The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule on August 27, 2026, granting approval for Puerto Rico's negative declaration regarding air quality plans for the oil and gas industry.

This regulatory move specifically addresses designated facilities and pollutants within the territory, allowing the local government to maintain its current stance on excluding these sectors from certain federal air quality requirements.

While the EPA finalized this action, other government bodies in the region are currently managing separate crises, including a disaster declaration covering 26 municipalities and a suspension of school activities due to weather warnings. Conversely, administrative challenges persist elsewhere, such as the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources failing to update its greenhouse gas inventory since 2021 in violation of a court order.