Renewable Energy for US Territories Act reintroduced in US House

On July 23, Representatives Ted Lieu (D) of California, Stacey Plaskett (D) of the United States Virgin Islands, James Moylan (R) of Guam, and Pablo Hernandez (PDP, D) of Puerto Rico reintroduced the Renewable Energy for US Territories Act in the US House of Representatives. This effort to take part in a grant program allowing for renewable energy investments in the territories is sponsored by representatives from across the aisle. In theory, grants would be awarded to nonprofit organizations in order to increase energy efficiency while protecting the islands from future climate disasters.

“Climate change is here, and we need resilient infrastructure that can handle what is to come,” Representative Lieu said. “Over the past decade, our US territories have been devastated by some of the worst extreme weather events, exemplifying the consequences of critical infrastructure failure.”

For many of those residing on the islands, extreme weather occurrences have become increasingly commonplace. In Puerto Rico, territory-wide blackouts routinely render at-risk communities in danger of losing critical care. Long-term, sustainable solutions in the form of smart grids and renewable energy work to ensure that the future of the island is safe for future generations. 

Many Representatives expressed hope for the future when discussing the reintroduction of the Renewable Energy Act. Republican delegate James Moylan recounted past events in Guam’s history.

“Typhoon Mawar was a wake-up call for Guam,” Delegate Moylan said. “It exposed just how vulnerable our energy systems are, and how high the stakes can be when they fail.” 

Moylan’s sense of urgency is shared by territorial residents in need of energy systems that work from the ground up, preventing future disasters from endangering their lives and well-being. 

The reintroduction of the Renewable Energy for US Territories Act seeks to revitalize energy infrastructure while providing communities with sustainable solutions to pressing environmental issues. This bipartisan effort is the first step towards making that dream a reality for the people of the islands.