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PS 580

“Para crear la “Ley de Adaptación y Deslinde Costero en Respuesta a la Crisis Climática”; clarificar la vigencia de los deslindes; establecer la inclusión de los efectos de la crisis climática como el aumento del nivel del mar y los mapas de exposición a inundaciones con marea alta para apoyar la planificación costera a largo plazo; y para decretar otras disposiciones complementarias.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico law mandating coastal boundary updates incorporating sea-level rise projections and flood maps to guide development, but dies in committee after initial senate referral in April 2025.

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Bill Summary · PS 580

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 580 establishes Puerto Rico's "Coastal Adaptation and Boundary Delimitation Law in Response to Climate Crisis," requiring the integration of climate change impacts—particularly sea-level rise and high-tide flood exposure maps—into coastal planning and property boundary determinations. The bill clarifies the validity period of coastal boundary surveys (deslindes) and mandates their updating to reflect changing environmental conditions.

Why is this important

As an island territory experiencing significant sea-level rise and increased flooding, Puerto Rico faces urgent challenges to coastal infrastructure, property rights, and development planning. Integrating climate science into official boundary demarcations and coastal planning could help prevent costly infrastructure losses, protect property investments, and guide long-term resilience planning—though implementation raises complex questions about property ownership and relocation obligations.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights conflicts: Updated coastal boundaries reflecting sea-level rise could render properties technically uninhabitable or unsellable, raising questions about government compensation and takings liability
  • Economic burden: Requiring all coastal municipalities to conduct new surveys and integrate flood mapping data involves substantial costs with unclear funding mechanisms
  • Implementation timeline: No specified deadline for boundary updates creates uncertainty about when property owners must comply and when new standards apply to development permits
  • Legal precedent concerns: Redefining established property lines based on climate projections may face constitutional challenges regarding property protections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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