From Straight Arrow · · 1m 30s
Supreme Court Rules on Air Force Waste Disposal in Guam
Supreme Court to decide if U.S. Air Force can continue hazardous waste disposal on Guam beach.
In brief
Supreme Court to decide if U.S. Air Force can continue hazardous waste disposal on Guam beach. The Supreme Court will determine whether the U.S. Air Force can continue hazardous waste disposal operations on Tarague Beach in Guam after a lawsuit by environmental group Prutehi Guåhan. Originally reported by Straight…
Supreme Court Hearing
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments Wednesday on whether the U.S. Air Force can continue hazardous waste disposal operations on Tarague Beach in Guam.
Environmental Dispute
The dispute centers on whether the Air Force's permit-renewal application can be challenged in court and whether an environmental review is required before applying for the permit.
Historical Context
The Air Force has used Tarague Beach for hazardous waste disposal since 1982, with practices changing over the years including stopping open burning in the early 2000s.
Environmental Significance
Tarague Beach sits above an aquifer that supplies drinking water to much of Guam, making it environmentally and culturally significant.
Legal Challenge
Prutehi Guåhan filed a lawsuit in May 2021 arguing the Air Force must conduct an environmental review under NEPA before applying for its permit.
Legal Arguments
The Air Force claims NEPA does not require a separate review because RCRA already regulates hazardous waste disposal operations.
Current Status
The Supreme Court will weigh both legal questions after hearing arguments Wednesday to decide if the Air Force can continue operations.
What to remember
The Supreme Court will determine whether the U.S. Air Force can continue hazardous waste disposal operations on Tarague Beach in Guam after a lawsuit by environmental group Prutehi Guåhan.
