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RC 100

Para ordenar a la Comisión de Recursos Naturales de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico a realizar una investigación sobre todo asunto relacionado con la preservación, la utilización y el riego de los terrenos, el control de las inundaciones, la preservación y el uso de las reservas de agua, de los manglares, reservas forestales, la pesquería, la vida silvestre, los yacimientos mineros y su uso responsable y la conservación de las especies animales y vegetales de mayor importancia o en peligro de extinción; lo relacionado a la contaminación ambiental, disposición de desperdicios sólidos, incluyendo el reciclaje y vertederos; los estudios e investigaciones que permitan la formulación de política pública sobre la calidad ambiental, incluyendo el saneamiento de los terrenos, del agua y del aire para asegurar la máxima calidad de vida, el control de las emisiones al aire, las descargas en el agua y sobre los terrenos, el manejo de los desperdicios, y el control y la degradación de los desperdicios tóxicos para que no sean dañinos a la vida animal y vegetal, entre otros; el estudio concerniente a las determinaciones específicas sobre mejoras permanentes y permisos de construcción y de uso de terrenos que ameriten estudios de impacto ambiental, en consideración a los reglamentos, mapas o planos existentes, conservación, fomento y aprovechamiento de recursos forestales, pesquería y vida silvestre, yacimientos mineros y arqueológicos y la calidad del medioambiente en general; el cambio climático y sus efectos, especialmente en las costas, infraestructura, ecosistemas, desarrollo y seguridad pública; y sobre cualquier asunto que le delegue la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico o el Presidente o la Presidenta de ésta.

2025-2028 Session

Directs the House Natural Resources Committee to investigate Puerto Rico’s environment and resources, producing findings to guide policy, regulation, and future legislation.

Inspección Ocular: Vertedero Municipal de Vieques
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Bill Summary · RC 100

Summary — RC 100 (House Resolution)

Title (Spanish): Para ordenar a la Comisión de Recursos Naturales de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico a realizar una investigación sobre ...
Introduced: 31 January 2025
Classification: Resolution (investigatory/oversight)
Current status (House): Approved by the House (unanimous) with amendments — Final House approval: 13 February 2025
Site inspection: Calle Municipal, Urb. El Rosario, Vega Baja (Inspección Ocular: 24 September 2025)

Purpose and intent

RC 100 directs the House Committee on Natural Resources to conduct a broad, comprehensive investigation into matters that affect Puerto Rico’s natural resources and environmental quality. The resolution aims to gather information and develop findings and recommendations to guide public policy, regulatory action, oversight, and possible future legislation concerning land, water, ecosystems, pollution, waste management, climate impacts and related permitting and development issues.

Key scope and topics to be investigated

The resolution instructs the Committee to examine, among other items:

  • Preservation, use and irrigation of lands; flood control measures; protection and use of water reserves and mangroves.
  • Management and conservation of forest reserves, fisheries, wildlife, and protection of species of high importance or endangered status.
  • Mining deposits: responsible use, conservation, and impacts (including archaeological site considerations).
  • Environmental contamination: air, water and soil pollution; toxic waste handling and remediation.
  • Solid waste management: disposal, recycling programs, and landfill operations.
  • Emissions control and regulation of discharges to air, water and land.
  • Studies and research to support public policy on environmental quality, including remediation and environmental impact assessments for permanent improvements, construction permits and land‑use changes.
  • Climate change and its effects — with emphasis on coasts, infrastructure, ecosystems, development and public safety.
  • Any additional matters delegated by the full House or its presiding officer.

Who is affected

  • Government agencies involved in environmental regulation, permitting, land use, public works, natural resources and emergency management.
  • Municipalities and local communities (notably areas like Vega Baja where an on‑site inspection occurred).
  • Developers, mining interests, waste management operators, and the fishing/forestry sectors.
  • Environmental NGOs, academic researchers, and the general public concerned with public health, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Procedural and timeline highlights

  • Filed (Radicado): 31 Jan 2025.
  • First reading and committee referrals: early February 2025.
  • Committee activity: executive meetings (10 Feb & 21 Jul 2025) and 1st committee report issued (12 Feb 2025).
  • House action: Placed on Special Orders calendar, approved with amendments and passed unanimously in the House on 13 Feb 2025 (Text of Final Approval recorded).
  • Oversight actions: On‑site inspection (Inspección Ocular) held in Vega Baja on 24 Sep 2025.

Practical effect

As a House resolution, RC 100 does not itself change statutory law or appropriate funds; rather it mandates investigatory and oversight work by the House Committee on Natural Resources. Findings and recommendations from the investigation can inform regulatory revisions, budget requests, enforcement actions or new legislation to address identified environmental and resource management issues.

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

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