Galvin Deleon Guerrero
GALVIN Sablan Deleon Guerrero, independent candidate for CNMI delegate to Congress, committed to continuing the legacy of environmental stewardship built by the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
“Governor Palacios was a visionary champion for our natural resources who leaves behind a remarkable track record in protecting those resources,” said Deleon Guerrero. In addition to being the only CNMI elected official to have served four of the highest positions in public office — speaker of the House of Representatives, president of the Senate, lieutenant governor, and governor — Palacios served as the director of the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife and secretary of the CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources. Palacios also secured the CNMI’s membership in the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, which he also chaired for a number of years.
“Whether as an appointed official or as an elected leader, Governor Palacios understood that a diverse and healthy economy requires a diverse and healthy environment, a mission to which he dedicated his life. It was an honor to work with him on that mission.”
In 2024, Deleon Guerrero partnered with Governor Palacios to launch the CNMI Green Growth Initiative, which aims to achieve the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, most of them focused on sustainable economic development. As part of the Green Growth Initiative, Deleon Guerrero worked closely with Governor Palacios to achieve important milestones, including:
• committing to a future of renewable energy under the Blue Planet Alliance;
• securing a multi-year grant from the Blue Nature Alliance;
• and signing CNMI Executive Order 2025-01, declaring the CNMI’s coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure.
“Governor Palacios did so much to protect our environment, which is why we need to recommit to his vision for a more sustainable, regenerative future.
“For my part, despite federal funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I will continue doing all that I can to secure Sea Grant designation for Northern Marianas College.” Deleon Guerrero added, “I will also continue supporting efforts that uphold both economic development and environmental stewardship, whether that be regenerative agriculture, sustainable aquaculture, or well-managed fisheries.
“As Governor Palacios did throughout his life of public service, by collaborating with our local, regional, national, and even international partners to support research, training, and outreach, we can responsibly manage and leverage our land and ocean resources for long-term and sustainable economic growth.
“If elected to represent the CNMI in the U.S. Congress, I will elevate all of these matters to the national level to ensure that more resources, more research, and more support are directed to our islands and our people for these efforts.
“I will continue fighting for our environment, fighting for our islands, fighting for us.”