AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Disaster Funding: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced nearly $43 million in FEMA Public Assistance for recovery and infrastructure repairs across 18 Puerto Rico municipalities, including roads, bridges, water systems, electrical infrastructure, and a $9.2 million resilient pier restoration in Humacao. Hazardous Waste Enforcement: The U.S. EPA and Kroger Specialty Pharmacy 5-60 in San Juan reached an expedited settlement over hazardous waste paperwork violations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, with a $1,250 civil penalty. Local Business & Sustainability: The Puerto Rico United Retailers Center (CUD) unveiled its 2026–2028 “Fomento Local” plan to strengthen small and midsize businesses, improve the business environment, and expand market access beyond the island. Climate & Health Context: A “super” El Niño is being flagged as a major upcoming weather risk across the Americas, while Florida’s dengue surge has prompted emergency declarations in multiple counties—reminders of how climate-linked conditions can quickly strain public health systems.

Disaster Recovery Funding: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced nearly $43 million in FEMA Public Assistance for recovery and infrastructure repair across 18 Puerto Rico municipalities, including $9.2M for a more resilient recreational pier at Punta Santiago in Humacao and major work for roads, bridges, water systems, and electrical infrastructure. Hazardous Waste Enforcement: The EPA and Kroger Specialty Pharmacy 5-60 in San Juan reached an expedited settlement over Resource Conservation and Recovery Act violations tied to hazardous waste shipments without an EPA identification number; the case ends with a $1,250 civil penalty. Solid Waste & Land Use: A county commission approved a revised solid waste ordinance allowing yard waste storage for composting, wildlife habitat, and erosion control, while also issuing a notice of intent to adopt a moratorium on data center development—raising local concerns about air quality, water, and electricity rates. Public Health & Storm Prep: Direct Relief is sending emergency medical aid to Hawaiʻi ahead of Hurricane Nolo, highlighting how repeated storms can disrupt care and strain local clinics. Marine Pollution Watch: Key West officials are dealing with an unprecedented sargassum influx, underscoring the broader Caribbean region’s environmental and public health risks from seaweed die-offs.

Puerto Rico Disaster Recovery: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced nearly $43 million in FEMA Public Assistance for recovery and infrastructure repairs across 18 municipalities, including roads, bridges, water systems, electrical infrastructure, and a resilient pier restoration in Humacao. Hazardous Waste Enforcement: The EPA and Kroger Specialty Pharmacy 5-60 in San Juan reached a $1,250 expedited settlement over alleged Resource Conservation and Recovery Act violations tied to hazardous waste shipments without an EPA identification number. Local Business & Sustainability: The CUD (United Retailers Center) unveiled its 2026–2028 “Fomento Local” plan to strengthen Puerto Rico’s small and midsize businesses, expand market opportunities, and improve the business environment. Marine Life & Coastal Health: A record-breaking sea turtle nesting season in Volusia County will be discussed at an Oct. 1 panel, while the broader region continues grappling with sargassum beach impacts and public health concerns. Climate & Risk Messaging: A Miami meteorologist described how climate change warnings led to emotional strain after major hurricanes, underscoring the human toll of extreme weather.

FEMA Funding for Resilience: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced nearly $43 million in FEMA Public Assistance for recovery and infrastructure repairs across 18 Puerto Rico municipalities, including roads, bridges, water systems, and electrical infrastructure, with a major allocation for restoring the Punta Santiago recreational pier in Humacao. Hazardous Waste Compliance: The EPA and Kroger Specialty Pharmacy 5-60 in San Juan reached an expedited settlement over alleged hazardous waste paperwork violations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, with a $1,250 civil penalty. Air Pollution Enforcement: EPA also moved on Puerto Rico emissions with a separate Clean Air Act settlement tied to a sterilizer fined for failing to operate pollution controls, underscoring ongoing enforcement pressure. Local Business Growth: CUD (United Retailers Center) unveiled its 2026-2028 “Fomento Local” plan to expand opportunities for Puerto Rico’s small and midsize businesses, including cross-border market push and steps to reduce barriers to doing business. Sustainability in Higher Ed: Universidad del Sagrado Corazón was named among the first 14 U.S. and Puerto Rico institutions to earn a Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, citing campus-wide work on water conservation, climate resilience, and food security. Water Guidance Update: A new measure seeks to expand public guidance on rainwater harvesting in Puerto Rico.

Climate & Disaster Preparedness: A “super” El Niño is taking shape, with warnings that the federal government should be doing more to prepare rather than waiting for impacts. Civil Liberties & Security: The ACLU is demanding the immediate withdrawal of Puerto Rico National Guard troops from Washington, D.C., calling the deployment unjustified and politically motivated. Legal Fight Over Climate Accountability: Former U.S. AG Bill Barr urged the Supreme Court to halt state climate “lawfare,” arguing Clean Air Act authority is federal. Local Environment & Resilience Funding: FEMA awarded Puerto Rico first responders over $1.2 million for fire safety, vehicles, and protective equipment. STEM for the Environment: NSF’s Arecibo C3 opened new labs and a makerspace to expand hands-on science access across Puerto Rico. Sustainability in Education: Universidad del Sagrado Corazón became one of the first 14 U.S./Puerto Rico institutions to earn a Carnegie sustainability classification, citing work on water conservation, climate resilience, and food security. Energy Transition: Puerto Rico’s solar sector got a boost as Infinigen secured financing for the Yabucoa Solar Park and plans for battery storage.

Clean Air Act Enforcement: Steri-Tech agreed to a proposed $700,000 civil penalty and stricter controls after alleged ethylene oxide emissions violations at its Puerto Rico sterilization facility in Salinas, with continuous reductions required and the deal now awaiting public comment and court approval. Water & Conservation Policy: A new measure seeks to expand public guidance on rainwater harvesting in Puerto Rico, aiming to boost practical water conservation. Renewable Energy Investment: Infinigen secured $33 million in tax equity for the 42.6-MW Yabucoa Solar Park and added $26 million committed for future battery storage at the same site, pushing Puerto Rico’s utility-scale clean power pipeline forward. STEM Access at Arecibo: NSF’s Arecibo C3 opened new lab spaces and a makerspace at the Arecibo Observatory Historic District, expanding hands-on science tools for students and educators across the island. Local Research Funding: The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust is investing $1.12 million via its 2026 Catalyzer grants to support 16 researchers, including work tied to renewable energy and environmental science. Sustainability in Higher Ed: Universidad del Sagrado Corazón was named among the first 14 institutions to receive a Carnegie sustainability classification, highlighting campus-wide sustainability and research on climate resilience and water conservation.

Clean Air Act Enforcement: Steri-Tech Inc. in Salinas, Puerto Rico agreed to a proposed $700,000 civil penalty and tighter controls on ethylene oxide emissions, including a requirement to continuously cut emissions by at least 99.99% from each sterilization-chamber vent, after alleged violations tied to its thermal oxidizer (subject to public comment and court approval). Water Resilience Policy: A new Puerto Rico House bill would expand public guidance on residential rainwater harvesting, aiming to help families use collected water safely amid droughts and service interruptions. Coral & Climate Impacts: A report highlights how even remote, “nearly pristine” reefs like Palmyra Atoll are showing heat stress and bleaching risk as El Niño-driven ocean warming intensifies. Energy Infrastructure: Infinigen’s Yabucoa Solar Project financing includes $33 million in tax equity and an added $26 million commitment for future battery storage, advancing a 42.6-MW utility-scale solar facility in Yabucoa. Local Air-Quality Tips: A health-focused piece stresses that indoor air pollution can be worse than outdoor air for kids, urging source control, ventilation, and attention to where children spend time.

Air Quality & Health: Steri-Tech Inc. in Salinas, Puerto Rico agreed to a proposed $700,000 Clean Air Act settlement after alleged ethylene oxide emissions violations, with a consent decree requiring continuous reductions of at least 99.99% from each sterilization-chamber vent while the deal moves through public comment and court approval. Water Resilience: A new Puerto Rico House bill would expand public guidance on residential rainwater harvesting—covering safe capture, storage, treatment, system design, materials, costs, and regulatory requirements—to help families cope with droughts and service interruptions. Energy & Climate Context: A separate federal court ruling upheld an EPA stop order against silver-containing water filters, reinforcing that regulators can treat silver as a pesticide when companies can’t show it isn’t intended for pesticidal use. Local Environment Watch: Puerto Rico’s water crisis and drought conditions remain in the news as coverage notes gradual easing of drought statewide figures.

Air Quality & Health: A new report highlights how indoor air pollution can be worse than outdoor air for kids, raising risks for asthma and infections—urging families to cut pollution sources and improve ventilation. Industrial Pollution Enforcement: EPA and DOJ are proposing a settlement that would fine Steri-Tech $700,000 and require major ethylene oxide emission reductions at its Salinas sterilization facility. Climate Litigation Update: A U.S. judge dismissed Michigan’s antitrust climate lawsuit against major oil firms, saying the link to energy overcharges wasn’t close enough. Energy Policy in the Region: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón was elected chair of the Southern States Energy Board, with a focus on grid resilience, generation upgrades, and data-center power demand. Public Health Threats: Florida confirmed a dengue death amid a severe outbreak, underscoring mosquito-control pressure across the region. Puerto Rico Travel/Access: A travel roundup notes Americans can visit Puerto Rico without a passport, boosting interest in the island’s beaches and rainforests.

Puerto Rico Energy Leadership: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón was elected Chair of the Southern States Energy Board for 2026–2027, highlighting Puerto Rico’s push for a more resilient grid with added generation, battery storage, and moves to diversify fuel sources. Coral Reef Funding: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million to test heat-resilient coral approaches and cut sediment pollution in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, leveraging matching funds for a $3.3 million impact. Dengue Alert (Regional): Florida confirmed a dengue death as cases climb, with officials warning mosquitoes and standing water remain key risks; Puerto Rico is also seeing hundreds of cases. Climate & Health Context: Coverage notes El Niño’s health risks across the Americas, tying warmer conditions to mosquito-borne disease spread. Local Resilience (Energy Storage): Massachusetts announced $40.3 million for battery storage at schools, wastewater facilities, and other critical sites to keep power during severe weather. Local Governance (Water): A separate report flags Puerto Rico’s water crisis as exposing deeper civic power gaps.

Energy & Resilience: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón was elected chair of the Southern States Energy Board, highlighting efforts to add generation, expand battery storage, modernize the grid, and diversify fuel sources. Climate & Storm Risk: Tropical Storm Fay formed in the Atlantic but is expected to weaken as El Niño suppresses Atlantic development, a reminder that Puerto Rico still needs readiness for shifting weather patterns. Public Health & Mosquitoes: Dengue continues to surge in the U.S., with Florida reporting a death and hundreds of cases; Puerto Rico is also seeing hundreds, underscoring how warming conditions can expand mosquito-borne threats. Coral Conservation: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million to boost heat-resilient coral restoration in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emergency Messaging: A federal appeals court struck down Puerto Rico’s emergency-era law that criminalized certain “fake news,” reinforcing free-speech limits even during disasters. Water & Drought Response: A Connecticut-Puerto Rico trade commission roundtable pointed to diaspora and partner support after the island’s summer drought, including help tied to water relief.

Energy Leadership: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón was elected Chair of the Southern States Energy Board, highlighting grid resilience, generation upgrades, and a push to diversify power sources. Public Health & Climate: Florida confirmed a dengue death as cases surge; experts link mosquito spread to warming conditions, with Puerto Rico also reporting hundreds of cases. Water & Drought Response: The Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission says it’s building on momentum from drought relief efforts, including support tied to Puerto Rico’s water crisis. Coral Conservation: NFWF awarded $2.1M to advance next-generation coral reef restoration, targeting heat-resilient corals and reducing sediment pollution across U.S. territories. Local Resilience After Maria: Nine years after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico still relies on federal recovery funds, with leaders saying the recovery timeline can take decades. El Niño Watch: PAHO warns El Niño could intensify health risks across the Americas, from food insecurity to vector-borne diseases. Energy Infrastructure: A bill would extend Puerto Rico recovery deadlines to 2035, aiming to keep long-term rebuilding on track.

Disaster Recovery Deadline Push: With Hurricane Maria’s ninth anniversary approaching, Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández and lawmakers introduced a bill to extend Puerto Rico’s FEMA recovery project deadline to Dec. 31, 2035, arguing current expiration dates add delays and bureaucracy. Water Crisis & Accountability: A new report highlights how drought and aging infrastructure are driving water rationing and service disruptions, with advocates saying the crisis exposes a long-standing gap between residents and the institutions running essential services. Seismic Update: A stronger-than-usual magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck just outside Guanica, prompting a tsunami information statement that said there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico or nearby islands. Climate Health Warning: PAHO says strengthening El Niño could raise health risks across the Americas, including drought, food insecurity, wildfires, flooding, and vector- and water-borne disease impacts. Local Resilience in Health Facilities: Venezuela’s La Guaira held a multi-week workshop to improve hospital readiness for environmental and climatic hazards like landslides and torrential rains. Economic Model Debate: A Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce leader and economist argue the island needs a new economic model tied to productivity, education, tourism, and infrastructure investment.

Water Crisis in Puerto Rico: Drought and aging infrastructure are driving water rationing and service disruptions across the island, with advocates pointing to a long-running accountability and transparency gap between residents and PRASA. Disaster Recovery Deadline Push: With Hurricane Maria’s ninth anniversary approaching, Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández and lawmakers introduced a bill to extend FEMA-funded recovery project deadlines to 2035, aiming to cut bureaucratic delays. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 4.8 quake struck near Guánica, prompting a tsunami information statement that said there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico or nearby islands. El Niño Health Watch: PAHO warns El Niño is strengthening and could raise public health risks across the Americas, including drought, food insecurity, wildfires, flooding, and vector- and water-borne diseases. Dengue Reminder for the Region: Florida confirmed a dengue death amid a surge of locally acquired cases in Hillsborough County, underscoring how warm, wet conditions can accelerate mosquito-borne outbreaks. Local Resilience in Health: Venezuela’s La Guaira held a workshop to strengthen hospital readiness for environmental and climatic threats like landslides and torrential rains.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought and aging water system are forcing rationing and disruptions, with advocates pointing to a long-running accountability and transparency gap between residents and PRASA as officials scramble to manage shortages. Disaster Recovery Deadlines: A new bill would extend FEMA-funded Puerto Rico recovery project deadlines to 2035, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles that slow completion after Hurricane Maria. Seismic Update: A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Guánica, triggering a tsunami information statement that said there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico or nearby islands. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Warmkraft Puerto Rico LLC plans a $16M Mayagüez operation to treat military uniforms with a closed-loop process designed to repel disease-carrying insects like those linked to dengue, malaria, and Zika. Electric Grid Oversight: A Puerto Rico House hearing on temporary power contracts has sparked a legal dispute, with Gothams Energy sending a cease-and-desist letter after testimony raised procurement concerns.

Water Crisis & Accountability: Puerto Rico’s water rationing is tied to drought plus aging infrastructure, and advocates say it exposes a long-running civic power gap—raising questions about transparency and how residents can demand fixes before the next shortage. Disaster Recovery Deadlines: A new bill would extend FEMA disaster-recovery completion deadlines for Puerto Rico to 2035, aiming to cut bureaucratic delays that keep eligible projects from finishing. Grid & Power Planning: Puerto Rico’s House oversight continues to scrutinize temporary power contracts meant to stabilize the grid, with Gothams Energy disputing claims tied to environmental and regulatory compliance. Seismic Risk: A magnitude 4.8 earthquake rattled Puerto Rico’s southwest coast near Guánica; tsunami officials said there’s no tsunami threat. Local Climate Resilience in Health: Venezuela’s La Guaira held a workshop to strengthen hospital readiness for landslides, torrential rains, and hydrographic-basin risks. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Florida confirmed a locally acquired dengue death in Hillsborough County, underscoring how warm, rainy conditions can accelerate mosquito spread. Local Green Industry: Warmkraft Puerto Rico will invest $16M in Mayagüez to treat military uniforms with a closed-loop process designed to repel disease-carrying insects, with solar infrastructure and lab capabilities.