A proposed amended contract between Puerto Rico’s government and the operator of a coal-fired power plant accused of contaminating low-income communities on the island drew scrutiny Monday during a heated public hearing, the Associated Press reported. Environmentalists and lawyers demanded to see the redacted details of the proposed amendments sought by AES Puerto Rico LP as they accused officials during the hearing held by Puerto Rico’s Energy Bureau of withholding key information that would affect those living in the U.S. territory. “It can say anything under those blackouts,” said Víctor Alvarado, environmental affairs secretary for the Puerto Rican Independence Party. “This is like a blank check,” added Myrna Conty Hernández, an environmentalist and community leader. If approved, the amended contract would go into effect Dec. 1. It is expected to lead to an increase in power bills that are already among the highest of any U.S. jurisdiction and award more money to a company that has come under the scrutiny of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is testing air and water in the region.
