Vocero: “Not a drop of water for Esencia” — AAA/PREPA

On August 27, 2026, El Vocero reported AAA and PREPA opposition to public supply for Esencia, with Sen. María de Lourdes Santiago Negrón summarizing: “There cannot be a drop of water for Esencia from the Betances plant… or from the Valle de Lajas irrigation system.”

AAA put demand above 1.25 million gallons per day and ruled out Betances and Lajas Urbano. PREPA added that Lajas irrigation is at capacity and urged caution on wells over saltwater intrusion. CTPR limited its role to tax benefits and a conditioned recommendation — without certifying water.

Beatriz Llenín Figueroa (Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo) asked how OGPe approved the EIS in December 2025 and the location consultation in July 2026 despite those reservations. Santiago said that with Betances and Lajas ruled out, the inquiry turns to wells (~2 MGD alleged) and that the solar proposal (~12 MW / up to 90 cuerdas per cited experts) would be for LUMA to evaluate. Hearing opposition ≠ court judgment; consultation ≠ building permit. Primary: El Vocero 2026-08-27 (waiver).

Source: El Vocero. https://www.elvocero.com/gobierno/no-puede-haber-una-gota-de-agua-para-esencia-aaa-y-aee-se-oponen-al/article_34c3c6fe-afcd-4a08-86cf-43d7bc4a9b08.html