Puerto Rico ponders alternatives to gas pipeline

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A proposed natural gas pipeline that is backed by Puerto Rico’s governor but widely opposed by islanders and environmentalists could be cast aside in favor of new alternatives after millions of dollars were invested in the massive project.

Members of a committee appointed by Gov. Luis Fortuno to find alternative energy sources said in a statement late Friday that they have rejected part of the original proposal calling for a pipeline to bisect Puerto Rico. The committee offered three alternatives to move natural gas from storage facilities on the island’s south coast to plants in the north in a push to minimize the U.S. territory’s dependence on oil.