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

The representative by accumulation Mariana Nogales Molinelli today called on the United States Corps of Engineers (USACE) to extend by another 30 days the comment period on the draft Integrated Feasibility and Environmental Assessment Report off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Nogales, legislator for The Victoria Ciuadadana movementHe said in a press release that if the deadline is not extended, it will expire tomorrow without sectors with an interest in the subject having the opportunity to participate.

In a letter to the head of the USACE environmental subsidiary, Nogales Molinelli pointed out that it was not until 28 December that a report by the Center for Investigative Journalism revealed that the 231-page document, published in English only and in extremely technical language, was available for public evaluation. The lawyer indicated that although the deadline for comments started on November 20 and, according to the USACE website, an online seminar took place on December 10, the promotion seems 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 declining group activities in which people usually share information and concerns.” The legislator pointed out that both the residents of the coastal communities and the recognized members of the scientific community expressed concern 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 one that would remove some of Rincón and San Juan beaches to protect structures built in front of the sea, have the potential to profoundly affect life and the environment in surrounding communities.

“For a true impact assessment, the Corps of Engineers must make room to listen to the people who will be affected by these projects, as well as the coastal communities at the mercy of climate change that have been excluded from these plans for non-compliance. with certain economic criteria. For this we need more time and for the information to be provided in a way accessible to the general public “, said the legislator.