Luis Joel Méndez González

Any of the alternatives presented by the developer for extracting water for the project would threaten water security and natural resources in southwestern Puerto Rico, agencies and experts agree.

Residents say the territory’s tourism-dependent economy strains basic services and leaves local communities bearing the costs, even as public investment continues to favor the industry.

More than 20 international scientists found that droughts like the one affecting the island will become more frequent unless global warming is curbed.

While the number of cruise passengers visiting Old San Juan rose 11% from 2015 to 2025, residents warn that the influx is straining public infrastructure and community life.

The group behind the Planning and Permits Code proposed by the governor of Puerto Rico lacked the academic diversity and expertise necessary to reform the permitting framework, resulting in proposals without metrics or rigorous studies to support them.

VERDICT: FALSE

The measure would expand the authority of permit professionals, a group that has drawn criticism from professional associations, business groups, environmental organizations and academics since its creation.

Environmental and civic organizations say they are overwhelmed by the many legislative measures that would upend the permitting system, affect the environment and limit their participation in the review and legal challenges of development projects.

VERDICT: FALSE

The proposed construction of Esencia comes as home prices and sales in the western municipality of Puerto Rico rise, even as residents struggle to secure a place of their own at an affordable cost.

VERDICT: FALSE

The lack of a plan to address climate change and the absence of precise data on landslide damage are hindering road and highway repairs, posing a constant risk.

According to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the housing units proposed for the project outnumber the tourist lodging units by a ratio of two to one. The agency recommended that the developer reduce the number of residences to qualify for more tax credits.

Waldemar Quiles says his agency has no funds for the committee, which has not met once in nine months. He admits he does not know how vacancies will be filled or who in the governor’s office is responsible for the process.

Three vacant seats and months without meetings have stalled the panel, despite its legal duty to oversee the implementation of the Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience Plan.

The hotel operators and investors behind the Esencia project in Cabo Rojo have faced lawsuits and complaints over environmental controversies and corporate disputes in multiple countries.