Trump-backed plan for Puerto Rico shifts from wind energy to U.S. natural gas and oil

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Full Story

After President Trump removed Democrat members from Puerto Rico’s financial oversight board for alleged wasteful spending, a new strategy is being promoted to address the territory’s debt. The plan focuses on moving away from wind energy and toward U.S.-sourced natural gas and oil. It also includes expanding manufacturing and restructuring the island’s power grid.

The proposed plan calls for private companies to rebuild Puerto Rico’s electric grid. Energy would be supplied through natural gas and nuclear power, rather than wind and solar.

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Another aspect involves re-shoring manufacturing to Puerto Rico. This would be supported by Trump’s trade policies and upgraded energy infrastructure.

The plan also includes permitting oil and natural gas exploration on the island. Profits from these activities would be shared between Puerto Rico and the United States.

Debt resolution is a key element, with a goal of ending the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s bankruptcy. The plan envisions finalizing a settlement with creditors.

The strategy calls for ending the financial oversight board’s role. Local leaders would then have full authority over Puerto Rico’s governance.

Supporters believe these steps will stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on foreign energy. They argue it will create jobs and stabilize the power grid.

Opponents express concern about environmental impacts and potential overreliance on fossil fuels. They advocate for maintaining or expanding renewable energy options.