Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and Genera Resolve Violations of the Clean Air Act with EPA
NEW YORK (July 24, 2025) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and Genera PR, LLC, which are respectively the owner and operator of the Palo Seco steam electric power generating facility located in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico have agreed to comply with reporting and testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The terms are detailed in a settlement that involves the operation of stationary combustion turbines, so-called MobilePacs, that were placed on island because of the hurricanes of 2017. In addition to complying, the two parties will pay a combined total of $145,000 penalty for the past Clean Air Act violations.
“EPA is sensitive to Puerto Rico’s energy crisis. This action helps ensure that PREPA and Genera comply with their air permit and with the Clean Air Act,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “This settlement does not impede the generation of energy in Puerto Rico. It ensures that the people of Puerto Rico are protected from air pollution and can access records related to the compliance of the MobilePacs with the Clean Air Act.”
EPA has consulted with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and worked cooperatively with Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and Genera PR, LLC to move forward on this matter in the interests of the people of Puerto Rico. As a result of the agreement PREPA and Genera will take the following steps in accordance with the required regulations:
- Comply with the fuel limits contained in their November 2022 permit issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
- Conduct timely tests of the MobilePac units annually
- Submit testing reports and semi-annual reports to the enforcement agencies
In addition, both parties have also agreed to post copies of all past-due and forthcoming semi-annual compliance reports and testing results to a public-facing website.
Despite dramatic progress cleaning the air since 1970, air pollution in the United States continues to harm people’s health and the environment. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA continues to work with state, local and tribal governments, other federal agencies, and stakeholders to reduce air pollution and the damage that it causes.
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