Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org or 202.670.5585
WASHINGTON, DC - In a statement to Reuters, a DHS spokesman revealed that the Trump Administration is refusing to waive the Jones Act, a shipping restriction, in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Last month the DHS waived this restriction for the areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma to assist in recovery by providing increased access to resources such as gasoline. Their decision to withhold these same provision from the victims of Hurricane Maria has been met with pushback from several members of Congress, including Rep. Keith Ellison, and Sen. John McCain.
Trump made his priorities clear later today when he said that “A lot of people who are in the shipping industry don’t want” it lifted.
In response, Sierra Club National Board Member RamĂłn Cruz, a Puerto Rican native, released the following statement:
“Lifting the Jones Act restrictions to help the people of Puerto Rico is a no-brainer and the fact the Trump administration won’t do it is absurd and deeply troubling. There is a huge economic burden on the Island of Puerto Rico from the Jones Act and it must be addressed.
“It is incredibly disturbing that Donald Trump has devoted far more attention over the past week to attacking NFL and NBA players rather than helping American citizens who are in desperate need. The situation in Puerto Rico is dire, as millions are without power and access to clean water. Waiving the Jones Act would help expedite the recovery process. The Trump administration's current refusal and lack of focus is unacceptable and dangerous.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.