Puerto Rico
Volunteers install solar panels on a rooftop Loiza, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts to repair basic infrastructure after Hurricane Maria.
Credit:
Lorenzo Moscia/Archivolatino/Redux
Puerto Rico is a mountainous archipelago rich in culture and biodiversity, with several species of endangered birds, vibrant coral reefs, and America’s only tropical rainforest. But the island has been grappling with an environmental and humanitarian crisis since Hurricane Maria devastated its already beleaguered water, energy, and health infrastructure in 2017.
The three million–plus Puerto Ricans who live in this U.S. territory in the heart of the Caribbean are American citizens, but they can’t vote in U.S. congressional elections and have just one member of Congress—a nonvoting member at that.
NRDC is working with local partners in Puerto Rico not only to ensure reliable access to power, clean water, and medical care but also to work toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
- With local partners, NRDC is assessing drinking water quality and advocating for critical investment in water infrastructure. We educate lawmakers, agency staff, and the public on the urgent need for federal funds to upgrade damaged drinking water facilities and to remedy long-standing deficiencies in the island’s water systems.
- NRDC has partnered with Resilient Power Puerto Rico and Proyecto ENLACE to install a solar power and storage system for a community center in San Juan and is working to establish a similar system on the island of Vieques.
- We also advocate for greater investment in Puerto Rico’s energy future, with a focus on clean energy. As part of this work, NRDC will participate in the energy planning proceeding before the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau.
- To draw attention to the prevalence of waterborne disease and other environmental health issues after Hurricane Maria, NRDC also collects and publicizes health data.
- NRDC and La Borinqueña comics launched a partnership to educate audiences about the dangers of climate change and to show how Puerto Rico, an island on the frontlines of the climate crisis, can bounce back using clean energy. Focusing on Puerto Rico’s rebuilding efforts post Hurricane Maria, La Borinqueña, Guest Starring: Rosario Dawson, produced with support from NRDC, is the newest graphic novel in the La Borinqueña series and will launch on April 6.
Focusing on Puerto Rico’s rebuilding efforts post Hurricane Maria, La Borinqueña, Guest Starring: Rosario Dawson, was produced with support from NRDC.
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Latest News & Commentary
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America’s Failing Drinking Water System
ExplainerUnited States, Buffalo, Houston, Puerto Rico, California, FlintNicole Greenfield
First, Flint, Michigan; then, Jackson, Mississippi. Communities around the country wonder if their water quality problems will lead to the next national crisis.
Mutual Aid and Disaster Justice: “We Keep Us Safe”
ExplainerUnited States, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, Mississippi, FloridaNicole Greenfield
As climate-fueled disasters become more frequent—from Mississippi to Puerto Rico and beyond—relief efforts by communities, for communities, could become increasingly critical.
This Lawyer Is Ensuring the Fight for a Just and Clean Energy Future in Puerto Rico Remains Front and Center
NRDC in ActionPuerto RicoCarmen Cusido
Five years after Hurricane Maria, NRDC’s Luis Martinez remains committed to helping develop solar projects that make the archipelago more equitable for those most in need.
La Borinqueña Joins Fight for Clean Energy in Puerto Rico
Expert BlogPuerto RicoLuis Martinez
NRDC collaboration with La Borinqueña helps to spotlight Puerto Rico's ongoing struggle to transition to clean energy.
Puerto Rico Communities Charge Forward with Solar Power
Expert BlogPuerto RicoLuis Martinez
Environmental groups, including NRDC, work to help strengthen the archipelago’s climate resilience with community solar projects.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Solar Power After Hurricane María
PerspectivesPuerto RicoLaura Virella
We, the colonized of Puerto Rico, declare our inalienable rights to self-determination and survival.
Puerto Rico Chooses Clean Energy 3 Years After Maria
Expert BlogPuerto RicoLuis Martinez
Three years after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico reaffirms its commitment to clean energy and climate resiliency. Even after a 2019 law committing Puerto Rico to 100% renewable energy by 2050, questions remained. A new ruling by the PR Energy Bureau…
Ten Environmental Stories to Mark a Decade in Latin America
Expert BlogInternational, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, BrazilAmanda Maxwell, Carolina Herrera, Jessica Carey-Webb
The Latin America team at NRDC reflects on the incredible environmental milestones we've witnessed in our work, and beyond.
Meet the Architect Helping to Build a Solar-Powered Future for Puerto Rico
DispatchPuerto RicoNicole Greenfield
Ever since Hurricane Maria devastated the island last fall, Jonathan Marvel and his team at Resilient Power Puerto Rico have been sparking a renewables revolution, one community at a time.
Six Months After Maria: Puerto Rico's Growing Health Crisis
Expert BlogPuerto RicoMekela Panditharatne
Since the deadly hurricane, there have been increases in incidences of cardiac arrests, higher rates of waterborne disease, mushrooming suicides, and shortage of medical equipment and staff.