Katrina Tupuimatagi Mariner

This Priority Climate Action Plan identifies near-term, high-priority measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in American Samoa. The plan focuses on strategic actions within the Electricity Generation and Transportation sectors, primarily through the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) and American Samoa Telecommunication Authority (ASTCA). Key initiatives include transitioning to renewable energy sources, replacing vehicle fleets with electric and more efficient alternatives, and establishing EV charging infrastructure. The intended outcomes are significant GHG reductions, improved air quality, enhanced public health, increased energy resilience, economic growth, and job creation.

This document outlines an energy plan focused on achieving energy transformation, addressing high energy costs, and reducing fossil fuel dependency. It details strategies across several key areas including enhancing energy security, developing a Renewable Energy Task Force, analyzing reduction scenarios for renewable energy and energy efficiency, and promoting energy awareness. Further components include establishing a policy framework, improving generation efficiency, implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures, and exploring specific strategies for wind, solar, transportation, biomass, and waste-to-energy, alongside workforce development. The outline also identifies various challenges to be addressed.

The Energy Assurance Plan for American Samoa, drafted in October 2011, aims to strengthen energy assurance and resiliency by addressing long-term energy supply disruption threats. It details the energy supply and demand portfolio, identifies critical infrastructure, outlines roles and responsibilities of government and private sector stakeholders, and characterizes vulnerabilities and risks. The plan establishes a framework for response through defined phases and proposes contingency measures, including energy efficiency and renewable energy integration, to improve the territory's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from energy disruptions, thereby safeguarding its social, economic, and security interests.

The meeting included announcements of new training and conferences, particularly the Region Wind Working Group teleconference. Discussions covered curriculum and outreach efforts, coordinating with the TEO, and the availability of K-14 curriculum through weather programs. The committee also discussed prioritizing objectives, incorporating them into the Energy Plan, and a final assessment. Other topics included solar thermal PV, wind energy opportunities, EPA regulations, outreach needs, energy efficiency, and technology options. The committee reviewed a draft assessment, transport evaluation, and the integration of energy into economic development. Barriers to renewable energy were identified, including land availability, social factors, and transmission issues. The committee also explored potential for green initiatives, modernization, job creation, and energy security. The meeting addressed perceptions, points of generation, and mapping projects, with a focus on attracting commercial resources and businesses.

The meeting included discussions on a new training/conference via teleconference, progress by the Outreach and Educational Subcommittee, and the American Samoa Energy Plan. The energy plan review covered major projects, funding opportunities, wind energy realization, EPA regulations, conservation, energy efficiency, and ASPA projects. Barriers to renewable energy were identified, including land availability, social factors, and transmission issues. The committee also discussed document exchange resources and strategies for outreach programs.