The Northern Marianas community is viewing a US military decision to have a second draft environmental impact statement for its plans as a moral victory.
The military made the announcement after the deadline passed for feedback on the first draft, which was strongly opposed.
The CNMI governor said the proposals presented a threat to the economy, ecosystem and resources while the government consultants had called for more time for feedback.
Pagan Island Photo: Supplied
There had also been complaints that the first draft was only made available in English and not the two indigenous languages.
Our correspondent Mark Rabago says people on CNMI see the new move as a win.
"The consultant and other government agencies and other private individuals who made comment, moved the Department of the Navy and the US Military in general to look at the problems that would impact the CNMI once large scale training and bombing on Tinian and Pagan are allowed. They are coming up with a new study due by early next year and hopefully it addresses our concerns."
The Marine Corps now says potential impacts on groundwater and coral from live-fire training needs further analysis.
Listen to the full interview on Dateline Pacific