AGP Executive Report

Single-Use Plastics Enforcement: Puerto Rico’s Law 47-2025 working committee is finalizing recommendations to implement the territory’s single-use plastics rules, with DACO coordinating input from DRNA, business groups, and recycling industry reps. Harmful Algal Blooms: Officials warn that harmful algal blooms (including in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) can show up as scum or foam and may be hard to spot, posing health risks to people and pets. Water & Drought Forecasting: Virginia Tech experts say AI can help predict drought earlier, but it only works if satellite and water-use data collection keeps expanding. Puerto Rico Tourism & Sustainability: Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are pushing a multi-destination tourism strategy in Spain, aiming to boost air connectivity and joint initiatives tied to sustainability. Local Energy Resilience: UPR’s coastal research institute received $1.39M to expand erosion planning, strengthening coastal risk management. Media Accountability: Nielsen plans to stop audience measurement services in Puerto Rico by end of 2026, raising concerns about how the island’s media market will be tracked going into 2027.

Tourism & Sustainability: Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are pushing a new multi-destination strategy in Spain, with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company promoting the alliance through Discover Puerto Rico and campaigns aimed at boosting air connectivity and “sustainable” growth in the regional tourism sector. Coastal & Water Quality: Beach.com’s Global Beach Index 2026 crowned Trunk Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands as the world’s best beach, using NASA satellite data plus water clarity and large-scale review analysis—highlighting how protected areas and clear waters can drive both conservation value and visitor demand. Climate & Disaster Preparedness: A new documentary and panel event in Florida, “Our Gulf, Our Future: Voices from Cedar Key,” will focus on hurricane recovery and resilience in an environmentally sensitive coastal community, tying storm rebuilding to health and safety planning. Energy & Environment: Puerto Rico’s drought monitoring is stepping up as reservoir levels keep declining, underscoring ongoing water-stress pressures on the island. Local Energy: Mayagüez is investing $2.6 million in a solar energy project for the Central American Stadium, adding to Puerto Rico’s push for cleaner power.

Puerto Rico Media: Nielsen says it will stop its audience-ratings measurement services on the island at the end of 2026, raising fears that Puerto Rico could enter 2027 without a shared, independent “audience currency” for advertisers and media buyers. Energy & Resilience (Mayagüez): The municipality of Mayagüez starts a $2.595 million solar-plus-battery project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut electricity use and keep operations running during outages. Clean Energy Finance: Enhanced Capital released its 2025 Community Impact Report, highlighting environmental sustainability investments, including clean energy capacity installed and deployment of private capital across underserved communities. Procurement Modernization (ASG/PR): Glass announced an AI-powered procurement catalog built with Puerto Rico’s ASG to standardize how government purchases are classified, aiming to improve oversight and public spending accuracy. Wildlife & Climate Science: The Ecological Society of America’s annual meeting opened in Salt Lake City amid warnings about the Great Salt Lake’s tipping-point conditions, spotlighting how climate-driven water loss is reshaping ecosystems. Disaster Preparedness: A new preparedness guide urges Puerto Rico residents and families to build go-kits and stay-at-home kits and plan for up to two weeks after major weather disruptions.

Energy Resilience in Puerto Rico: UMass Amherst is convening Puerto Rican and Western Massachusetts partners to share lessons on energy resilience after Hurricane Maria, with a bilingual forum in Holyoke focused on climate justice and community-led solutions. Local Solar Push: Mayagüez has started a $2.595 million solar project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium, adding photovoltaic power plus battery storage to cut electricity costs and keep operations running during outages. Hurricane Tracking: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Hurricane Genevieve in the Eastern Pacific, warning that even weaker storms can trigger inland flash flooding. Air Travel Update: San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport saw passenger traffic drop 3.5% in the first half of the year, handling 3.46M travelers. Marine Life & Contamination: A PBS feature on Vieques highlights how climate change and pollution are reshaping fishing and reef life for local communities. Wildlife Protection Policy: The Trump administration is rolling back Endangered Species Act habitat protections, arguing states can manage safeguards—while experts warn most states lack comparable protections.

Energy Resilience: UMass Amherst is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through “Puerto Rican Power,” a forum and longer-term partnership focused on energy resilience and climate justice after lessons from Hurricane Maria. Renewables in Puerto Rico: Mayagüez has started a $2.595 million solar-plus-battery project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut electricity costs and keep power during outages. Marine Life & Climate Impacts: A PBS feature, “Farmers of the Sea,” highlights how climate change and contamination are reshaping Vieques fishing—reefs and species are changing, pushing catches farther and reducing lobster and conch. Conservation Policy: The Trump administration’s rollback of Endangered Species Act habitat protections is sparking warnings that states can’t fully replace federal safeguards. Wildlife Trade Watch: A new study finds critically endangered sawfish teeth are still being used as cockfighting spurs across Latin America despite bans. Local Air Travel: San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín Airport saw passenger traffic drop 3.5% in the first half of the year.

Solar Push in Mayagüez: The municipality has started a $2.595 million photovoltaic solar project with battery storage at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut electricity costs and keep power during outages. Energy Resilience Link-Up: A UMass Amherst initiative is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through community-led conversations on energy resilience and climate justice after lessons from Hurricane Maria. Vieques Fishing Under Pressure: A PBS-featured documentary, “Farmers of the Sea,” highlights how climate change and contamination tied to decades of Navy bombing range impacts are reshaping marine life and lobster and conch fishing around Vieques. Endangered Species Protections Rollback: The Trump administration is removing federal habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act, with experts warning states can’t fully replace the lost safeguards. Puerto Rico Air Travel Dip: ASUR reports San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín airport handled 3.46M passengers in the first half, down 3.5% year over year. Coqui Frog Risk in Hawaii: Puerto Rico-native coqui frogs are being reported again on Kauai, prompting calls to stop new introductions through plant and nursery shipments.

Solar Resilience in Mayagüez: The municipality has started a $2.595 million photovoltaic solar project for the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium, adding a Battery Energy Storage System to cut electricity costs and keep stadium operations running during outages. Energy Resilience Across the Diaspora: UMass Amherst is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through a forum and research effort focused on post–Hurricane Maria lessons, climate justice, and community-led energy resilience. Vieques Fishing Under Pressure: A PBS documentary, “Farmers of the Sea,” highlights how climate change and contamination are reshaping Vieques fishing, with residents reporting reef and catch declines. Local Air Travel Watch: ASUR reports passenger traffic at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport fell 3.5% in the first half of the year, with 125,400 fewer travelers than last year. Endangered Species Rule Shift: The Trump administration’s rollback of habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act is drawing warnings that states may not be able to replace federal safeguards. Wildlife Trade Alert: A new study says sawfish teeth are still being used as cockfighting spurs in Latin America despite bans, including links to Puerto Rico.

Climate & Coasts: The Coastal Research and Planning Institute of Puerto Rico (CoRePI-PR) received a $1.39M CDBG-MIT grant extension to expand coastal erosion education and planning, aiming to help 44 coastal municipalities prepare for sea-level rise, stronger storms, and worsening erosion. Energy Resilience: UMass Amherst is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through a project built on Hurricane Maria lessons, including a bilingual forum focused on climate justice and more equitable, resilient power systems. Marine Life & Contamination: A new PBS film, “Farmers of the Sea,” spotlights Vieques fishers facing shrinking catches as reefs change and pollution and warming push fishing farther from shore. Local Planning Capacity: The Puerto Rico government is stepping up drought monitoring as reservoir levels keep declining, underscoring water stress risks for communities. Public Health: Dengue cases in the U.S. have topped 500 in 2026, with the Aedes aegypti mosquito expanding north—an added pressure point for Puerto Rico’s region. Wildlife Protection Policy: The Trump administration rolled back Endangered Species Act habitat protections, and experts warn states may not be able to fill the gap. Infrastructure: FEMA approved more than $36M for Puerto Rico hurricane recovery projects, supporting rebuilding and resilience work.

Coastal Resilience Funding: The University of Puerto Rico’s Coastal Research and Planning Institute (CoRePI-PR) won a $1.39M grant extension to expand its coastal erosion education and planning work, boosting the project’s total investment to $3.81M and aiming to help 44 coastal municipalities plan for climate-driven erosion and harsher storms. Public Health & Climate Risk: Dengue cases in the U.S. have topped 500 in 2026 as the Aedes aegypti mosquito expands north, widening the risk window for local transmission. Wildlife Protection Policy: The federal government is no longer protecting endangered species habitats, with experts warning states can’t fully replace the lost safeguards. Infrastructure for Emergencies: The U.S. House approved $33.5M for an emergency water treatment system at Fort Buchanan, plus continued authorization for microgrid and backup power work. Local Environment Watch: Coqui frogs—native to Puerto Rico—are being reported again in Hawaii’s Kauai, prompting renewed invasive-species efforts.

Coastal Resilience Funding: The University of Puerto Rico’s Coastal Research and Planning Institute (CoRePI-PR) received a $1.39 million grant extension to expand coastal erosion education and planning for Puerto Rico’s 44 coastal municipalities, aiming to strengthen local capacity as climate change and severe weather intensify. Wildlife Protection: A new study warns that critically endangered sawfish teeth are still being used in illegal cockfighting across Latin America, including Puerto Rico, despite bans—researchers urge stronger enforcement and action against hidden trade. Local Water Security: The U.S. House approved $33.5 million for an emergency water treatment system at Fort Buchanan, designed to keep the installation running during service interruptions, disasters, and emergencies. Community Action: Volunteers are being sought for Volusia County’s International Coastal Cleanup, targeting beach and waterway trash—an example of hands-on pollution prevention that Puerto Rico readers may want to mirror locally. Invasive Species Alert: Coqui frogs, native to Puerto Rico, are being reported again in Hawaii’s Kauai after eradication efforts, with officials urging residents to report sightings to prevent spread. Aviation & Safety History: The long-lost wreckage of a 1952 Pan Am plane off Puerto Rico was found after 74 years, highlighting how the crash reshaped commercial flight safety briefings.

Coastal Resilience Funding: The University of Puerto Rico’s Coastal Research and Planning Institute (CoRePI-PR) received a $1.39 million grant extension to expand its coastal erosion education and planning program, boosting the project’s total investment to more than $3.81 million; the effort will deliver up-to-date, peer-reviewed guidance to municipalities and planners as climate change and severe weather intensify shoreline damage. Endangered Species Protections: A major federal rollback to the Endangered Species Act would remove habitat protections for forests, wetlands, deserts and other “critical habitats,” shifting responsibility to states—critics warn most states lack comparable safeguards to prevent habitat destruction. Emergency Water Security: The U.S. House approved $33.5 million for an emergency water treatment system at Fort Buchanan, aimed at keeping the installation’s water supply running during disasters and service interruptions, alongside extending backup power and microgrid authorization. Aviation Safety History, Found in Puerto Rico Waters: The Pan Am Clipper Endeavor wreckage—linked to reforms like mandatory pre-flight safety briefings—was located off Puerto Rico using sonar, ending a 74-year search after the 1952 crash killed 52 people.

Deep-Sea Discovery: A research team has captured the first images of the Pan Am Clipper Endeavor wreck off Puerto Rico, found about 2,000 feet down using a sonar-equipped drone—closing a 74-year mystery tied to a crash that killed 52 and helped drive modern mandatory pre-flight safety briefings. Wildlife Protection Rollback: The Trump administration is ending federal protections for endangered species habitats, arguing states can manage safeguards, but experts warn most states lack the legal tools to prevent habitat destruction. Water Scarcity Focus: Puerto Rico’s industrial sector is pushing water reuse and recycling to cut drinking-water demand, citing real-world examples like a Gurabo plant recycling over 70% of water. Air Quality & Disruptions: Smoke from Canadian wildfires and severe weather have triggered flight delays and cancellations affecting travelers through Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Local Resilience & Recovery: FEMA approved more than $36 million for Puerto Rico hurricane recovery projects, supporting rebuilding efforts.

Aviation Safety, Puerto Rico: Searchers located the wreck of Pan Am’s Clipper Endeavor, a DC-4 that crashed off Puerto Rico in 1952, using an autonomous sonar drone; the discovery ends a 74-year mystery and highlights how the tragedy helped drive today’s mandatory passenger safety briefings and better flotation rules. Wildlife Protection: The Trump administration rolled back federal protections for endangered species habitats, with experts warning states can’t realistically replace the lost safeguards. Water & Industry: Puerto Rico’s water scarcity push is moving from talk to action, with manufacturers urged to cut drinking-water demand through recycling and reuse in industrial processes. Energy Efficiency: A DOE weatherization effort wrapped up in Puerto Rico, upgrading 103 low-income homes to reduce energy costs and improve safety and resilience. Air Quality & Travel Disruptions: Smoke from Canadian wildfires and severe storms have disrupted flights at SJU, with dozens of delays and cancellations tied to worsening regional conditions. Disaster Response Context: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana as slow-moving tropical-storm conditions spread, underscoring how quickly weather can escalate into major impacts.

Aviation Safety, Puerto Rico Waters: Search teams located the wreck of Pan Am’s Clipper Endeavor, a Douglas DC-4 that ditched off Puerto Rico in 1952, killing 52 people. The find—using an autonomous sonar drone to identify the fuselage and tail under about 2,000 feet of water—revives a key environmental-and-safety lesson from the Atlantic: better life-vest access and mandatory preflight passenger briefings became standard after the crash. Energy Efficiency, Housing Resilience: The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) finished a Weatherization Assistance Program phase in Puerto Rico, upgrading 103 low-income homes to cut energy costs and improve safety and resilience for older adults and people with disabilities. Water Security, Local Governance: A new report argues Puerto Rico’s water crisis keeps triggering big, disruptive infrastructure proposals while planning and maintenance at the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) lag behind. Wildlife & Water Quality: An AP report from Sint Maarten describes a massive fish kill in a canal, with officials and scientists pointing to a sharp oxygen drop—an urgent reminder of how quickly water conditions can collapse in hot, dry months.

Water & Drought Monitoring: Puerto Rico officials say they’re keeping a close watch on reservoirs, rivers, and drinking-water systems as drought persists, with Carraízo and Cidra under heightened observation and reservoir operations adjusted to conserve supply. FEMA Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $36 million in Public Assistance for Puerto Rico hurricane and storm recovery, including over $15M for Arecibo’s Pancho Padilla basketball court repairs, nearly $9.8M for airport restoration in Aguadilla, and funding for road and emergency protective measures after Tropical Storm Ernesto. Subsea Heritage Discovery: Eco Minerals’ Deep Sea Vision says it located the wreck of the Pan Am Clipper Endeavor off northern Puerto Rico, nearly 75 years after the crash, using an autonomous underwater vehicle in collaboration with the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation. Local Water Crisis Critique: A commentary argues Puerto Rico’s water problems have been met with big, environmentally damaging infrastructure plans and privatization that failed, calling out weak planning and maintenance at the AAA as root issues. Workplace Protections: Puerto Rico’s Office of the Women’s Advocate released a compliance roadmap for lactation rooms under Act 87-2025, urging employers to update policies and procedures beyond just physical space.

Disaster Recovery in Puerto Rico: FEMA approved more than $36 million in Public Assistance for hurricane and storm recovery, including over $15M for permanent repairs in Arecibo, nearly $9.8M for airport restoration in Aguadilla, road work in Naranjito and Lares, and emergency protective measures for PREPA after Tropical Storm Ernesto. Research & Resilience: The University of Puerto Rico won a $9 million NSF grant to build AI-based sustainable STEM research capacity and resilient energy systems across multiple UPR campuses. Climate & Wildlife Policy: A new federal move to roll back Endangered Species Act habitat protections is drawing warnings that states can’t realistically replace federal safeguards—raising risks for forests, wetlands, deserts, and other critical areas. Air Quality Impacts: Smoke from Canadian wildfires disrupted travel, with Puerto Rico’s airport canceling flights and thousands of passengers affected. Workplace Compliance: Puerto Rico’s Office of the Women’s Advocate issued a compliance guide for lactation rooms under Act 87-2025, urging employers to update policies and operations for remote and off-site workers.