Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce Establishes Action Agenda to Address Critical Water, Energy, Permitting, and Federal Funding Challenges

Outlines 2026–2027 Roadmap Focused on Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Permitting, and Economic Development

With the goal of outlining the private sector’s roadmap under his presidency, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) held its first meeting with representatives of its 33 affiliated associations under the leadership of José “Che” Julio Aparicio Laspina, Esq. The meeting provided an opportunity to present the 2026–2027 Work Plan, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and establish action priorities on issues of significant importance to Puerto Rico, including the Island’s water crisis.

“Our strategic agenda is organized around three main goals: competitiveness, infrastructure, and the major reforms Puerto Rico needs. However, that agenda must adapt to emerging challenges and the urgency of the actions required. Today, we face issues that demand immediate attention, including drought and water rationing, uncertainty surrounding the LUMA contract, permitting reform, delays in the use of federal funds, and the need to secure healthcare funding,” Aparicio Laspina stated.

The water crisis was a central focus of the discussion because of its immediate impact on economic activity and essential services. Drought conditions and water rationing across several municipalities are expected to place significant pressure on restaurants, businesses, hotels, healthcare providers, and industries that depend on a continuous and reliable water supply to operate.

As part of its immediate priorities, the Chamber proposed evaluating relief measures to help mitigate operating costs for affected sectors, including a sales and use tax (SUT) exemption on food, credits for water services not provided, and emergency mechanisms that would allow for a more agile response to the needs of businesses and consumers.

Representatives also highlighted the significant increase in costs associated with the use of water tankers. In the restaurant sector, costs of up to $3,000 per water delivery were reported, while the hotel sector faces additional pressures at a time when occupancy is reported to be approximately 70%.

Aparicio Laspina stated that, given these circumstances, the Chamber will seek to actively engage in the legislative debate surrounding energy and water, while promoting solutions that bring together the private sector, industry, and professional associations in developing sustainable responses.

The Work Plan also addresses structural priorities, including greater transparency and efficiency in the permitting system through tools such as tracking dashboards; strengthening Puerto Rico’s infrastructure; developing a 10-year economic development plan; tax reform; protecting healthcare funding heading into 2026; and accelerating the disbursement and utilization of federal funds.

During the meeting, Aparicio Laspina thanked representatives from the various sectors and working committees for their participation and explained that the purpose of this first meeting was to establish the order of priorities for the Chamber’s agenda. He reiterated that this new institutional chapter should position the organization as a driving force behind the changes Puerto Rico needs through collective action focused on listening to the concerns of each sector, aligning priorities, and advancing concrete responses to the Island’s challenges.

Among the issues identified as urgent were the response to drought and water rationing, including potential credits for services not provided and the creation of a support fund for businesses and industries; the need to carefully evaluate potential scenarios involving the LUMA contract; the beginning of the next regular session of the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly and the discussion surrounding permitting reform; delays in the utilization of federal funds; and efforts to protect healthcare funding through direct advocacy before Congress.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing these matters according to the priorities established by the affiliated sectors and working committees, in coordination with the public policy, economic development, and infrastructure initiatives the Chamber will advance throughout its 2026–2027 program year.

Media Contact:

Karen Garnik, APR, Fellow PRSA
787.502.2424, karen@globalvisioncomms.com

Isadora Hernández
787.310.3807, isadora@globavisioncomms.com

Brenda Vázquez
787.392.6868, brenda@globavisioncomms.com