Resident Commissioner Introduces Amendment to Strengthen Congressional Oversight of the Financial Oversight & Management Board, Net Metering Policies, and PREPA Bankruptcy

Click HERE for a video of the Resident Commissioner’s remarks.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera introduced an amendment during a House Natural Resources Committee markup that aimed at enhancing congressional oversight over the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) for Puerto Rico, particularly in its handling of Net Metering policies and the ongoing Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) bankruptcy proceedings.

Although the Resident Commissioner’s amendment did not pass the Committee’s markup, it still earned bipartisan support from Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), U.S. Representatives Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), and Tom McClintock (R-Calif.). Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) also said he agreed with the spirit of the amendment.

“The Oversight Board’s stance on Net Metering has serious consequences for Puerto Rico’s residents, businesses, and our renewable energy future. Congress must also ensure transparency and scrutiny over this never-ending PREPA bankruptcy. After seven years of federal supervision, it’s time to hold the overseers accountable,” said Hernández.

The amendment called for the House Natural Resources Committee to conduct heightened oversight of the Board’s management of PREPA’s bankruptcy litigation. Given the complexity of the proceedings and their far-reaching consequences, Hernández stressed the importance of congressional oversight in ensuring that Puerto Rico’s residents are not unfairly burdened by the outcomes.

Hernández urged his colleagues to support the amendment as a step toward greater transparency, fairness, and accountability in the oversight of Puerto Rico’s energy policies and financial restructuring.

Click HERE for the legislative text of the amendment.

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