The week of October 11–17 in Puerto Rico played out in government and politics, daily life, and energy. The new Planning and Permits Code would repeal 46 legal and administrative instruments and 50 laws.
Government and politics
- Puerto Rico Bar Association Condemns Transportation Department Handing Migrants’ Data to ICE: The Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) handed over confidential information of 6,321 migrants to ICE without a court order, according to the Bar Association.
- US Senator Proposes Limiting Citizenship by Birth in Puerto Rico and Other Territories: Senator James Lankford introduced legislation to limit US citizenship by birth in unincorporated territories, including Puerto Rico.
- Puerto Rico Senate Passes New Planning and Permits Code Amid Criticism Over Lack of Debate
- Puerto Rico Senate Approves Permit Reform Bill: The Senate approved a substitute bill to streamline business and construction permit processes with 17 votes in favor and 8 against.
Energy
- Legislator Demands Cancellation of New Fortress Contract Over Amur River Gas Shortage: New Fortress Energy’s Amur River tanker could only bring 60% of its liquefied natural gas capacity due to draft problems, according to Carlos Farís.
- Energy Czar Josué Colón Blames PREPA for Communication Breakdowns in Power Expectations Contract Dispute: Josué Colón, the Energy czar and head of AAPP, faces at least three simultaneous investigations.
- LNG Tanker Amur River’s San Juan Bay Entry Delayed to Monday Amid Customs and Wind Limits: New Fortress Energy (NFE) requested a new entry time for the Amur River tanker on Monday, October 12, between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.
- New Fortress Energy Resumes Gas Delivery to Puerto Rico, Avoiding Judicial Order: NFE’s contract with the government eliminates the possibility of obtaining a court order to enable the use of an alternative supplier.
Health and schools
- Puerto Rico Government Owes School Cafeteria Supplier Shirly Morales Over $400,000, She Says: Morales has not received payment for almost two years.
Roads and travel
- Governor González Colón’s Administration Details $114.4M Road Plan, Emergency Gear and Jobs Push: The government allocated $114.4 million for state road rehabilitation in 42 municipalities.
Culture and sports
- Puerto Rican Boxing Legend Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez Dies at 69: Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez, a former world champion and one of the most important figures in Puerto Rican sports history, died Saturday night at age 69.
Around the island
- Puerto Rico Now Has Over Twice as Many Seniors as Children, Statistics Institute Data Show: The percentage of residents 65 and older in Puerto Rico is 26%, the third-highest in the world, according to the World Bank.
- Amur River to Enter San Juan Bay on Tuesday Morning: The tanker carries natural gas for power plants in San Juan, Palo Seco, and other areas.
- DRNA and Vieques Mayor Respond as Bioluminescent Bay Goes Dark for Third Time This Century: The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) has been evaluating the situation since July and considers it a matter of great importance.
- Puerto Rico Leads US Jurisdictions With 18 Rip Current Deaths So Far This Year: Puerto Rico has reported 18 rip current deaths so far this year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Water: the week in the reservoirs is in Water Week in Review.
The live picture is on the power tracker and the legislature tracker. This is the 7th Week in Puerto Rico (last week’s is here).
Sources: the reporting linked above.