A bill filed in Puerto Rico's House of Representatives seeks new protections for cucubanos, fireflies, and other bioluminescent insects, potentially imposing additional requirements on certain developments. House Bill 1405, introduced August 21 by Representative López Román and referred to the Natural Resources Commission, would create the 'Ley para la Conservación de Luciérnagas, Cucubanos y Hábitats Entomológicos Prioritarios de Puerto Rico.' The bill's key provision establishes Priority Entomological Conservation Areas (ACEP), which could include public, private, or mixed lands.
The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) could designate such areas based on scientific evidence of significant, rare, or vulnerable insect populations, or areas important for reproduction, feeding, habitat corridors, or facing threats of substantial harm. Designation as an ACEP would not automatically prevent construction, but any permitted activity within these zones deemed to have significant entomological impact would need an Entomological Compatibility Determination from DRNA before final authorization, evaluating impact, affected species, design alternatives, mitigation measures, lighting, vegetation management, pesticides, and drainage.
The bill also proposes restrictions on lighting and pesticides, with fines of up to $25,000 for violations.