(Washington Insider Magazine)-When Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico on September 18th, the storm crippled the island. Although power was restored to many homes and businesses, 349,000 still remained without power.
On Tuesday, Puerto Rico’s governor, Pedro Pierluisa, wrote a letter to President Biden requesting a waiver of the federal law to allow more fuel shipments to the island. This was a vital step toward national preservation, as fuel shortages would have heavy implications on health and quality of life on the island. He was able to confirm that diesel shortages are reaching devastating levels, and are now lower due to the unprecedented weather events.
On Wednesday, September 28th, the Biden administration addressed Puerto Rico’s immediate energy and other vital needs in the wake of a devastating hurricane, by approving a waiver of U.S. shipping rules.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas approved a temporary and federal waiver allowing increased trade and support flowing to Puerto Rico. The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was last used as a basis for trade law change in the last emergency, as Great Britain sent through shipments to support quality of life.
The Jones Act requires all ships ferried between ports to be built, owned, and crewed by Americans, and flying the United States flag. This waiver would lift that stipulation and allow other ships to come to the aid of Puerto Rico. This decision was made with the goal of providing the area with enough fuel to survive the upcoming cooler months.
This action has been taken in the past, such as during Hurricane Maria in 2017. The island is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Maria almost five years ago. (A new hurricane, Ian was due to make landfall on September 28th.)
New York Mayor, Eric Adams flew to Puerto Rico to identify the needs of the people, and see how New York City can best help the people rebuild. He stated that Puerto Rico was New York’s sixth borough.
