Luis Armando Figueroa, the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) candidate for Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives in District 14, questioned the vote of New Progressive Party (PNP) Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera in favor of the reform of Puerto Rico’s permit system. The substitute measure for Senate Bills 1173 and 1183 passed the House on Thursday, November 12 by 28 votes to 24, amid criticism from environmental and community organizations over the lack of public hearings on the revised version.
Figueroa acknowledged the need to speed up permit processes to encourage investment and economic development, but warned of possible consequences for natural resources in Arecibo and Hatillo. "We are not against development. Puerto Rico needs a more agile and efficient permit system, but progress cannot be built by compromising our natural resources or leaving out the communities that for decades have fought to protect them," he said.
Figueroa said the House’s official record confirms Robles’ vote in favor and demanded that he explain how the measure will guarantee protection of coasts, nature reserves and land of ecological and historic value. "Representative Edgar Robles owes an explanation to the citizens of Arecibo and Hatillo," he said. Figueroa reiterated that economic development must come with transparency, citizen participation and environmental protection.