In Puerto Rico, the organization CAMBIO rejected a proposal by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) Secretary, Waldemar Quiles, to build several waste incineration plants to generate electricity. CAMBIO President, Ingrid Vila Biaggi, stated that the initiative contradicts the public policy of reduction, reuse, and recycling. Vila Biaggi argued that the DRNA has the legal responsibility to promote recycling, develop educational programs, coordinate with municipalities, and oversee the implementation of public policy.
She also pointed out that the Law 70 of 1992 establishes governmental responsibilities to reduce waste through recycling programs, adequate infrastructure, citizen education, and coordination with municipalities. CAMBIO warned that incineration plants would produce emissions and ashes requiring management and disposal, and would consume materials that could be recovered through recycling, reuse, or composting. The organization highlighted that solar energy already provides over 1,400 megawatts of installed capacity in Puerto Rico, surpassing the estimated maximum generation of the proposed incineration plants.
Vila Biaggi called for the government to disclose studies on the need, economic viability, environmental impacts, and alternatives to incineration before advancing any project.