EPA Regional Administrator Visits Puerto Rico to Engage on Environmental Priorities and Energy Resiliency Efforts
San Juan, P.R. - EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci visited Puerto Rico to meet with the agency’s dedicated team, engage with Puerto Rico government leaders, and reaffirm EPA’s commitment to strengthening energy resilience, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory certainty—key priorities under EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative. His visit underscored EPA’s focus on building partnerships and driving real progress, as Puerto Rico works to improve its energy reliability.
During his time in Puerto Rico, Regional Administrator Martucci met with Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón and key agency officials to discuss how federal investments and clear regulations can help strengthen Puerto Rico’s energy sector and environmental protection systems.
"Puerto Rico’s path to a cleaner environment and a more reliable energy future depends on smart, practical solutions that safeguard public health and support economic growth," said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "By ensuring clear, consistent regulations and providing strategic support, EPA is working hand-in-hand with our partners to deliver lasting progress for the people of Puerto Rico."
As part of the visit, the Regional Administrator toured the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s San Juan Power Plant, engaging with energy leaders on ways to reduce emissions and ensure reliable power generation across the island. He also met with Puerto Rico’s new Energy Czar, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and other important entities that have a role in energy policy in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Regional Administrator Martucci met with officials from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) and environmental agencies to highlight ongoing efforts to enhance drinking water and wastewater systems, aligning with EPA’s commitment to stronger partnerships and infrastructure investment.
EPA’s Caribbean Environmental Protection Division (CEPD) staff also briefed the Regional Administrator on critical issues, including solid waste and landfill management, water infrastructure, and disaster recovery efforts. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting local solutions that protect public health and ensure a cleaner, more resilient Puerto Rico.
"The work being done by EPA’s team in Puerto Rico is instrumental in strengthening the island’s resilience—whether addressing environmental challenges, supporting recovery efforts, or ensuring access to clean water and reliable energy," said Regional Administrator Martucci.
As part of EPA’s broader commitment to economic and environmental stability, the Regional Administrator also met with the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) Board to discuss strategies for aligning environmental priorities with long-term economic recovery efforts. Looking ahead, EPA will continue working with government agencies, utilities, and local communities to advance solutions that modernize energy infrastructure, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance disaster resilience—critical for Puerto Rico’s environmental and economic future.
For more information on EPA’s work in Puerto Rico, visit the EPA in Puerto Rico website.
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