For Immediate Release // Para publicación inmediata: April 17, 2025
Contact // Contacto: media@hispanicfederation.org
Hispanic Federation’s Statement on the Island-Wide Blackout in Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR – In reaction to the April 16 island-wide blackout in Puerto Rico, Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, released the following statement:
“Once again, the centralized energy system in Puerto Rico proves that it cannot continue to be the only alternative that provides access to electric power services. We need to turn the frustration we feel during this island-wide blackout into a clear and forceful demand to the government for an immediate transition to a decentralized system powered by renewable energy. Since the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Hispanic Federation has been leading advocacy on the island to advance energy resilience across the archipelago and to improve access to services in vulnerable areas. We demand that Congress take action to ensure that the federal government effectively serves the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico and that we take meaningful action to achieve energy justice for Puerto Rico.
The people of Puerto Rico can no longer endure widespread blackouts that put their lives at risk – especially those who depend on electric equipment to survive daily. Enough is enough! Hispanic Federation will continue taking strong steps to achieve the energy justice we deserve. We stand with you, Puerto Rico. At a time when the White House is overtly trying to lay claim to Greenland, we must remind the federal government to take accountability for its responsibilities to the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico and invest in the archipelago.”
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Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 42 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
