José Menéndez: "Save the planet, vote pro-environment"

Chipa Connecticut and Sierra Club Puerto Rico

On October 14, 2019, Sierra Club Puerto Rico, José Menéndez visited Connecticut to advocate about environmental change and energy efficiency.  The event was organized by the local Connecticut  League of Conservation Voters (CHISPA), an organization that has been working for many years to bring solutions to environmental injustices. Menéndez, met with activists in Middletown to inform about his work and the importance of sustainability that can positively impact the planet.  Here is a brief interview for Boceto Media. 

Boceto Media: How has Puerto Rico transformed in terms of environmental change after Hurricane Maria?

JM: Puerto Ricans have been made aware of the possibility of renewable energy and it's benefits. We are demanding to let this be the future of energy production on the island.

Boceto Media: Is the new Puerto Rican government working with environmental

organizations to modernize power efficiency? 

JM: NO, the government makes very little effort to work with us.

Boceto Media: In your opinion, how can Puerto Rico obtain energy independence

JM: Only by taking advantage of the only resources that we truly have, Sun, Wind, and waves.

Jose Menendez

Boceto Media: What is your opinion on the South American mining exploitation

primarily from US companies? (Peru's mining)

JM: Peru is a sister nation facing the same threats as the rest of the planet, CAPITALISM. We have a strong connection with the community of Columbia where the coal that AES burns it's plant in Guayama PR.

Boceto Media: Is Sierra Club working with south American indigenous groups to protect their lands from foreign exploitation and destruction?

JM: The Puerto Rico Sierra Club is a local chapter, but when invited to international gatherings we do participate.

Boceto Media: How can people start changing their behaviors on energy use? 

JM: You can start by reducing the demand by opposing any attempt to build up fossil use. 

Alex Rodriguez

Boceto Media: The 2020 presidential elections are coming up. Do you think people should make sure their candidates are going to work to favor a positive climate change from the federal level? This question also applies to local state elections, particularly in Connecticut.

JM: Yes, definitive get out the vote and vote pro-environment. Puerto Ricans do not have the right to vote in presidential elections. 

Boceto Media: We see a new future of people (Millennials) advocating for climate change around the world. How does that make you feel?

JM: Very hopeful that humans may still have a future on this planet.

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