WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PS 296

“Para enmendar la Ley 218-2008, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para el Control y la Prevención de la Contaminación Lumínica” a los fines de añadirle dos nuevos artículos 12 y 12(A); enmendar el Artículo 5 de la Ley 110-2020, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley del Cuerpo de Vigilantes de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales del Gobierno de Puerto Rico”; enmendar el subinciso (k) del inciso (10) del Artículo 7 de la Ley 430-2000, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Navegación y Seguridad Acuática de Puerto Rico; a los fines de brindarle mayores facultades a las agencias concernientes para la protección de las tortugas marinas, la vida silvestre y el medio ambiente, y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill expands environmental agency powers to protect marine turtles and coastal ecosystems through stricter light pollution and maritime navigation regulations.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 296

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 296 proposes amendments to three Puerto Rico environmental laws to expand regulatory authority over light pollution control, natural resources protection, and marine turtle conservation. The bill adds two new articles to the Light Pollution Control Law and modifies enforcement powers within the Natural Resources and Environmental Vigilance Corps and Maritime Navigation Safety Law.

Why is this important

Marine turtles are endangered species critical to Puerto Rico's coastal ecosystems, and light pollution significantly disrupts their nesting and navigation patterns. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and regulatory tools directly affects wildlife protection outcomes and environmental management capacity on the island.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of agency authority: The vague language about "mayores facultades" (greater powers) to environmental agencies could be seen as granting excessive discretionary power without clear boundaries or oversight mechanisms
  • Implementation costs: Expanding enforcement capabilities requires budget allocation; unclear whether funding mechanisms are specified or if existing agencies will absorb costs
  • Light pollution regulations complexity: Amended light pollution law may impose compliance burdens on businesses, municipalities, and private property owners without proportional clarity on requirements or timelines

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

Sign in to ask a question.