AGP Executive Report

Land Use: Puerto Rico approved updated plans for Aguas Buenas, Guayama and Morovis, adding current development guidance and protections for environmentally sensitive areas. Environmental Review: Puerto Rican community groups joined briefs backing Prutehi Guåhan in its Supreme Court fight over Air Force munitions disposal at Guam’s Tarague Beach, pressing for environmental review and public participation. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a very strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat across parts of the Caribbean, while flood risks remain high across much of the region, including the Greater Antilles. Conservation: Nearly $100,000 has been allocated to protect agricultural land in Puerto Rico. Youth Innovation: Puerto Rican seventh-grader Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera turned plantain peels into biodegradable mulch that cut weed growth by up to 53%.

Guam Environmental Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Oct. 7 in Dept. of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guahan, a case tied to open burn and open detonation at Tarague Beach—supporting briefs include Puerto Rico and other territories, with the outcome carrying big implications for environmental review and public participation. Puerto Rico Innovation: A Peñuelas seventh-grader turned plantain peels into biodegradable mulch, cutting weed growth by up to 53% in a four-week test—an example of food-waste-to-farm solutions gaining national attention. Water Affordability: A new U.S. report finds household drinking water bills rose 62% from 2015 to 2025, outpacing inflation and groceries; Puerto Rico is flagged as one of the few places where water bills are unaffordable at median income levels. Local Infrastructure: Puerto Rico’s governor announced $114.4M for road resurfacing in 42 municipalities, aiming to improve safety and road conditions across key routes. Ecology Cautionary Tale: A historical look at Jamaica’s 1872 mongoose introduction highlights how “biological control” can trigger long-lasting ecological damage—still relevant for how we manage wildlife today.

Puerto Rico Roads Funding: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced $114.4 million for DTOP agreements with 42 municipalities to resurface and improve safety on primary, secondary, and tertiary state roads, including major work on PR-111 (Utuado), the Panoramic Route, PR-2 (Arecibo), PR-3 (Humacao), and PR-177 (Guaynabo). Plastic Waste to Farm Tool: In Peñuelas, seventh-grader Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera turned plantain peels into biodegradable, plastic-like mulch through her EcoMusa project; in a four-week test it cut weed growth by up to 53% and helped keep soil cooler and retain moisture. Water Affordability Alarm: A new Food & Water Watch report says U.S. households are paying 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, with Puerto Rico among the regions where bills are unaffordable at median income levels. Climate Accountability in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Boulder, Colo.’s climate-cost lawsuit against energy companies, a decision that could shape similar cases, including ones involving Puerto Rico. Local Innovation & Sustainability: A Puerto Rico student’s plant-based mulch win and a MICHELIN Key for Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico both highlight growing momentum for sustainability and environmental awareness on the island.

Puerto Rico Infrastructure: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced $114.4 million for DTOP-municipal agreements to resurface and improve safety on state roads in 42 municipalities, including major work on PR-111 in Utuado, the Panoramic Route, PR-2 in Arecibo, PR-3 in Humacao, and PR-177 in Guaynabo. Water Affordability: A new U.S. study finds households paid 62% more for drinking water in 2025 than a decade earlier, with bills rising faster than inflation and incomes—an affordability pressure that echoes across U.S. territories. Puerto Rico Power Reliability: A report on Puerto Rico’s emergency generation procurement describes a prolonged, conflict-filled effort to secure 800 MW to prevent blackouts during the island’s most vulnerable months. Wildlife & Climate Risk: An opinion warns a U.S. “permitting reform” push could weaken wildlife, water, and climate protections—raising stakes for disaster resilience. Public Health: Florida’s dengue outbreak is reported as the largest in the continental U.S. in decades, while Puerto Rico remains a key hotspot for dengue nationwide.

Puerto Rico Infrastructure: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced $114.4M for DTOP-municipal agreements to resurface and improve safety on state roads, with projects in 42 municipalities and work on major routes including PR-143 (Panoramic Route) and PR-111 in Utuado. Local Health Funding Pressure: A looming Medicaid funding cliff—federal support ending Sept. 30, 2027—could destabilize Puerto Rico hospitals, worsen doctor shortages, and threaten care for 3.2M people. Energy Grid Emergency Fallout: A report says Puerto Rico’s 800MW temporary generation procurement for emergency power was slowed by delays, disputes, and conflicts, raising concerns about how prepared the grid is during peak vulnerability months. Wildlife & Climate Context: A separate climate story flags record-warm Pacific waters tied to a fast-maturing El Niño, raising risks for marine life and coastal livelihoods—relevant as Puerto Rico faces its own weather and ocean impacts. Dengue Watch: Florida’s surge to its largest continental U.S. dengue outbreak in decades underscores the mosquito-borne risk Puerto Rico regularly faces.

Climate Resilience & Disaster Prep: A new op-ed warns that disasters are getting more intense and that recovery can spiral into food insecurity and depleted savings—pushing companies and communities to plan beyond emergency response. Flood Equity: Cook Park in Atlanta is highlighted as a model for balancing flood protection with social equity, showing how green infrastructure can reduce runoff without displacing residents. Youth, Health & Climate: A commentary argues climate resilience must center youth and health, framing awareness as responsibility for protecting future generations. Puerto Rico Land Protection: A University of Puerto Rico project received $99,999 to strengthen farmland protection tools and train educators so policies actually get enforced on the ground. Skilled Trades Pipeline: Home Builders Institute’s BuildStrong Academy in San Juan is training adults in masonry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC with no-cost programs aimed at keeping workers local. Drought & Agriculture: Puerto Rico’s drought is affecting poinsettia production, with producers warning of heat-adapted varieties and possible shortages. Public Health: Florida’s dengue outbreak is surging, with Tampa-area cases topping 250 locally acquired—while Puerto Rico remains a major dengue hotspot.

Drought & Water Stress: Puerto Rico’s drought has eased but still covers much of the island, threatening agriculture and even Christmas plant supply as poinsettia producers report higher costs and reduced output. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Florida’s dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental U.S. in decades, with Tampa-area cases topping 250 and emergency mosquito-control efforts underway—an urgent reminder for Puerto Rico’s own dengue reality. Climate Signals: Scientists report record-warm Pacific sea-surface temperatures tied to a rapidly strengthening El Niño, raising concerns for marine life and coastal livelihoods. Land Protection & Food Systems: A University of Puerto Rico project received funding to strengthen farmland protection tools and training so protections don’t just exist on paper. Skilled Trades Pipeline: A Puerto Rico program is training adults for construction and HVAC careers at no cost, aiming to keep workers on the island as infrastructure needs grow. Local Resilience: A solar microgrid in North Carolina keeps a food bank running during grid outages, highlighting how backup power can protect community services.

Puerto Rico Health Watch: The Puerto Rico Hospital Association says hospitals are facing financing strain, workforce shortages, demographic shifts, and pressure to adapt to new care models—while Medicare/Medicaid decisions could reshape services across the island. Climate & Disaster Readiness: A new editorial in a gerontology journal argues disasters hit older adults hardest when hazards stack—like extreme heat, air pollution, and repeated hurricane impacts—making preparedness and recovery harder for people with chronic conditions. Water, Food & Public Health: Florida’s dengue outbreak is now the largest in decades in the continental U.S., with more than 250 locally acquired cases reported and mosquito control ramped up—an issue Puerto Rico knows all too well. Environment & Land Use: A University of Puerto Rico project received funding to strengthen farmland protection tools, focusing on training educators and extension agents so land-use plans can actually be enforced on the ground. Drought & Agriculture: Ornamental plant producers warn Puerto Rico’s drought is already affecting poinsettia supply and forcing growers to adapt varieties to hotter conditions. Skilled Trades for Resilience: The Home Builders Institute’s BuildStrong Academy in San Juan is training adults for masonry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC careers at no cost, aiming to keep workers local as infrastructure needs and natural disasters continue.

El Niño & ocean heat: NOAA reports record-warm sea surface temperatures in Niño 3.4, with water near San Juan and Miami-like levels—raising alarms for marine life and coral reefs. Public health & mosquitoes: Florida’s dengue outbreak is now the largest in decades in the continental U.S., with local emergencies and heavy mosquito control—while Puerto Rico remains consistently hard hit. Disaster planning for seniors: A new editorial urges stronger disaster preparedness for older adults, noting how extreme heat, air pollution, and repeated hurricane impacts can compound health risks. Puerto Rico farmland protection: UPR received $99,999 to strengthen tools and training that help protect agricultural land and preserve sustainable food systems. Skilled trades pipeline: Puerto Rico’s BuildStrong Academy (via HUD and disaster recovery funds) is training 400 adults for masonry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC jobs. Drought pressures on crops: Producers warn that drought has already reduced pascuas (Easter/poinsettia) availability and is forcing heat-adapted varieties. Marine safety & toxins: CDC research highlights ongoing foodborne illness threats from marine toxins like scombroid and ciguatoxin. Environmental enforcement & pollution: Monsanto agreed to pay Arkansas for PCB-related water quality damage. Maritime fuel smuggling risk: Coast Guard reports an interception of a “dark fleet” fuel shipment to Cuba, flagging ballast-tank fuel as a major spill threat.

Climate & Oceans: NOAA data show record-warm sea surface temperatures in Niño 3.4, with water near Puerto Rico and Miami this week—raising alarms for marine life and coral reefs as El Niño strengthens fast. Public Health & Mosquitoes: Florida’s dengue outbreak is now the largest in decades in the continental U.S., with local emergencies and intensive mosquito spraying—while Puerto Rico continues to face higher dengue burdens. Disaster Readiness for Seniors: A new editorial in the Journal of Applied Gerontology highlights how hurricanes, heat, air pollution, and repeated hazards hit older adults in Puerto Rico and the U.S. especially hard. Local Environment & Land Use: A UPR-led project received $99,999 to strengthen farmland protection tools and help educators enforce land-use safeguards on the ground. Water Quality & Pollution: Monsanto agreed to pay Arkansas at least $32M (up to $80M) over PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted to water-quality work. Skills for Resilience: Puerto Rico’s BuildStrong Academy (via HUD and disaster recovery dollars) is training adults for skilled trades to support rebuilding after natural disasters.

Drought & Water Stress: Puerto Rico’s ornamental plant producers are bracing for a poinsettia shortage as drought lingers in parts of the island, with growers citing hotter conditions and higher water costs. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Florida reported its dengue outbreak is the largest in decades in the continental U.S., with Tampa-area emergency spraying—an alert for the region where Puerto Rico is consistently hit hard. Farmland Protection: A University of Puerto Rico project received $99,999 to strengthen farmland protection tools and training so protections move from “paper” to enforcement on the ground. Skilled Trades & Resilience: A Puerto Rico program using HUD and disaster recovery funds is offering free hands-on training for masonry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, aiming to keep workers local as infrastructure needs and natural disasters continue. Food Safety: A CDC report says marine toxins like scombroid and ciguatoxin still drive most noninfectious foodborne outbreaks in the U.S., with many linked to fish and tropical reef algae.

Puerto Rico Spotlight: Miss Universe 2026 is set to return to San Juan with a futuristic, transformable stage at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot—moving scenic elements, 3D graphics, and advanced lighting/video designed to shift the show’s look throughout the night. Climate & Disaster Resilience: A new drought-and-weather roundup points to an intensifying El Niño driving extreme conditions across the U.S., with major rain relief in the Southwest and storm impacts in the Mid-Atlantic/New England. Water & Public Health: Leptospirosis cases in the Philippines are surging after monsoon flooding, underscoring how contaminated water and soil can fuel outbreaks. Local Environment & Wildlife: A global study highlights Biscayne Bay as a critical refuge for threatened sharks and rays, adding weight to conservation needs in Puerto Rico’s wider Caribbean ecosystem. Community & Governance: Puerto Rican elected officials urged NYC to resist financial, political, and environmental pressures displacing Puerto Ricans and weakening public services.

Puerto Rico Water & Drought Response: The Financial Oversight and Management Board approved $2.42M from Puerto Rico’s Emergency Reserve to assess whether five inactive PRASA wells can be restored, starting with investigations, testing, engineering, and environmental reviews. Local Planning & Natural Hazards: Aguas Buenas received an updated territorial map and revised Master Zoning Plan after 15+ years, expanding the Urban Center and integrating newer natural-risk data from the 2017 hurricanes to steer safer, more sustainable growth. Vieques Cleanup Tech: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory completed a live-site demo of an autonomous underwater sonar system (Skyfish) to help locate unexploded ordnance near a Navy munitions response site in Vieques. Marine Life Conservation: A new global IUCN map highlights critical shark and ray nurseries, including Biscayne Bay’s seagrass shallows that support multiple threatened species. Equine Welfare in the Caribbean: Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare marked 10 years of second chances, raising concerns about horse overpopulation and the need for better equine education across island environments.

Puerto Rico Water & Drought Response: The Financial Oversight and Management Board approved $2.42 million from Puerto Rico’s Emergency Reserve to assess whether five inactive PRASA wells can be restored, a key step in the island’s drought-response plan. Local Planning for Safer Growth: Aguas Buenas received an updated territorial map and a revised Master Zoning Plan after more than 15 years, with new urban boundaries and updated natural-risk data drawn from lessons after the 2017 hurricanes. El Yunque Sustainable Tourism: A U.S. Forest Service and Cornell program released early recommendations for “low volume, high value” tourism along PR-186, aiming to grow adventure and ecotourism while protecting El Yunque and supporting local businesses. Vieques Underwater Munitions Tech: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory scientists completed a live-site demo of an autonomous sonar system to locate unexploded ordnance near Vieques, moving from controlled tests toward real-world operations. Environmental Justice in U.S. Territories: Eighteen community groups filed a Supreme Court amicus brief urging the Air Force to meet federal environmental and community engagement standards for open detonation decisions tied to risks in Guam. Wildlife Conservation: A new global mapping effort highlights Biscayne Bay as a critical nursery for threatened sharks and rays, underscoring the value of protecting coastal habitats.

Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved more than $71 million for Puerto Rico, including nearly $43 million in Public Assistance and over $28 million via the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, targeting repairs to public facilities, roads and bridges, and future risk reduction. Local Resilience & Energy: A solar microgrid story from North Carolina highlights how battery-backed systems can keep community hubs running during outages—an approach that’s spreading as disaster resiliency becomes a priority. El Yunque Sustainable Tourism: A U.S. Forest Service and Cornell effort released recommendations for “low volume, high value” tourism around El Yunque, pointing to adventure, ecotourism, education, and wellness opportunities that aim to protect the forest while supporting local businesses. Marine Life Conservation: A new global mapping effort identifies critical shark and ray nursery areas, with Biscayne Bay flagged for seagrass-rich habitat that supports multiple threatened species—relevant to how Puerto Rico can think about coastal protection. Public Safety at Sea: A shipwreck near Mona Island left two dead and 40 survivors rescued after a machete fight and passengers jumped into the water without life jackets, with search operations continuing.

Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved more than $71M in additional support for Puerto Rico, including nearly $43M in Public Assistance and over $28M via Hazard Mitigation, with major projects like DRNA repairs at the Punta Santiago pier in Humacao and DOT infrastructure work on EFL Bridge No. 1199. Reconstruction Push: Governor González-Colón also announced $87.1M in FEMA obligations for 47 recovery and reconstruction projects, spanning street lighting modernization, water and wastewater systems, roads, and hazard mitigation. Marine & Coastal Safety: A shipwreck near Mona Island left a provisional toll of two dead and 40 survivors rescued after an onboard machete fight; authorities say no one had life jackets and the search for missing people continued. Local Resilience & Nature-Based Tourism: A U.S. Forest Service and Cornell team is mapping “low volume, high value” sustainable tourism opportunities around El Yunque, aiming to protect the forest while boosting community recovery. Wildlife & Habitat: A new global mapping effort highlights Biscayne Bay as critical nursery habitat for sharks and rays—an approach that could inform marine protection planning across the region. Water & Health: Puerto Rico is urged to protect kids during water shortages as drought conditions intensify.