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PC 188

Para crear la Ley de la Zona Costanera de Puerto Rico; establecer la política pública del Gobierno de Puerto Rico en cuanto a la protección, administración y manejo sabio de los bienes de dominio público marítimo-terrestre de la zona costanera de Puerto Rico, así como de la zona costanera misma, para garantizar a los ciudadanos el acceso a aquéllos de forma libre, pública y gratuita para su uso común y el disfrute armónico con la naturaleza; definir la zona marítimo-terrestre, crear la Oficina para el Manejo de la Zona Costanera, establecer responsabilidades y otros fines.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico establishes coastal zone protections guaranteeing public free access to maritime lands while creating government office to manage preservation and development conflicts.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 188

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 188 establishes Puerto Rico's Coastal Zone Law, creating a comprehensive framework for protecting and managing public maritime-terrestrial lands along the coastline. The bill guarantees free, public access to these coastal areas for all citizens and establishes a new Office for Coastal Zone Management to oversee administration and conservation policies.

Why is this important

Coastal zones in Puerto Rico face significant pressures from development, climate change, erosion, and competing uses. This legislation directly affects property rights, public beach access, environmental protection, and tourism development. It also establishes institutional mechanisms for coordinated coastal management across government agencies, which has been historically fragmented.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. public access: The bill emphasizes guaranteed free public access to maritime-terrestrial lands, which may conflict with private property owners' expectations and existing development interests in coastal areas
  • Enforcement and resource allocation: Creating a new administrative office raises questions about operational costs, staffing, and whether it will have adequate authority to enforce protections against existing encroachments
  • Definition clarity: The phrase "wise management" (manejo sabio) and precise boundaries of the "maritime-terrestrial zone" require detailed regulatory definition to avoid disputes over which lands fall under public vs. private control

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

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