Overview: Bill Number: RS 167, Title: Para enmendar la Sección 2 de la R. del S. 2, que ordena a la Comisión de Turismo, Recursos Naturales y Ambientales del Senado de Puerto Rico realizar una investigación sobre la expansión y operación del vertedero del Municipio Autónomo de Carolina, el proceso de otorgación de los permisos para la expansión; además de los posibles efectos ambientales causados y que se continúan causando, incluyendo pero sin limitarse a los acuíferos, recursos naturales y arqueológicos, así como la flora y fauna de la región, los efectos que esta contaminación puede causar a las vidas de los ciudadanos de la región; y para otros fines relacionados, Status: Texto de Aprobación Final en Senado, Introduced: May 02, 2025, Classification: resolution.
Purpose and Intent: The main purpose of this resolution is to order the Senate's Commission on Tourism, Natural Resources and the Environment to investigate the expansion and operation of the landfill in the Autonomous Municipality of Carolina, the process of granting permits for the expansion, and the potential environmental effects caused and continuing to be caused, including but not limited to aquifers, natural and archaeological resources, as well as the flora and fauna of the region, and the effects that this pollution can have on the lives of the citizens of the region.
Key Provisions:
- Orders the Senate Commission on Tourism, Natural Resources and the Environment to conduct an investigation on the expansion and operation of the Carolina landfill
- Examines the permit granting process for the landfill expansion
- Evaluates the potential environmental impacts, including effects on aquifers, natural and archaeological resources, and local flora and fauna
- Assesses the effects of the pollution on the lives of citizens in the region
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- The Autonomous Municipality of Carolina and its residents, who are affected by the landfill expansion and potential environmental impacts
- The Senate Commission on Tourism, Natural Resources and the Environment, which is tasked with conducting the investigation
- The general public, who may be impacted by the environmental and health consequences of the landfill operation
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
- The resolution has been approved by the Senate and is currently in the final approval stage.
- The Senate Commission on Tourism, Natural Resources and the Environment will be responsible for conducting the investigation and reporting its findings.
