U.S. Coral Reef Task Force / Climate Change Working Group (9) UNDP; and (10) Representative from the Government of Samoa. (c) The Advisory Group shall invite other representatives as necessary, which may include, but are not limited to: (1) Village mayors; (2) Representatives of the youth of American Samoa; (3) The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce; (4) Business representatives; (5) Other regional bodies such as WESPAC and SPREP; (6) Non-profit organizations. (d) The Office of Samoan Affairs shall assist in the invitation and communication with nongovernmental agencies and individuals. C. Experts. The Advisory Group shall request the opinions of experts from a wide range of agencies, disciplines, and expertise. Experts will attend meetings, help the Advisory Group draft reports and suggestions, and advise the Advisory Group regarding issues in their field of expertise. This includes concerns, comments, and suggestions from other government agencies, private industry, the community, or other individuals and organizations. D. Staff and support. The Department of Commerce and the Governor's Coral Reef Advisory Group shall provide administrative and clerical support required by-the Advisory Group. A representative from the Attorney General's Office shall provide legal counsel to the Advisory Group. Section 6.
Effective Date.
This order shall take effect immediately upon signing. Dated: June 17,2011.
Distribution:
As per standard list
