Para ordenar a la Comisión de Tursimo, Recursos Naturales y Ambientales del Senado de Puerto Rico, realizar una investigación exhaustiva sobre la implantación y cumplimiento de la Ley Núm. 136 de 3 de junio de 1976, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Política Pública sobre los Recursos de Agua de Puerto Rico”; evaluar su efectividad a la luz de los desafíos actuales en la gestión, conservación y distribución de los recursos hídricos en la Isla; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The resolution directs a Senate committee to investigate how Law No. 136 (1976) is implemented and its effectiveness in managing Puerto Rico’s water resources today.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Overview

RS 170 is a Senate resolution introduced on May 2, 2025, directed to the Commission of Tourism, Natural Resources and Environment of the Puerto Rico Senate. The resolution instructs the committee to conduct an exhaustive investigation into the implementation and compliance with Law No. 136 of June 3, 1976 (as amended), known as the “Ley de Política Pública sobre los Recursos de Agua de Puerto Rico,” and to evaluate its effectiveness in light of current water management, conservation, and distribution challenges on the island. The resolution is intended for related purposes.

Purpose and Intent

Directs a formal inquiry by the Senate committee into how Law No. 136 is being implemented and enforced.

Assesses whether the law is achieving its public policy goals regarding Puerto Rico’s water resources.

Considers how well the law addresses contemporary challenges in water management, conservation, and distribution.

May yield recommendations or actions related to policy, enforcement, funding, or possible legislative changes.

Key Provisions (as a resolution)

Mandate: The Senate’s Committee on Tourism, Natural Resources and Environment must conduct an exhaustive investigation into:

The implantation and compliance of Law No. 136 (1976), as amended.
The effectiveness of the law in guiding water resource management on the island.

Scope of Evaluation:

Current management practices for water resources.
Conservation strategies and outcomes.
Distribution systems and equity of access to water resources.

Related Purposes:

Produce findings that may inform future oversight, policy adjustments, or legislative recommendations.

Affected Parties and Potential Impact

Government Agencies: Likely involved agencies that oversee water resources, environmental policy, and related regulatory functions will participate in the investigation (e.g., departments responsible for water, natural resources, and environmental management).

Public Stakeholders: Utilities, water users, environmental groups, and communities affected by water management policies may be engaged through hearings or consultations.

Policy Impact: While a resolution itself does not create binding law, its investigation and reporting could influence future legislative or administrative actions, including potential amendments to Law No. 136 or related public policy initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: May 2, 2025.

Legislative Actions:

May 2, 2025: Filed (Radicado).
May 5, 2025: Appears in Primera Lectura (First Reading) in the Senate.
May 5, 2025: Referred to Committee(s) for consideration.

Status: Referido a Comisión(es) (referred to committee(s)); awaiting committee action and a formal report.

Context and Next Steps

If the committee advances the resolution, it would initiate a fact-finding process, gather data, hold hearings, and prepare a report with findings and any recommended actions.

The outcome could inform subsequent legislative or administrative measures aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of Law No. 136 and addressing water resource challenges in Puerto Rico.

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