Jenniffer González-Colón has been elected governor of Puerto Rico, winning a third consecutive term for her pro-statehood party. A majority of voters in the latest plebiscite expressed support for statehood. And Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president raises questions about how federal policies will impact the island’s energy future, political status, and recovery efforts.

In this issue:

Big decisions lie ahead. Let’s break them down.

Jenniffer González-Colón of the pro-statehood Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) was elected governor of Puerto Rico Nov. 5 with 39% of the vote, marking a third consecutive term for the party.

González-Colón’s record:

Her recent call to dissolve LUMA’s contract reflects a shift, but her plans still favor private operators over public management.

Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition is at a crossroads. With studies showing the potential for 100% rooftop solar energy, will González-Colón prioritize long-term sustainability or continue reliance on transitional fossil fuels?

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.

In Puerto Rico’s November elections, voters chose:

While statehood won again, the vote was non-binding and doesn’t compel Congress to act. 

Puerto Rico’s political status has direct implications for federal funding, regulations, and its renewable energy future. The growing support for statehood and independence signals a shifting landscape.

However, the exclusion of the commonwealth option in the referendum has sparked criticism, as many Puerto Ricans view it as disregarding a status that still has significant support, leading to concerns about the vote’s inclusivity and legitimacy.

As we head into 2025, these competing proposals could shape Puerto Rico’s energy and economic future for years to come.

The Puerto Rico Status Act (H.R. 2757) referendum in 2025 offers binding options for statehood, independence, or free association. This act has gained traction in Congress, with a Florida House GOP member signing on as its 100th co-sponsor.

But some argue it leaves out the current commonwealth status, which many Puerto Ricans still support.

In response, the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act (H.R.2070) offers an alternative. 

Introduced by Senators Robert Menéndez (D-NJ) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), along with Representatives Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), it proposes a more inclusive, grassroots-driven process by allowing Puerto Ricans to decide their future through a constitutional assembly. 

But critics say it lacks the binding certainty of the Status Act, leaving the decision in limbo.

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Donald Trump’s re-election signals potential challenges for Puerto Rico’s energy transition and federal aid.

With Republicans regaining control of the Senate, structural changes such as statehood appear unlikely.

Puerto Rico’s transition to renewable energy and political self-determination will face heightened federal resistance.

At Connect Puerto Rico, accuracy is our priority. If you spot a factual error in this newsletter, we want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us maintain the high standards you expect and deserve.

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New Fortress Energy (NFE) is facing significant financial difficulties, which may affect its operations, particularly in Puerto Rico.

NFE has alerted investors that it may not be able to continue its operations unless it can refinance its debt, raising concerns about potential bankruptcy and its impact on ongoing projects, including those in Puerto Rico.

The financial situation at NFE could have several consequences for Puerto Rico:

Support diversification of energy sources in Puerto Rico: Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy investments, focusing on stability and sustainability for Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure. Organizations like Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Coalition are working to drive change.

Advocate for alternative energy: To ensure long-term energy resilience, consider supporting initiatives like Energy Justice Puerto Rico which advocates for energy justice and community-led renewable energy projects.

The AREPR (Archivo de Respuestas Emergencias de Puerto Rico) Project just secured a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to preserve and share Puerto Rico’s community-driven disaster response efforts. This funding will help document how local groups have stepped up during hurricanes, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic—critical knowledge that could help strengthen future disaster preparedness.

Led by Christina Boyles from Indiana University, the project seeks to ensure local solutions aren’t lost when the next disaster strikes. By capturing and digitizing community records—meeting notes, oral histories, and photos—the project is creating a valuable archive that helps prevent communities from starting over in times of crisis.

Support community-driven disaster resilience efforts: Learn more about the AREPR Project and consider donating to support its work. Visit their website to contribute and find out more.

Get involved with local community archives: If you’re part of a community organization that responded to disasters, reach out to the project to potentially contribute your group’s materials. Contact Christina Boyles at [email protected] to get started.

Puerto Rico’s colonial status continues to undermine its ability to address climate change on the global stage, as highlighted at COP29.

🗣️Shoutout to our friends Carlos Berrios Polanco, 9 Millones, and The Latino Newsletter for reporting and co-publishing the story!

Understand the Goals: Read about COP29’s priorities for climate finance and mitigation (UNFCCC COP29 Overview).

Amplify Local Voices: Support Puerto Rican organizations advocating for equitable climate policies, such as Cambio PR.

At Connect Puerto Rico, we’re dedicated to highlighting in-depth reporting and providing critical context on the policies, investments, and innovations shaping Puerto Rico’s transition to renewable energy.

Your support helps us uncover the stories that matter, build networks to drive change, and ensure Puerto Rico’s communities are at the forefront of progress.

Together, we can shine a light on opportunities and solutions that build a sustainable, resilient future for Puerto Rico.

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