U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm is set to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, emphasizing the commitment of the Biden administration to support clean and reliable energy solutions for all Americans. During her stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Granholm will focus on the administration's energy initiatives. In Puerto Rico, she will highlight substantial federal investments aimed at securing clean energy access through solar and battery storage enhancements, alongside upgrades to the electric grid.
The visit starts in the U.S. Virgin Islands today, where Granholm, accompanied by U.S. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, will tour the Randolph Harley Power Plant in St. Thomas.
On July 17 in Puerto Rico, the secretary, along with a Congressional delegation, will visit homeowners in Loiza and Arecibo who were among the first to benefit from federal funding for solar and battery storage installations.
The itinerary on July 18 includes engaging community leaders in Santa Isabel to encourage more residents to sign up for federal solar and battery storage installations, and a significant event in Coamo alongside USDA officials. Here, they will discuss investments aimed at enhancing energy resiliency in rural communities. Later that day, Granholm will meet with the Asociacion de Productores de Energía Renovable in Caguas to discuss further renewable energy initiatives.
Throughout the visit, Secretary Granholm is joined by several notable figures, including U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez and officials from the United States Department of Agriculture. The discussions will focus on expanding cruise tourism, improving infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels, and boosting the economic impact of cruise visitors on local businesses.
This is part of an effort to reinforce the U.S.'s commitment to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions across its territories. Granholm’s engagements across these islands aim to foster a deeper understanding and cooperation between federal authorities and local communities.
