Terlaje: EPA’s assumption on my authority is incorrect

Acting Commonwealth Utilities Corp. executive director Betty G. Terlaje said yesterday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s assumption that she lacks sufficient authority to implement major changes or make significant decisions is incorrect. In response to Saipan Tribune’s request for comments regarding EPA’s demand that CUC pay a $162,000 penalty, Terlaje also disclosed that they intend to negotiate with EPA as per the procedures laid out in the Stipulated Orders as they believe that the more reasonable path, rather than levying penalties, would be to allocate these funds toward attracting quality applicants. Terlaje said CUC granted her full authority since her appointment as the acting executive director in April 2023. In fact, she said, CUC’s priority is not just filling key positions, as required by the Stipulated Order, but also hiring professional experts across power, water, and wastewater operations to perform works on many critical projects that will bring CUC forward, including achieving higher quality drinking water standards for the community. “CUC has put in quite a lot of effort trying to fill these critical vacancies and continues to do so,” she said. Terlaje said they have received numerous applications for the executive director position, but many of the candidates don’t meet the requirements. She said the CUC board meeting this Friday includes an update on the recruitment of an executive director. Terlaje said the Board Interview Panel will recommend and discuss whether to offer the post to a qualified potential candidate who was interviewed two weeks ago. “Overall, it has been difficult to attract professionals at the level of requirements called for in the Stipulated Order if the compensation we offer isn’t better than what they are already earning or offering in the U.S.,” she said. She said CUC is competing with U.S. utility companies that offer much higher salaries for professionals at that level and most likely don’t require the candidate to pack up and relocate overseas. Terlaje said even though two top positions remain vacant, CUC has made some progress in making sure they move forward with Stipulated Order matters and other critical projects and priorities. She noted that in the last eight months, CUC hired four personnel while one job offer remains pending acceptance by the candidate—all of which are critical positions under the Stipulated Order. Terlaje said CUC employs several highly qualified and specialized professionals in compliance with their federal mandate. “There are good people working at CUC. These true, dedicated professionals, along with our many qualified engineers and staff, who are part of our community and care about CUC and the people we serve, have been undeterred and have moved mountains to accomplish the many complex tasks laid out for us,” she said. Terlaje said they are currently united in completing an overall master plan. She said the plan will be factored into the cost-of-service study and consequently the strategic financial plan that the Stipulated Order mandates. Terlaje said the EPA and CUC’s federal partners have always proven to be helpful allies in bringing CUC into compliance with the Stipulated Orders, whether by providing guidance, funding, or other means.

Acting Commonwealth Utilities Corp. executive director Betty G. Terlaje said yesterday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s assumption that she lacks sufficient authority to implement major changes or make significant decisions is incorrect.

In response to Saipan Tribune’s request for comments regarding EPA’s demand that CUC pay a $162,000 penalty, Terlaje also disclosed that they intend to negotiate with EPA as per the procedures laid out in the Stipulated Orders as they believe that the more reasonable path, rather than levying penalties, would be to allocate these funds toward attracting quality applicants.

Terlaje said CUC granted her full authority since her appointment as the acting executive director in April 2023.

In fact, she said, CUC’s priority is not just filling key positions, as required by the Stipulated Order, but also hiring professional experts across power, water, and wastewater operations to perform works on many critical projects that will bring CUC forward, including achieving higher quality drinking water standards for the community.

“CUC has put in quite a lot of effort trying to fill these critical vacancies and continues to do so,” she said.

Terlaje said they have received numerous applications for the executive director position, but many of the candidates don’t meet the requirements. She said the CUC board meeting this Friday includes an update on the recruitment of an executive director.

Terlaje said the Board Interview Panel will recommend and discuss whether to offer the post to a qualified potential candidate who was interviewed two weeks ago.

“Overall, it has been difficult to attract professionals at the level of requirements called for in the Stipulated Order if the compensation we offer isn’t better than what they are already earning or offering in the U.S.,” she said.

She said CUC is competing with U.S. utility companies that offer much higher salaries for professionals at that level and most likely don’t require the candidate to pack up and relocate overseas.

Terlaje said even though two top positions remain vacant, CUC has made some progress in making sure they move forward with Stipulated Order matters and other critical projects and priorities.

She noted that in the last eight months, CUC hired four personnel while one job offer remains pending acceptance by the candidate—all of which are critical positions under the Stipulated Order.

Terlaje said CUC employs several highly qualified and specialized professionals in compliance with their federal mandate.

“There are good people working at CUC. These true, dedicated professionals, along with our many qualified engineers and staff, who are part of our community and care about CUC and the people we serve, have been undeterred and have moved mountains to accomplish the many complex tasks laid out for us,” she said.

Terlaje said they are currently united in completing an overall master plan. She said the plan will be factored into the cost-of-service study and consequently the strategic financial plan that the Stipulated Order mandates.

Terlaje said the EPA and CUC’s federal partners have always proven to be helpful allies in bringing CUC into compliance with the Stipulated Orders, whether by providing guidance, funding, or other means.