Para ordenar a la Comisión de Recursos Naturales de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico realizar una investigación sobre la situación relacionada con la introducción desde el exterior, el mercadeo, la reproducción, la proliferación y la distribución a lo largo y ancho del territorio insular de Puerto Rico, de especies exóticas de animales de diversos géneros y especies; las acciones que las agencias municipales, estatales y federales están poniendo en práctica para proteger los ecosistemas, las especies nativas y la vida humana, en respuesta a la presencia creciente y a los impactos medioambientales adversos causados por dichas especies exóticas; así como las recomendaciones y sugerencias puntuales de la comunidad científica para poner en marcha programas y proyectos urgentes de control poblacional y erradicación de dichas especies exóticas, con el objetivo de reducir a un mínimo los impactos negativos de su presencia en nuestro país.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico orders investigation into invasive animal species' introduction and impacts, with recommendations for population control and eradication programs to protect native ecosystems.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill RC 520 directs Puerto Rico's House Natural Resources Commission to investigate the introduction, marketing, reproduction, and distribution of exotic animal species across the island, and to assess government response efforts. The bill also seeks scientific recommendations for population control and eradication programs to minimize environmental and human health impacts from invasive species.

Why is this important

Invasive species represent a significant threat to Puerto Rico's native ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. The island's unique biodiversity is particularly vulnerable, and uncontrolled exotic species populations can cause irreversible ecological damage. A comprehensive investigation could guide resource allocation and policy decisions for managing this growing environmental crisis.

Potential points of contention

Scope and feasibility: The investigation covers multiple agencies (municipal, state, and federal) with potentially overlapping or unclear jurisdictions, making coordination and accountability difficult

Eradication vs. management: Eradication of established exotic species is often impossible; the bill's focus on "erradication" may set unrealistic expectations rather than pragmatic long-term management strategies

Resource allocation: Investigation and control programs require substantial funding; the bill does not specify budget sources or implementation timelines, which could delay action or divert resources from other priorities

Scientific consensus gaps: Recommendations may vary among scientists, and the bill doesn't address how conflicting expert opinions will be reconciled