Groups Urge US to Restore $350M in Solar Funding for Puerto Rico
Nearly 200 organizations are demanding that the Trump administration and Puerto Rico’s governor restore $350 million in federal funding designated for installing rooftop solar and battery systems for 12,000 low-income families. The funds were canceled by the U.S. Department of Energy, with plans to redirect investment toward the island's crumbling power grid instead. Advocates argue this decision jeopardizes the lives of vulnerable residents, including those with disabilities and medical conditions requiring consistent electricity for life-support equipment and refrigerated medication. With the Atlantic hurricane season approaching and chronic power outages persisting, groups like the Hispanic Federation warn that the lack of reliable energy is a life-or-death issue. Although solar systems have been installed in over 6,000 households, another 12,000 families remain in limbo as a May 9 program deadline nears. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González stated her administration had no choice due to the federal government's decision. The controversy highlights ongoing struggles with energy infrastructure in Puerto Rico, which has suffered from underinvestment and damage since Hurricane Maria in 2017.
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Groups Urge US to Restore $350M in Solar Funding for Puerto Rico
Nearly 200 organizations are demanding that the Trump administration and Puerto Rico’s governor restore $350 million in federal funding designated for installing rooftop solar and battery systems for 12,000 low-income families. The funds were canceled by the U.S. Department of Energy, with plans to redirect investment toward the island's crumbling power grid instead. Advocates argue this decision jeopardizes the lives of vulnerable residents, including those with disabilities and medical conditions requiring consistent electricity for life-support equipment and refrigerated medication. With the Atlantic hurricane season approaching and chronic power outages persisting, groups like the Hispanic Federation warn that the lack of reliable energy is a life-or-death issue. Although solar systems have been installed in over 6,000 households, another 12,000 families remain in limbo as a May 9 program deadline nears. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González stated her administration had no choice due to the federal government's decision. The controversy highlights ongoing struggles with energy infrastructure in Puerto Rico, which has suffered from underinvestment and damage since Hurricane Maria in 2017.
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