AGP Executive Report

Coal Policy Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using Defense Production Act authority—an effort critics call an unnecessary subsidy as coal’s share keeps sliding in power markets. Energy & Resilience: A new study using NIH’s ECHO cohort (including Puerto Rico) finds parental infertility is linked to small learning/behavior differences and higher autism odds, while IVF itself shows no direct harm—useful for public health planning. Reef Protection Gap: A report warns many of the Caribbean’s most important reefs remain unprotected, even though healthier reefs can help buffer storms as oceans warm. Earthquake Reminder: A 6.1 quake near Cuba sent tremors across Florida; U.S. officials said no tsunami threat. Local Climate Education: Puerto Rican heritage and anti–ocean pollution themes helped Connecticut students place in an energy conservation contest. Sustainable Tourism in Ponce: Ponce is seeing growth tied to more air routes and cruise calls, with a push for community-rooted “sustainable tourism.” Hurricane Season Prep: Florida educators highlighted mangroves and preparedness resources for new residents.

Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new coal plants, using Defense Production Act authority—critics call it an unnecessary subsidy while supporters say it will boost grid reliability. Seismic Reminder: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake near Cuba sent tremors across Florida; the U.S. dismissed any tsunami threat, but residents reported shaking from Central Florida to the Gulf Coast. Local Tourism & Sustainability: Ponce is seeing growth tied to expanded air routes and more cruise ship calls, with officials pitching the city’s walkable heritage sites as a foundation for “sustainable tourism.” Water Safety: Puerto Rico’s Tourism Company launched SwimSafe P.R. 2.0 to strengthen water safety across the island. Public Health Research: Institut Pasteur is moving forward on ACT-CHIK, a €15.3 million project to accelerate chikungunya vaccine clinical trials in Africa and prepare manufacturing. Community Climate Education: A Puerto Rico–heritage–inspired poem and an ocean-pollution comic strip helped Connecticut students place in an energy conservation and environmental awareness contest.

Sustainable Tourism in Ponce: Discover Puerto Rico says Ponce topped 19,000 visitors in early 2026 and expects more growth as Mercedita air routes expand and cruise ships—like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas—add port calls, with heritage sites walkable for short and longer stays. Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A magnitude 6.1 quake near Cuba rattled parts of Florida; the National Weather Service said no tsunami threat is expected, though tremors were widely felt. Hurricane Preparedness & Mangroves: TV20’s Autumn Dancy taught new Floridians—including Puerto Rican arrivals—how to prepare for hurricanes and highlighted mangroves as natural storm protection. Waterfront Protection Tips: A Florida-Friendly Landscaping guide focuses on protecting lagoon shorelines (including the Indian River Lagoon) by managing erosion and using native plants. Public Health & Climate Links: A new EU-funded project, ACT-CHIK, aims to advance a chikungunya vaccine in Africa, noting mosquito spread pressures as climate change expands vector ranges. Local Water Safety in Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Tourism is rolling out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0 to strengthen water safety across the island.

Public Health & Climate: A new €15.3 million, four-year project (ACT-CHIK) is set to push a chikungunya vaccine through large Phase Ib/III trials in four African countries while preparing manufacturing transfer—aimed at a mosquito-borne threat that’s expanding with climate change. Local Environment & Waste: Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner says the U.S. House approved FY2027 funding that includes Community Project Funding for an $803,000 Hormigueros landfill remediation and expansion effort, framed as a step toward stronger solid waste management. Waterfront Protection: A Florida-Friendly Landscaping guide spotlights how to protect the Indian River Lagoon—urging native planting behind seawalls and better erosion control for waterfront homes. Extreme Weather Disruption: A Saudi Arabia–Puerto Rico friendly in Austin was paused nearly two hours by thunderstorms and lightning, underscoring how storm safety rules can interrupt outdoor events. Tourism & Access: Southwest Airlines added nonstop service from Indianapolis to San Juan and another route from Columbus, citing millions in economic impact and more passenger arrivals for Puerto Rico.

Solid Waste & Landfill Funding: Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner says the U.S. House approved FY2027 appropriations that include Community Project Funding for an $803,000 Hormigueros landfill remediation and expansion, aiming to strengthen solid waste management and cut environmental impacts. Waterfront Protection: A Florida-Friendly Landscaping guide spotlights how to protect the Indian River Lagoon—especially for waterfront homes—by reducing erosion and supporting wildlife with native plants and better shoreline practices. Extreme Weather & Storm Risk: A Saudi Arabia–Puerto Rico friendly in Austin was paused nearly two hours after lightning and thunderstorms triggered safety protocols, underscoring how severe weather can disrupt outdoor events. Ocean Justice & Policy: Guam advocates used the Upwell 2026 ocean conference to push for ocean protection and climate action, warning that deep-sea mining and climate pressures threaten Pacific communities. Tourism & Access: Southwest expanded Puerto Rico routes, including new service from Indianapolis and added Columbus flights, projecting millions in economic impact and more passenger arrivals through SJU. Biodiversity Conservation: The Detroit Zoo is sending nearly 7,000 tadpoles to Puerto Rico to help recover endangered toads, part of ongoing species rescue efforts.

Waterfront Stewardship: A new Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ guide spotlights how to protect the Indian River Lagoon by reducing erosion and supporting wildlife with smarter yard practices like native planting behind seawalls and rip-rap. Extreme Weather & Sports Disruption: Saudi Arabia’s 3-0 friendly over Puerto Rico in Austin was paused for nearly two hours after lightning and thunderstorms triggered U.S. safety rules, underscoring how storm season can disrupt outdoor events. Ocean Protection Advocacy: Guam ocean justice advocates pushed their case at the Upwell 2026 conference, warning that climate pressure and deep-sea mining threats demand stronger, more inclusive ocean conservation. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with fewer storms and hurricanes expected, though risks remain. Wildlife & Disease Watch: A parasitologist Q&A flags the return of the New World screwworm and stresses early detection and regional spread concerns for animal health. Local Waste & Landfill Work: Puerto Rico’s PAN and community funding package includes $803,000 for Hormigueros landfill remediation and expansion to strengthen solid waste management. Tourism Water Safety: Puerto Rico Tourism’s SwimSafe P.R. 2.0 initiative aims to improve water safety across the island.

Water Safety Upgrade: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolled out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, expanding real-time tools and guidance to help residents and visitors make safer choices at beaches, rivers, and other waterways. Solid Waste & Local Environment Funding: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández said the U.S. House approved FY2027 funding that includes PAN support plus community projects, highlighting $803,000 for Hormigueros landfill remediation and expansion to strengthen solid waste management. Tourism Growth With “Sustainable Development” Talk: La Concha Resort broke ground on LUXE AZUL Beach Club in Condado, a $6.5M investment framed as job creation and “sustainable development” alongside protection of local resources. Extreme Weather Reminder for Puerto Rico: A Saudi vs. Puerto Rico friendly in Texas was delayed nearly two hours by thunderstorms and lightning, underscoring how severe weather can disrupt plans and operations. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecast a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8–14 named storms expected, including 3–6 hurricanes.

Water Safety: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolls out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0 with new tech and real-time info to help people make safer choices at beaches, rivers, and other waterways. Solid Waste & Local Environment: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández says the U.S. House approved FY2027 funding that includes $803,000 for Hormigueros landfill remediation and expansion, aiming to strengthen solid waste management and cut environmental impacts. Extreme Weather & Climate Risk: A Saudi Arabia–Puerto Rico World Cup warm-up in Austin was stopped for nearly two hours by thunderstorms and lightning, underscoring how lightning protocols can disrupt events during peak storm season. Fisheries Policy: A legal fight over snapper seasons highlights tensions as NOAA moves to loosen fishing rules, while a judge blocks parts of the plan—keeping pressure on how Puerto Rico and the region manage marine life. Energy & Pollution: Trump’s coal push includes federal funding that would upgrade Puerto Rico’s Guayama coal plant, renewing debate over air pollution and long-term environmental costs.

Water Safety Upgrade: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolls out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, adding new tech and real-time info to help people make safer choices at beaches, rivers, and other waterways. Hurricane Readiness: Puerto Rico’s Education Department updates emergency plans for the 2026 hurricane season, including strengthened communications and identifying nearly 300 schools as potential shelters. Invasive Species Control: A new Puerto Rico law (Law 102-2026) lets the DNER issue special non-sport hunting permits to farmers to protect crops and land from wild hog damage. Wildlife Conservation: The Detroit Zoo shipped 6,855 critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Río Encantado in Manatí to support a long-running reintroduction effort. Regional Climate Context: NOAA projects a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8–14 named storms expected, including 3–6 hurricanes. Air Quality Concern: Scientists warn Saharan dust could continue reaching the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, after a recent plume.

Water Safety: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolled out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, adding new tech and wider access to real-time water-safety info for beaches, rivers, and other waterways. Wildlife Recovery: Detroit Zoo shipped 6,855 critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Río Encantado in Manatí to boost the species’ recovery. Disaster Funding Pressure: Resident Commissioner Hernández Rivera pressed FEMA on long-delayed Puerto Rico reconstruction funds, citing billions still undisbursed years after Hurricane Maria. Coastal Air Quality Watch: Scientists warned that Saharan dust can keep crossing the Atlantic and reach Puerto Rico and nearby islands, with concentrations possibly lower than the last plume. Energy & Climate Tension: The U.S. DOE announced up to $850M for coal plant upgrades and new builds, including support tied to Puerto Rico’s coal infrastructure—sparking criticism from environmental advocates. Fisheries Rules Clash: A legal fight over red snapper season highlights tensions as regulators loosen fishing rules, with a judge blocking parts of NOAA’s plan.

Wildlife Recovery in Puerto Rico: The Detroit Zoo shipped 6,855 critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Río Encantado in Manatí to boost the species’ recovery, continuing a long-running amphibian reintroduction effort. Disaster Funding Pressure: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera pressed FEMA over delayed Puerto Rico reconstruction money, citing billions still undisbursed nearly nine years after Hurricane Maria. Local Environment Infrastructure: DRNA reported nearly $950,000 to rehabilitate Piñones kiosks, a move tied to keeping a key coastal area functional. Clean Energy Access: Nicole Gonzalez, after Hurricane Maria, is expanding solar access through Raya Power, aiming to reach renters and outage-vulnerable communities. Ocean & Justice Convening: Puerto Rico lawmakers and advocates joined a Washington conference on ocean conservation and environmental justice, focusing on decolonizing conservation decisions. Coastal Tourism & Development: Henderson Park completed its acquisition of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande, Puerto Rico, with plans for targeted capital investments.

Wildlife Recovery: Detroit Zoo is sending nearly 7,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to a rainforest site in Manatí as part of a long-running reintroduction effort to help a critically endangered species recover. Coastal & Public Land Repairs: DRNA says it has nearly $950,000 ready to rehabilitate the Piñones State Forest kiosks, moving through the final phase of evaluating design proposals for the damaged food kiosks that draw visitors to Loíza. Clean Energy & Resilience: Nicole Gonzalez, a former NASA engineer, is expanding her solar startup Raya Power to make clean energy more accessible for renters and communities hit hardest by outages, following Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Preparedness: With the Atlantic season underway, NOAA’s outlook points to a below-normal season, but officials stress Puerto Rico-style readiness: review plans, check kits, and expect impacts from even a single storm. Local Tech for Businesses: Liberty Business says it’s pushing cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and AI services for Puerto Rico companies—positioning digital upgrades as a way to improve connectivity and operational efficiency.

Wildlife Recovery: Detroit Zoo is sending 6,855 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Rio Encantado in Manatí to support the critically endangered species’ long-running reintroduction effort. Coastal & Forest Infrastructure: DRNA says nearly $950,000 is now in the final design-evaluation phase to rehabilitate the Piñones State Forest kiosks, part of a broader recovery push for the area. Local Funding & Food Security: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera announced Puerto Rico could receive major federal dollars under a FY2027 appropriations bill, including about $3.06 billion for the island’s Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN). Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA and the National Hurricane Center continue tracking early storm activity, including Tropical Storm Amanda in the Eastern Pacific, as Atlantic hurricane season ramps up. Behavioral Health Access: Hawaiʻi’s selection for a Medicaid behavioral health clinic demonstration highlights how federal funding can expand treatment—an issue Puerto Rico advocates for through its own health priorities.

Wildlife Recovery: The Detroit Zoo is shipping 6,855 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Rio Encantado in Manatí, part of a long-running reintroduction effort for a critically endangered amphibian found only on the island. Coastal Tourism & Resilience: Puerto Rico’s cruise push faces a hit after Norwegian Cruise Line canceled Norwegian Viva departures for the 2027–2028 season, citing lack of port availability and warning of roughly $17 million in economic losses. Local Conservation Infrastructure: DRNA says it has nearly $950,000 approved to move into the final design-evaluation phase for rehabilitating the Piñones State Forest kiosks, including food kiosks in Loíza. Community Health & Food Security: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera announced Puerto Rico could receive major federal funding under a FY2027 appropriations bill, including about $3.06 billion for the island’s Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN). Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard reminded mariners and residents across Puerto Rico and nearby islands to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Wildlife Conservation: The Detroit Zoo shipped 6,855 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Manatí’s Rio Encantado rainforest, part of a long-running reintroduction effort for a critically endangered amphibian found only in Puerto Rico. Tourism & Environment: Norwegian Cruise Line canceled Norwegian Viva departures from Puerto Rico for the 2027–2028 season, citing lack of port availability; local tourism specialists warn of about $17 million in economic losses tied to the cancellation. Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard Southeast District urged mariners and residents across Puerto Rico and nearby islands to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, highlighting risk planning and emergency readiness. Coastal Weather Risk: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for parts of Central Florida, underscoring how fast storm conditions can turn dangerous during hot, humid weather. Local Governance & Services: Puerto Rico’s fiscal oversight board warned the Education Department that relying on non-recurring funds for ongoing Special Education obligations isn’t sustainable as federal pandemic relief expires.

Coral Reef Resilience in Focus: Palau joined the 51st U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in San Juan to tackle coral bleaching threats and strengthen reef resilience through shared science and management. Hurricane Preparedness Update: The National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to include inland watches and warnings for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, aiming to make inland wind risks clearer. Coastal Tourism Spotlight: Carolina Beach (Balneario de Carolina) was named Puerto Rico’s best beach in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, with voters citing cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and facilities. Education Funding Pressure: Puerto Rico’s fiscal oversight board warned the Department of Education that relying on non-recurring funds for ongoing Special Education obligations is “not sustainable,” especially as pandemic relief expires by June 30. Forest Research Uncertainty: A U.S. Forest Service reorganization could affect research facilities nationwide, though Western North Carolina’s research stations are reportedly not slated for closure.