Nogales Molinelli asks the Corps of Engineers for more time to comment on the report

The representative by accumulation Mariana Nogales Molinelli Today it requested the United States Corps of Engineers (USACE) to extend the comment period on the draft Integrated Feasibility and Environmental Assessment Report for the coasts of Puerto Rico by an additional 30 days.

Nogales, legislator for the Movement Victoria CiuadadanaHe states in a press release that if the days are not extended, it will end tomorrow without sectors interested in the topic being given the opportunity to participate.

Through a letter to the head of the USACE environmental branch, Nogales Molinelli emphasized that it was only on December 28 that a report from the Center for Investigative Journalism revealed that the 231-page document, which was only in English and with highly technical language, available for public evaluation. The attorney indicated that although the deadline for submitting comments began on Nov. 20 and an online seminar was held on Dec. 10, according to the USACE website, the promotion appears to have been insufficient as it did not reach many sectors. with interest, including you.

“We are in the midst of a pandemic that has affected our lives and limited access to information due to the decline in group activities in which people usually share information and concerns,” The legislator stressed by noting that residents of coastal communities as well as recognized members of the scientific community have expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed projects and the lack of sufficient time to analyze and comment on them.

Nogales Mollineli warned that USACE plans, including a plan that would remove some of the beaches of Rincón and San Juan to protect structures built for the sea, have the potential to deeply affect life and the environment in surrounding communities. to influence.

“For a real impact assessment, the Corps of Engineers must free up the space to listen to the people who will be affected by these projects, and to the coastal communities at the mercy of climate change who were excluded from these plans for failing. with certain economic criteria. To do this, we need more time and the information must be provided in a way that is accessible to the general public, ”said the legislator.