Via prfaa.pr.gov/
Looks like the Jones Act is a thing this week (about time), and all this interest in removing one of the most restrictive policies against Puerto Rico ever is a good sign, but don’t get too excited. The Department of Homeland Security’s Thursday decision to waive the Jones Act is just for 10 days.
Release Date: September 28, 2017
WASHINGTON – Early this morning, in recognition of the severe impacts on Puerto Rico from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke approved a waiver of the federal Jones Act. The decision follows yesterday’s request from the governor of Puerto Rico and the Secretary of Defense’s determination that a waiver is in the interest of national defense. The waiver will be in effect for 10 days after signature and covers all products being shipped to Puerto Rico.
“This waiver will ensure that over the next ten days, all options are available to move and distribute goods to the people of Puerto Rico. It is intended to ensure we have enough fuel and commodities to support lifesaving efforts, respond to the storm, and restore critical services and critical infrastructure operations in the wake of these devastating storms,” said Acting Secretary Duke.
The Jones Act prohibits the transportation of cargo between points in the U.S., either directly or via a foreign port, or for any part of the transportation, in any vessel other than a vessel that has a coastwise endorsement (e.g. a vessel that is built in and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States). The last Jones Act waiver was issued earlier this month, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in anticipation of the effects of Hurricane Irma.
And this isn’t the first time the waiver happened this month. It also happened on September 8
Wait, @DHS can waive The Jones Act? Can it be permanent? #PuertoRico #IrmaPR pic.twitter.com/ulfZ9bGqwx
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) September 8, 2017
