Despite broad support from Palau congressmen, the Council of Chiefs, Governors and Speakers Association, the Senate rejected the much-touted power purchase agreement (PPA) with Engie EPS on Thursday. In a 10 no and 1 yes vote, the Senate did not support the deal stating that it is “not convinced that this PPA is the best deal for Palau.” Congress's support is needed to grant Engie a sovereign guaranty to discharge the liability to the government in case of payment default.

Koror- – On Oct. 28, 2015, Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. signed into law the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, an ambitious ocean conservation initiative aimed at protecting Palau’s own marine resources as well as the world’s tuna stocks. This landmark legislation creates a no-take marine sanctuary covering 80 percent of Palau’s exclusive economic zone, where no fishing will occur. The law also creates a domestic fishing zone covering approximately 20 percent o