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PC 750

Para crear la Reserva Hídrica del Acuífero del Sur; ordenar al Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, en coordinación con otras agencias, establecer las estrategias para alcanzar el objetivo de restaurar y conservar los acuíferos del sur; y para decretar otras disposiciones complementarias.

2025-2028 Session

Establishes the Reserva Hídrica del Acuífero del Sur and requires DRNA, with other agencies, to develop and implement strategies to restore and conserve the southern aquifer.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · PC 750

PC 750 — Summary

Overview

PC 750 is a proposed Puerto Rico bill titled “Para crear la Reserva Hídrica del Acuífero del Sur; ordenar al Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, en coordinación con otras agencias, establecer las estrategias para alcanzar el objetivo de restaurar y conservar los acuíferos del sur; y para decretar otras disposiciones complementarias.” The bill would establish a formal water reserve for the Southern Aquifer and require the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), in coordination with other agencies, to develop and implement strategies aimed at restoring and preserving the aquifer system. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create the “Reserva Hídrica del Acuífero del Sur” to safeguard groundwater resources in Puerto Rico’s southern region.
  • Instruct DRNA, working with other state agencies, to design and execute strategies to restore and conserve the southern aquifers.
  • Include additional, supplementary provisions as part of the measure to support administration, enforcement, or related activities.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

  • Establishment of a formal designation: Reserva Hídrica del Acuífero del Sur.
  • Interagency coordination: DRNA must collaborate with other relevant agencies to develop and implement restoration and conservation strategies.
  • Strategic framework: Development of a comprehensive set of strategies or plan aimed at achieving aquifer restoration and long-term sustainability.
  • Complementary provisions: Possible additional provisions related to administration, funding, regulatory authority, monitoring, or enforcement (exact specifics would be detailed in the bill’s text).

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

  • DRNA and other state or local agencies involved in natural resources, land use, water management, planning, health, and environmental protection.
  • Communities and residents relying on the Southern Aquifer for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial use.
  • Potential landowners and developers in aquifer-adjacent areas.
  • Water utilities and municipalities in the southern region.

Procedural Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: August 4, 2025.
  • First Reading: August 18, 2025.
  • Referenced to Committee(s): August 18, 2025.
  • Current stage: Pending committee review, hearings, and potential amendments.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Environmental protection: Enhanced framework for protecting groundwater quality and quantity in the south.
  • Resource management: Structured plan for restoration and sustainable use, potentially affecting permitting, land-use decisions, and water withdrawals.
  • Fiscal and administrative: Possible need for funding for planning, monitoring, and implementation; oversight and reporting requirements.
  • Economic and social: Could influence local water security, agricultural viability, and development projects in southern Puerto Rico.

Next Steps

  • Monitor committee hearings for amendments and scope clarifications.
  • Review the bill’s full text for specific authority, boundaries, funding, enforcement mechanisms, and timelines.
  • Assess fiscal impact and any required regulatory rulemaking if enacted.

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

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