The Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo and its allies are demanding public hearings as part of the location-consultation ("consulta de ubicación") process for the Esencia megaproject in Boquerón, Cabo Rojo. Nearby residents reported that signs announcing the location consultation have already been posted at the site.
The coalition cites OGPe's 2023 Joint Regulation (Sections 2.1.10.1 and 2.2.3.19), which they say requires public hearings in Cabo Rojo held at times and in a format that ensures participation, in a venue large enough for the many citizens who want to speak on the project. The consulta de ubicación is a mechanism used by OGPe and autonomous municipalities like Cabo Rojo to evaluate land use for projects proposed outside established zoning, and it is a step toward obtaining construction permits.
The coalition says roughly 40% of the land to be affected by Esencia is classified as Especially Protected Ecological Rustic Land and 50% as Rustic Land, both non-developable under the current Land Use Plan. The group described the territory as historical, cultural, and environmental patrimony of Puerto Rico, stating they will not rest until they stop what they called a "catastrophe disguised as" development.