Lawmakers demand urgent action on Puerto Rico's power crisis
September 26, 2024 | Natural Resources: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent congressional hearing focused on Puerto Rico's ongoing energy crisis, lawmakers expressed urgent concerns regarding the island's unstable electrical grid, which they argue poses significant threats to public safety and economic development. Representative Ms. Gonzales Colon emphasized the critical nature of the situation, highlighting that the continuing power outages severely impact the mental and physical health of residents.
The hearing, led by Chair Hegeman and Chairman Westerman, aimed to address the federal funding allocated for energy infrastructure improvements. However, the absence of key officials, including Secretary Granholm from the Department of Energy, was noted as a significant setback. Gonzales Colon criticized this absence, stating it reflects a disregard for the committee's oversight responsibilities and the needs of Puerto Rican constituents.
The discussion revealed that despite nearly $17 billion in recovery funds from various federal sources, including FEMA and HUD, progress on energy infrastructure projects remains alarmingly slow. Gonzales Colon pointed out that only about 10% of the necessary permanent work has been completed since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. She described the current state of the energy system as inadequate, with legacy plants operating at their limits and frequent outages affecting businesses, schools, and hospitals.
Additionally, Representative Ocasio Cortez raised concerns about conflicting statements made by energy officials regarding Puerto Rico's energy future. She pointed out that recent claims about a reliance on natural gas contradict existing laws mandating a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. This discrepancy raises questions about the commitment of energy providers to adhere to local policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence.
As the hearing concluded, lawmakers reiterated their commitment to advocating for the needs of Puerto Rico, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the island's energy challenges to ensure a stable and safe environment for its residents.
The hearing, led by Chair Hegeman and Chairman Westerman, aimed to address the federal funding allocated for energy infrastructure improvements. However, the absence of key officials, including Secretary Granholm from the Department of Energy, was noted as a significant setback. Gonzales Colon criticized this absence, stating it reflects a disregard for the committee's oversight responsibilities and the needs of Puerto Rican constituents.
The discussion revealed that despite nearly $17 billion in recovery funds from various federal sources, including FEMA and HUD, progress on energy infrastructure projects remains alarmingly slow. Gonzales Colon pointed out that only about 10% of the necessary permanent work has been completed since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. She described the current state of the energy system as inadequate, with legacy plants operating at their limits and frequent outages affecting businesses, schools, and hospitals.
Additionally, Representative Ocasio Cortez raised concerns about conflicting statements made by energy officials regarding Puerto Rico's energy future. She pointed out that recent claims about a reliance on natural gas contradict existing laws mandating a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. This discrepancy raises questions about the commitment of energy providers to adhere to local policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence.
As the hearing concluded, lawmakers reiterated their commitment to advocating for the needs of Puerto Rico, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the island's energy challenges to ensure a stable and safe environment for its residents.
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