Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) argued on Tuesday, October 20, that its technical discretion is "an essential mechanism" for protecting the island’s karst zone, responding to a bill that would strip it of powers. DRNA Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez testified at a public hearing of the House of Representatives’ Natural Resources Committee on potential amendments to the Law for the Protection and Conservation of Puerto Rico’s Karst Physiography (Law 292-1999).
House Bill 1079, authored by House Speaker Carlos "Johnny" Méndez, would give the Planning Board responsibility for implementing the law, require that use of the karst zone be considered "as part of Puerto Rico’s development," and let the Board define which lands qualify as karst instead of the specific zones in current law. Quiles Pérez said any review, update or delimitation of protected areas should occur under DRNA’s technical leadership or with its substantial participation.
DRNA’s memorial says karst zones cover about 20% of the island’s land surface. Quiles Pérez left the hearing for health reasons after answering some questions from committee chair Rep. Elinette González Aguayo, who said she still has doubts, has not received the Planning Board’s promised recommendations and is in no hurry to produce a report.
The Justice Department said the bill’s private-property language must align with constitutional principles, since the right is not absolute. The Permits Management Office (OGPe) recommended revising it and keeping DRNA’s technical role. Reps.
Adriana Gutiérrez Colón and Héctor Ferrer Santiago criticized the absence of agency heads. A DRNA representative said the agency has no recent studies validating the need for HB 1079. González Aguayo will send questions to agencies by email.