Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ENVIRONMENTALISM & ENERGY
Energy issues have long sparked debate among Puerto Ricans, whose energy costs are twice
that of their US neighbors. After a massive explosion disabled the island's only refinery
in 2009, the energy crisis has been a constant challenge for environmentalists. A 2010 law
promised 12% in renewable energy sources by 2015, but this may not be easy - wind tur-
bines in the southwest were narrowly approved after conservationists protested the impact
on the critically endangered Puerto Rican nightjar bird. Most recently, the debate concerns
a 92-mile, $450-million natural gas pipeline proposed by Governor Luis Fortuno. Fortuno
claims that it would save $1 billion in annual energy costs and reduce 64% of carbon emis-
sions. The problem? The project is plagued with allegations of corruption (the Associated
Press reported that the $9.6 million contract was awarded to the governor's childhood friend)
and huge protests concerning the route through fragile ecosystems and several archaeologic-
al sites.
