Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives unanimously approved a joint resolution seeking to begin canceling two New Fortress Energy contracts, citing alleged failures to supply natural gas. The measure, filed by Representative José Aponte Hernández, covers the fuel supply contract and the agreement giving the company exclusive control of docks in San Juan Bay. Governor Jenniffer González has insisted her priority is guaranteeing fuel and activating legal mechanisms to allow other suppliers to enter.
"Like any contract, this is not Cuba, this is not Venezuela, we have to follow the legal process," she said. She said Omar Marrero and later Anthony Maceira negotiated the exclusivity contracts as ports directors in 2018, including a long-term gas supply deal, and handed the dock to the company exclusively. When she took office last year, she said, the government was defenseless on gas supply, so a clause was added allowing a third company to be brought in and to use the dock’s facilities if New Fortress cannot supply gas.
She said the dock belongs to the company, not the government, even if she cancels the contract. Since the summer the government has pursued a legal claim in federal court, which she said has granted everything requested. The claim exceeds $100 million.
She said the government does not rule out cancellation but must proceed as the court requires. The House resolution does not mean immediate cancellation, and it remains to be determined whether the administration will back it or keep prioritizing judicial mechanisms.