A fortified island framed by barbed wire and bold skies, echoing the colors of Puerto Rico’s flag. This month, we look at a controversial proposal that frames Puerto Rican independence as a cost-saving measure for the U.S. — and what that says about the politics of self-determination.
(Generated by Jillian Melero with DallE ∙ March 25, 2025)
For March, Connect Puerto Rico looks at how the idea of independence is being used as political currency — from energy to economics to Puerto Rico’s future political status.
A recently surfaced proposal from a pro-independence group is making headlines for claiming Puerto Rican independence could save the U.S. more than $600 billion. It’s not an official plan, but the language is gaining traction in right-wing circles.
Also in this issue:
LNG arrives from the U.S. for the first time — raising new questions about fossil fuel dependence and energy security
A coal plant gets a lifeline despite health concerns and mounting pressure to shut it down
Homeland Security visits Puerto Rico with promises of support — but few specifics
A critical housing program is frozen, cutting off federal funds for affordable housing projects already in progress
Let’s get into it.
In This Issue
Group Pushes Puerto Rico Independence, Citing Cost Savings
A new proposal from the Puerto Rican Alliance, a pro-independence group, claims the U.S. could save over $600 billion by ending federal support to Puerto Rico through programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and nutrition assistance. (The Daily Mail)
The group has circulated the document among Trump-era officials, but the plan has no formal backing. Critics say it reframes colonial withdrawal as a budget cut — with little regard for Puerto Rico’s long-term needs. (The Latino Newsletter)
📌 What to Know
PRÁ’s proposal outlines significant policy shifts such as:
Ending U.S. birthright citizenship for Puerto Ricans within 21 months.
Creating a $36 billion annual “Puerto Rico Transition Fund” for 20 years to ease economic disruption.
Establishing a transition commission, though details on leadership and execution remain unclear.
If independence were pursued, Puerto Rican businesses and residents could face reduced access to U.S. capital, trade benefits, and other federal programs, including Medicare, Social Security, and disaster aid.
❎A Political Reality Check
In the November 2024 plebiscite, 58.61% of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood, while 11.82% supported independence.
Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón, a Republican and statehood advocate, rejected PRÁ’s proposal, emphasizing that most Puerto Ricans favor statehood, not independence.
The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration denied reports of a “secret plan” but acknowledged ongoing discussions about Puerto Rico’s political future.
⚖️ Congressional Inaction on Puerto Rico's Status
Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act (H.R. 2070)
This bill proposes creating a status convention with elected delegates who would discuss Puerto Rico’s political options with federal officials. It was reintroduced in March 2023 by Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ).
Puerto Rico Status Act (H.R. 8393)
This bill aims to provide Puerto Ricans with a binding democratic process to determine their political status. It passed the House in December 2022 but stalled in the Senate. It was introduced by Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), with bipartisan support, including Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR).
Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act (H.R. 1522)
This bill calls for Puerto Rico’s admission as a state. It was introduced in March 2021 by Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) and Resident Commissioner González-Colón, with the support of 51 members of the U.S. House of Representatives at the time.
Despite these proposals, Congress has not advanced any status resolution, leaving Puerto Rico’s political future uncertain. With a clear majority favoring statehood, independence remains a long shot without federal action. The ongoing stalemate raises a critical question:
Will Congress or the White House take action, or will outside groups shape Puerto Rico’s future?
📊 Poll: What should Puerto Rico’s political status be?
- Statehood (Puerto Rico becomes the 51st U.S. state)
- Independence (Puerto Rico becomes a fully sovereign nation)
- Free Association (Puerto Rico becomes independent but maintains a negotiated relationship with the U.S.)
- Maintain Current Territorial Status (Puerto Rico remains a U.S. territory with its existing political arrangement)
- I’m unsure and want to learn more
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Puerto Rico to Receive First U.S.-Sourced LNG Shipment Under New Deal
Puerto Rico will soon receive its first shipment of U.S.-sourced liquefied natural gas (LNG) under a new deal between Crowley and Naturgy Energy Group.
Officials say the move will stabilize fuel costs and improve reliability, but critics warn it further entrenches fossil fuel dependence and delays the island’s transition to renewable energy. (Associated Press).
Why LNG is Problematic
LNG vs. Renewable Energy Goals
Puerto Rico's 2019 energy law mandates 100% renewable energy by 2050, yet LNG projects continue to receive priority, contradicting legal commitments and slowing solar and wind adoption (Canary Media, 2024).
Economic and Long-Term Costs
LNG infrastructure is costly and locks Puerto Rico into decades of fuel dependence, diverting investments from sustainable energy.
Reliability Risks
While LNG is marketed as a stable energy source, experts highlight its vulnerabilities:
Hurricanes and disasters disrupt fuel imports and infrastructure.
Global price fluctuations make LNG financially unstable.
📊 Poll: What energy strategy should Puerto Rico focus on?
Coal Plant Extension Raises Concerns Over Community Health Risks
Puerto Rico lawmakers are weighing a bill that would eliminate the island’s 2028 coal phaseout and extend operations at the AES coal plant in Guayama through 2030, with the option of five-year renewals (Associated Press).
📌What to Know
The proposal, backed by Gov. Jenniffer González, comes as officials raise concerns about energy shortfalls; the plant currently supplies up to 20% of the island’s electricity.
The plan has drawn sharp opposition from environmental groups, health professionals, and some local mayors, who cite elevated cancer and respiratory illness rates near the plant and long-standing coal ash contamination (Medill Reports)
Advocates say rooftop solar and battery storage could meet energy needs without further harm to public health.
🔎Why it Matters
Health Impacts — Studies have linked coal ash exposure to cancer, lung disease, and other serious health issues for residents near the plant.
Energy vs. Public Health — While officials argue the plant is needed for grid reliability, opponents say continued coal use comes at a high cost to community health.
Renewable Alternatives — Federal funds have been available for solar and battery storage projects, which advocates say could replace AES without further health risks.
You Ask, We Answer
Do you have a question about Puerto Rico or renewable energy that you want answered? Let us know! Send your questions to [email protected] with the subject line “Community Question” and we may answer your question in an upcoming newsletter.
Homeland Security Secretary Pledges Support in First Puerto Rico Visit
In her first official visit to Puerto Rico, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she would explore ways to streamline FEMA’s permitting process to speed up disaster recovery. Speaking briefly to reporters, Noem said she wants to ensure residents receive the federal aid they were promised after years of power outages and stalled reconstruction following Hurricane Maria.
Noem met with Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón to discuss energy resilience, border security and federal partnerships.
Her visit came weeks after a wave of immigration raids on the island and included a ceremony honoring a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent who was killed in 2022. (Associated Press)
📌 What to Know
Streamlining FEMA processes
Secretary Noem aims to expedite FEMA approvals and requirements to facilitate quicker aid distribution.Addressing power grid funding delays
Despite FEMA funding allocations post-Hurricane María in 2017, Gov. González-Colón has criticized the federal government’s delay in releasing $18 billion designated for the power grid.Discussions on energy and border security
Noem and González-Colón engaged in talks focusing on energy infrastructure and border security, aiming to strengthen collaboration with federal agencies.Honoring fallen CBP agent
During her visit, Noem paid tribute to Michel O. Maceda, a Customs and Border Protection agent who was killed in 2022.
🔍Why it Matters
Puerto Rico’s transition to renewable energy depends on federal funding, but billions remain stalled. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether critical grid modernization projects move forward, or remain in limbo.
📊 Poll: What should be Puerto Rico's top priority in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security?
- 🚨 Expediting disaster recovery funds (Speed up FEMA aid and infrastructure rebuilding)
- 🌊 Enhancing border and maritime security (Improve protections against drug trafficking and illegal activity)
- ⚡ Modernizing energy infrastructure (Strengthen the power grid and improve energy resilience)
- 🤔 I'm unsure and want to learn more
Keep Us Honest!
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Trump Administration Halts Critical Affordable Housing Funding
The Trump administration has abruptly stopped a $1 billion program designed to preserve and upgrade affordable housing across the U.S. potentially impacting housing stability for thousands of low-income Americans. (Associated Press)
📌What to Know
Funding Freeze — The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, originally passed by Congress in 2022, has been terminated
Scope — Projects in 42 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico are affected
Impact — Approximately 25,000 affordable housing units are at risk
🔎Why it Matters
The program wasn't just about energy efficiency, it was a critical lifeline for maintaining affordable housing. By requiring recipients to keep units affordable for up to 25 years, the initiative protected vulnerable populations from housing insecurity.
This funding halt represents more than a budget cut. It's a potential catalyst for increased housing instability, particularly for seniors, low-income families, and communities already struggling with housing costs.
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