With Power Out Yet Again, Sierra Club De Puerto Rico Calls for Massive Investments in Energy Grid

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 18 -- The Sierra Club issued the following news release:

Today, Puerto Rico suffered an island-wide power outage impacting hospitals and emergency services. This is the second widespread power outage this month on the island. Over 1.5 million U.S. citizens will be without power for at least 24 to 36 hours.

In response, Jose Menendez, Chapter Chair for Sierra Club de Puerto Rico, issued the following statement:

"We are nearing 7 months since Hurricane Maria and all residents of Puerto Rico are once again without power. Many experts have put out comprehensive plans to fix Puerto Rico's electric grid and and ensure access to lifesaving medical and emergency services for the island's 1.5 million U.S. citizens. Now it's up to Congress to fully fund the rebuilding of the grid and the Governor of Puerto Rico to provide the much needed leadership. Congress has yet to provide the real money needed for full recovery, and the executive branch has been frankly hostile to the people of Puerto Rico every day since the hurricane.

"We are building our own recovery here in Puerto Rico, but without significant investment from Congress, our grid will continue to fail whenever the wind blows or someone digs in the wrong spot. Congress and the White House would never allow this to happen to U.S. residents in Texas or Florida. We are at the mercy of elected officials who do not seem to value the people of Puerto Rico as highly as their constituents on the mainland."