Recent policy changes from the Trump administration are affecting the territory of Puerto Rico, impacting areas from environmental funding to language requirements and immigration enforcement. These actions align with the administration's focus on national energy independence and federal authority.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program. A FEMA press release stated this action was aimed at ending "wasteful, politicized" programs and returning the agency to its core mission.
This termination impacts applications for mitigation funding, including one from the Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service that sought nearly $1.6 million for landslide education in the RÃo Grande de Añasco watershed.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of federal policy changes on climate research funding in Puerto Rico. A summary notes potential effects on grants from agencies like NASA and NOAA, impacting studies on coastal erosion and extreme weather events.
Globally, Puerto Rico ranks sixth among countries most affected by the climate crisis, according to a Climate Risk Index report published by the international organization Germanwatch. Research on sea level rise and related issues is viewed as important given this context.
Separate federal actions include an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. While proponents argue this promotes a unified society, it introduces federal pressure on language policy. Puerto Rico's Official Languages Act from 1902 and a subsequent law in 1993 previously established English and Spanish as co-official languages.
Changes in immigration policy are also affecting the island. Executive orders focusing on border security and reinterpreting birthright citizenship have prompted increased U.S. Coast Guard presence and raised questions about the status of individuals born in Puerto Rico regardless of parental immigration status.
The administration's stance on federal authority in environmental matters is further evidenced by Justice Department filed lawsuits against several states. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated these state actions conflict with federal authority and the President's energy dominance agenda, potentially threatening energy independence. This approach signals how federal policy may interact with local initiatives in Puerto Rico.
Local responses to challenges include efforts by groups like Casa Pueblo promoting renewable energy projects on the island. Past events such as the Hurricane Maria response and comments made at a MAGA rally comment remain points of discussion among residents.
