A significant portion of the legislative package during Thursday’s Committee on Rules and Judiciary meeting focused on the Virgin Islands’ energy future, with the passage of Bill 35-0300 and Bill 35-0320—two measures that approve lease agreements for renewable wind energy projects on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Bill 35-0300 authorizes a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Advanced Power LLC, allowing the company to construct, operate, and maintain wind turbine generators on several parcels of land on St. Thomas. The project, part of a larger microgrid initiative, is expected to produce 16.6 megawatts of renewable energy, representing about 25 percent of the island’s energy needs. This shift to green energy is seen as a major step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cutting energy costs, and promoting sustainability.
“This is about investing in the future of our islands,” said Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr., who sponsored the bill. “We are bringing in external funding and expertise to construct this wind farm without burdening our local government finances, and the benefits will be long-lasting.”
Similarly, Bill 35-0320 approved a wind energy project for St. Croix, granting a lease to Advanced Power LLC for multiple parcels of land in Queen’s Quarter. This project aims to deliver renewable energy and alleviate the high costs associated with the aging Water and Power Authority infrastructure.
“These projects will help stabilize our energy grid and make our islands more self-reliant while lowering utility costs for our people,” Francis added.
The session also saw the passage of Bill 35-0374, which conveys a parcel of land on St. Thomas to the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System (WTJX). This move will allow WTJX to expand its facilities to continue providing educational programming and cultural enrichment to the local community.
On the waste management front, Bill 35-0384 amends an existing lease agreement to provide the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) with additional land on St. Croix, expanding waste management facilities. The new centers are part of a broader effort to modernize the territory’s waste disposal systems, improving sanitation and reducing environmental hazards.
While energy and infrastructure were key focuses of the legislative session, the committee also approved several significant social welfare bills aimed at improving public health and safeguarding children in the judicial system.
Bill 35-0031, known as the Child Victims and Child Witnesses Rights Act, seeks to provide enhanced legal protections for minors who are either victims of or witnesses to crimes. The bill introduces safeguards such as specialized courtroom accommodations and legal protections designed to minimize the emotional and psychological harm that children can experience when participating in criminal proceedings.
“This legislation ensures that our children are treated with the care and dignity they deserve,” said Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr., who sponsored the bill. “We are aligning our territory’s laws with best practices, making sure our legal system is sensitive to the needs of young victims and witnesses.”
The bill received widespread support, with the Human Services Department and the Justice Department offering recommendations to strengthen its provisions. The passage of this act is seen as a critical step forward in protecting vulnerable children during what can often be traumatic legal processes, senators said.
In addition to child protection, the committee addressed public health by passing Bill 35-0283, which amends the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act. This bill is largely administrative, correcting technical errors and clarifying provisions in the original law without altering its core intent.
“This bill doesn’t alter the intent of the original cannabis legislation but rather cleans up technical issues and adds needed clarity,” said Sen. Marise James, a vocal supporter of the amendments during the session. The senator explained that the proposed changes were carefully crafted in response to feedback from regulatory authorities to ensure the law remains functional and transparent.
The Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, initially passed by the 34th Legislature, legalized adult-use cannabis but has faced delays in implementation due to the complexities of creating a regulatory framework from scratch. The amendments introduced by Bill 35-0283 are seen as a crucial step in addressing those complexities and ensuring the regulatory system operates smoothly as the market opens.
Supporters of the bill emphasize that a clear regulatory framework is vital to the industry’s success. Senators said that by addressing regulators’ concerns and ensuring that the law is precise and enforceable, the territory can attract investment, promote economic growth, and ensure public safety in the cannabis sector.
Lastly, Bill 35-0289 raises the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, bringing the Virgin Islands in line with national tobacco regulations. The move is part of a broader public health initiative aimed at reducing early tobacco use, which is a leading cause of long-term addiction and related health issues.
“Raising the age for tobacco purchases will help prevent lifelong nicotine addiction, and it’s a critical step toward improving public health in the territory,” said Sen. Ray Fonseca, who sponsored the bill. “Research shows that nearly 95 percent of adult smokers start before the age of 21, and by raising the legal age, we can significantly reduce the number of young people taking up smoking.”
