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Independent public lands office welcomed
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Posted on Dec 07 2000
House Vice Speaker Alejo M. Mendiola yesterday welcomed the decision by the governor to sign into law the bill he had sponsored creating an independent agency that will administer all public lands in the Northern Marianas.
Public Law 12-33, approved the other day by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, forms an Office of Public Lands out of the present Board of Public Lands and Division of Public Lands to give the crucial agency more autonomy under the Executive Branch.
Mr. Mendiola said this is necessary to ensure that decisions regarding use of public lands will not be compromised, noting that the Department of Lands and Natural Resources secretary who had authority over the two agencies could implement policies inconsistent with that of BPL.
“Potential conflicts might arise when the board’s decisions and the administration’s policies differ,” the Rota lawmaker said in a statement, adding the split could avoid this possibility.
“This act will also ensure that public land policy is dictated by an independent board,” added Mr. Mendiola.
In signing PL 12-33, the local chief executive has urged the Legislature to refine its provisions as he cited potential problems in the implementation phase.
He also expressed uncertainty whether this is the best solution to address problems that have been constantly facing administration of public lands in the CNMI.
