Environmental Justice Advisory Council to hold first-ever meeting in Puerto Rico 

The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will meet in Puerto Rico this week for the first time in its 30-year history. NEJAC is a federal advisory committee providing independent advice and recommendations to the EPA on issues related to environmental justice. This event follows last year’s visit by EPA Administrator Michael Regan on his “Journey to Justice” tour. NEJAC leaders announced that they are in Puerto Rico because they want to ensure everyone in the U.S. has the same degree of protection from health hazards while gaining equal access to the EPA decision-making process. The meeting will be free, open to the public, and available to attend both in person and virtually.

Puerto Rico energy regulator sets September 1 deadline for bids 

The Puerto Rican Energy Bureau (PREB), the independent energy regulator established to ensure execution and implementation of the government’s energy policy, has announced a September 1, 2023 deadline for bids to the Island’s renewable energy and storage procurement process. The Request for Proposals (RFP) doubles proposed storage capacity to as many as 1,000 MW, with contract terms for as long as 20-25 years. The RFP and other documents are available here.

Rooftop solar project announced in Aguadilla 

EDPR NA Distributed Generation LLC and Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico have signed a 21-year agreement that allows EDPR to install a new rooftop solar system at LTPR’s Aguadilla facility. The installation will cover 95-100% of the facility’s energy needs, saving $10 million in operating costs while generating 3 million kWh of energy annually. Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico is an aviation maintenance company based at the Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla since 2014.

Exhibit showcases role of Puerto Rican women in civil rights efforts

A new installation called “Encendidas” in Chicago’s Humboldt Park Honeycomb Project located on “Paseo Boricua” is highlighting the role played by Puerto Rican woman who were part of the “Young Lordettes” during the civil rights era. They were a spinoff of the “Young Lords” gang and organized in 1965 to lead community improvement efforts in Chicago. The exhibit provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the role Puerto Rican women played in improving Chicago public schools, housing, and social programs during the 1960s.