# What This Bill Does

This bill creates a new grant program to help Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands switch to renewable energy like solar and wind power. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would run the program and award money to nonprofit organizations in these territories to fund clean energy projects. The goal is to reduce these islands' dependence on fossil fuels and help them build more reliable, sustainable power systems.

Organizations receiving grants can use the money for several types of projects: building solar or wind systems, improving energy efficiency in buildings, installing battery storage to save power for later, upgrading electrical grids to be "smarter" and more efficient, or training local residents to work in the renewable energy field. The bill specifically prohibits using grant money for fossil fuel or nuclear power plants—it's strictly for clean energy solutions. The Department of Energy would also provide free technical advice to help organizations succeed with their projects.

Beyond the grant program, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study renewable energy opportunities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands within six months. This study would examine how realistic it is to convert existing power systems to renewables, expand local microgrids (smaller, independent power networks that can operate on their own), and improve the islands' ability to keep power running during emergencies and natural disasters. The government would then report back to Congress with findings and recommendations for additional steps.

The bill addresses a real challenge these territories face: they currently rely heavily on imported diesel fuel for electricity, which makes power expensive and unreliable. By investing in renewable energy and modernizing their electrical systems, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands could lower energy costs for residents and businesses, create local jobs in the clean energy sector, and build more resilient power systems that can better withstand hurricanes and other emergencies.

Renewable Energy for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Act

Lieu, Ted

Renewable Energy for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Act This bill addresses renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a grant program under which USDA may award grants for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency activities, energy storage, smart grids, or microgrids. In addition, USDA may award grants to train residents of Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands to develop, construct, maintain, or operate renewable energy systems. The Department of Energy must ensure that its national laboratories offer to provide technical assistance to grant recipients. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on renewable energy and energy efficiency in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.