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PC 184

Para crear la “Ley de Mitigación Natural para las Costas”, y ordenar al Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales a establecer en su reglamentación el uso en la zona costanera de estructuras de mitigación basadas en la naturaleza, costas vivas y alternativas de mitigación blandas como primera alternativa de mitigación para adaptar y proteger infraestructuras en riesgo o afectadas por erosión costera, inundaciones, entre otros eventos.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico mandates nature-based coastal defenses—living shorelines and soft alternatives—as primary protection against erosion and flooding affecting vulnerable infrastructure.

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Bill Summary · PC 184

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 184 proposes the "Natural Mitigation Law for Coasts" (Ley de Mitigación Natural para las Costas) in Puerto Rico. It directs the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to establish regulations prioritizing nature-based mitigation structures—such as living shorelines and soft engineering solutions—as the first alternative for protecting coastal infrastructure threatened by erosion, flooding, and other climate-related hazards.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico faces significant coastal vulnerability due to rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and existing erosion affecting both residential and commercial infrastructure. Nature-based solutions can provide long-term, cost-effective protection while offering co-benefits like ecosystem restoration, biodiversity support, and carbon sequestration. This legislative approach signals a shift toward climate adaptation strategies that work with natural systems rather than relying solely on traditional hard infrastructure like seawalls.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and timeline: Nature-based solutions require upfront investment and longer deployment periods than conventional barriers; unclear funding mechanisms may delay protection for at-risk communities
  • Property rights and land access: Establishing living shorelines and wetland buffers may require land acquisition or easements, potentially affecting private coastal property owners
  • Effectiveness standards and monitoring: The bill lacks specifics on how success will be measured, maintained long-term, or adapted if natural structures fail during extreme weather events

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

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