Ricky Junquera - ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) stated that it will not take action to prevent the proposed pipeline by New Fortress Energy (NFEnergía), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company, in San Juan.
In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the Islands of Puerto Rico and amplified already strenuous shortfalls of fossil fuel-generated electricity on the island. Following the horrific storm, reports of the scarcity of resources left the island reeling as imports came to a halt with damaged roads and debris preventing the distribution of aid, goods, and fuel. Not only had the electrical grid been destroyed, the emergency backup generators run by fossil fuels did not have the resources needed to operate. LNG, petroleum, and coal are imports that just further exacerbate the multiplier of issues that occur when the lights go out in Puerto Rico. Investments in renewable resources like solar with battery storage will at the very least provide quick and reliable energy in times of crisis and have already proven to be able to provide reliable electricity during peak demand across the country.
In Response, Sierra Club Puerto Rico Organizer Adriana González released the following statement:
"I find it utterly unacceptable that FERC is allowing the expansion of NFEnergía, a company that operates an illegally built LNG terminal without securing prior authorization or facing environmental scrutiny. This proposed extension raises serious environmental and safety concerns, putting our communities at risk and casting doubt on NFEnergía's legitimacy due to its lack of transparency and adherence to due process. With communities located less than a mile away, denying this pipeline is crucial to safeguarding their well-being. This hasty action could pose a serious threat during the upcoming hurricane season and fails to prioritize the long-term security and sustainability of the island's electric grid.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.