Para crear la “Ley de Legitimación Activa Ambiental”, a los fines de otorgar legitimación activa estatutaria plena a cualquier persona en Puerto Rico que, motivada por el propósito de hacer valer la política pública ambiental, interese presentar, intervenir, solicitar reconsideración, recurrir o apelar como parte en cualquier acción o causa civil o administrativa bajo cualquier ley, reglamento u otra fuente jurídica que verse sobre asuntos ambientales, ecológicos o relacionadas a la protección, conservación o desarrollo de los recursos naturales o que tengan un impacto directo o indirecto en cuanto a estos asuntos; enmendar las Secciones 3.5, 3.15, 4.2 y 4.7 de la Ley 38-2017, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Procedimiento Administrativo Uniforme del Gobierno de Puerto Rico”; enmendar los Artículos 9.8, 13.1, 14.1 y 14.6 de la Ley 161-2009, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para la Reforma del Proceso de Permisos de Puerto Rico”; enmendar los Artículos 12 y 19 de la Ley 416-2004, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley Sobre Política Pública Ambiental”; y para decretar otras disposiciones complementarias.

2025-2028 Session

Grants all Puerto Rico residents standing to sue in environmental matters without proving direct harm, amending three laws to allow broader participation in environmental litigation and permitting challenges.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 273 creates the "Ley de Legitimación Activa Ambiental" (Environmental Standing Law), granting any person in Puerto Rico the statutory right to participate in civil and administrative proceedings related to environmental protection, conservation, or natural resource development. The bill amends three existing environmental and procedural laws to implement this expanded standing provision across permitting, administrative, and policy enforcement processes.

Why is this important

This legislation fundamentally alters who can challenge environmental decisions in Puerto Rico by removing traditional barriers to legal standing based on direct personal harm. It allows environmental advocates, organizations, and concerned citizens to sue or intervene in environmental matters even without proving they are directly affected, potentially accelerating environmental enforcement and creating new avenues to contest development projects, permits, and governmental decisions affecting natural resources.

Potential points of contention

Litigation surge risk: Expanded standing could flood courts with environmental claims, potentially slowing judicial processes and increasing costs for both government agencies and private developers who may face multiple lawsuits on single projects

Clarity on "motivation" standard: The bill's language requiring "motivation" to enforce public environmental policy is subjective and may create disputes over who qualifies, potentially allowing frivolous claims or generating contradictory rulings

Economic development concerns: Developers and business interests may argue this creates uncertainty and delays for legitimate projects, potentially deterring investment and job creation, particularly in a jurisdiction seeking economic growth