Puerto Rico commits to solar incentives as mainland states pull back

Puerto Rico extends solar incentives while other states reduce them, showcasing commitment to renewable energy.

Gabriela Aoun Angueira reports for Grist.


In short:

  • Puerto Rico is maintaining its solar energy credits, diverging from the trend of states like California and Arkansas reducing such incentives.
  • The decision supports the island's ambitious clean energy goals and enhance energy security, especially in the face of frequent power outages.
  • This policy has garnered unanimous political support.

Key quote:

"It is our responsibility to promote the transformation of our electricity system and promote any initiative that aims to avoid: the excessive dependence on fossil fuels, environmental pollution and increasing the effects of climate change."

— Puerto Rican Law on solar energy incentives

Why this matters:

Puerto Rico's steadfast support for solar incentives not only aligns with broader environmental goals but also addresses the immediate need for energy resilience in disaster-prone areas, directly impacting health and safety outcomes.

LISTEN: Daniel Carrión on the "heat stroke or go broke" dilemma

Small uninhabited South Pacific island with a dozen palm trees
Photo by Buddy AN on Unsplash

China, climate crisis and Cop31: five takeaways from the Pacific Islands Forum

A key climate crisis funding treaty struck as Pacific leaders backed Australia’s bid for Cop31 despite some criticism of its environmental credentials
A river flowing between dry rocky bluffs

Experts warn Colorado River crisis demands immediate water cuts across the West

With reservoirs at less than one-third capacity, researchers say the Colorado River could reach dangerously low levels after another dry winter unless the federal government and seven Western states act quickly to reduce water use.

An air conditioning unit mounted on a wall.

A/C saves lives during heat waves. Will Los Angeles require it for rentals?

With extreme heat intensifying due to climate change, Los Angeles Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez is pushing for a citywide indoor temperature threshold that would require landlords to provide renters with cooling options.

A factory or power plant with smokestacks emitting pollution

Trump's EPA plans to stop making companies report their emissions

The EPA has proposed rescinding its long-standing greenhouse gas reporting program, which tracks emissions from thousands of facilities nationwide. Critics warn the move would blind policymakers, states, and the public to the true scale of climate pollution.

A breadfruit tree with three breadfruits hanging on a branch

Can this tree still save us? In some places it's barely hanging on

Long hailed as a climate-resilient staple, breadfruit is shrinking and failing in the Marshall Islands as heat, drought and saltwater intrusion batter trees and taint groundwater.

A hand reaching for cheese puffs in a white bowl

MAHA has a climate change blind spot

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make Our Children Healthy Again” plan promises action on toxics and food additives but ignores climate change, which scientists warn is the greatest health threat of our time.

Smiling people with signs marching in support of science.
Credit: Vlad Tchompalov/Unsplash

Judge allows Trump to cut more than $1bn in National Science Foundation grants

Court declined preliminary injunction in case brought by scientists seeking to halt purge of more than 1,600 grants.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.