GOVERNMENT OF PUERTO RICO

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H. R. 773

AUGUST 17, 2026

Introduced by Representatives Méndez Núñez and Aponte Hernández

Referred to the Committee on Internal Affairs

RESOLUTION

To express the recognition and gratitude of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico to Mr. Kenneth J. Nemeth upon his retirement as Secretary and Executive Director of the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB), in recognition of his more than fifty-four years of service, institutional leadership, and efforts on behalf of Puerto Rico.

STATEMENT OF MOTIVES

The Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) is an interstate body established pursuant to a compact approved by the Congress of the United States. It brings together southern states and territories, including Puerto Rico, to promote sound energy and environmental policies, economic development, and regional cooperation. In this forum, governors, legislators, and public officials share experiences and coordinate initiatives of common interest.

Kenneth J. Nemeth joined the organization in 1972 and devoted more than five decades of service to it. As Secretary and Executive Director, he helped guide its transformation from the Southern Interstate Nuclear Board into the present-day SSEB, broadening its agenda to address the energy, environmental, and economic challenges facing its members.

During his tenure, the SSEB advanced work on solar energy, nuclear policy and waste management, environmental technologies, energy trade, and carbon capture, transport, and storage. It also fostered partnerships with federal agencies, universities, industry, and state governments, which gave rise to research and demonstration initiatives of national scope.

Puerto Rico held a significant place in that regional vision. In the late 1990s, while the SSEB presidency was held by Puerto Rico, Nemeth promoted stronger ties with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Activities held in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands fostered dialogue among governors, legislators, and public leaders from various jurisdictions.

Over the years, Nemeth maintained an open and respectful relationship with Puerto Rico's representation on the SSEB. His willingness to listen to the Island's priorities, incorporate its perspective, and facilitate its participation strengthened Puerto Rico's presence within an organization in which cooperation among jurisdictions is essential.

Upon the conclusion of his executive tenure in 2026, the SSEB Administrative Committee recognized the magnitude of his contributions and bestowed upon him the title of Secretary Emeritus. In view of the foregoing, this House, as part of Puerto Rico's representation before that body, joins in that recognition and expresses its gratitude to Mr. Kenneth J. Nemeth for a professional life marked by institutional continuity, public service, and respect for all its members.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PUERTO RICO:

Section 1.- To express the recognition and gratitude of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico to Mr. Kenneth J. Nemeth upon his retirement as Secretary and Executive Director of the Southern States Energy Board, following more than fifty-four years of service.

Section 2.- To recognize his leadership, his advocacy of energy and environmental cooperation among the members of the SSEB and, in particular, his efforts on behalf of Puerto Rico.

Section 3.- To congratulate him on being named Secretary Emeritus and wish him success in this new chapter of his life.

Section 4.- A copy of this Resolution, in scroll form, shall be presented to Mr. Kenneth J. Nemeth as a testament to the recognition of this House.

Section 5.- This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.