Policy�Toolkit
A guide to climate policy
Introduction
Hello!
I'm Christopher Burgos. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where my passion for addressing climate change took root. My journey as a climate change advocate commenced during my college years when I joined the debate team representing Puerto Rico at the Latin American Climate Change Debate Forum for Youth in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in 2016.�
I firmly believe that the youth of Puerto Rico possess the power to enact meaningful change. Promoting climate change initiatives tailored to our unique circumstances can create a greener, more sustainable Puerto Rico for future generations.
�After learning the basics of policy, this toolkit takes you deeper by offering a comprehensive exploration of policy tools specific to Puerto Rico It delves into the rich history of climate policy in the Archipelago, helps you identify legislators who align with climate initiatives based on assessments from local organizations, and provides a wealth of other invaluable information. Climate advocacy presents formidable challenges, and the stakes are high for the youth if we fail to act.
If you have any questions or thoughts on how we at The Climate Initiative can help your advocacy, please feel free to reach out to us at: policy@theclimateinitiative.org.
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Christopher Burgos
Puerto Rico Policy Fellow
Table Of Contents
PR Political History..........................................................4
PR Economic Background...........................................5
PR Policy Landscape …….........................................6-14
PR Climate Leaders …….........................................15-18
PR Municipal Climate Change Policies ...............19
Bill Guide....................................................................20-21
PR Legislature Template............................................22
4.
PR Political History
Puerto Rico, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a United States unincorporated territory in the northeastern Caribbean. The Archipelago is situated east of the Dominican Republic and west of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning that it is controlled by the U.S. government but is not a state. It has its constitution and a degree of local autonomy. Still, ultimate sovereignty rests with the U.S. Congress. Puerto Rico's political history and present are strongly shaped by its unique relationship with Spain and the United States.
�The government of Puerto Rico is a republican form of government with a separation of powers subject to the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United States. The powers of the branches of government are defined by the Constitution of Puerto Rico, ratified by the electorate in 1952 under the terms defined by the U.S. Congress in Public Law 600, adopted in 1950.
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5.
PR Economic Background
Puerto Rico's economy has faced several challenges over the past few decades. These include significant public debt, population decline, high unemployment rates, infrastructure inadequacies, and the devastating effects of natural disasters such as Hurricane Maria in 2017.
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By 2015, the government declared that the debt totaling over $70 billion was not payable, effectively amounting to the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
�The fiscal crisis has required the Puerto Rican government to significantly change its public policies, particularly spending and service provision. However, these austerity measures have often had dire consequences for the island's residents. Public services like healthcare and public education have suffered from these cuts. Austerity measures have also included reductions in public pensions, and higher utility costs, adding to the economic burden on households.
�In response to the crisis, the U.S. Congress enacted the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) in 2016, establishing the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico. The Board is responsible for steering the island toward fiscal stability, mainly overseeing its debt restructuring
�While the Oversight Board has the potential to help restore fiscal order in Puerto Rico, its actions have been a source of contention. The austerity measures endorsed by the Board, such as budget cuts to public services and pensions, have been met with widespread protests by Puerto Ricans who view these policies as placing an undue burden on the island's residents while ensuring the repayment to bondholders.
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6.
PR Policy Landscape
Situated in the Caribbean and grappling with the intensifying impacts of climate change, Puerto Rico is no stranger to the stark realities of our changing environment. In response, the island has been pioneering robust strategies to adapt to and mitigate climate change, striving to become a leading actor in climate resilience and renewable energy. This includes bold public policies, innovative renewable energy projects, and wide-ranging conservation initiatives to preserve and rehabilitate its rich natural habitats.
Renewable Energy
7.
PR Climate Change Goals
Various laws and policies shape Puerto Rico’s climate change goals. These include acts targeting invasive species prevention, sustainable water resources, conservation of natural reserves, land use control, renewable energy incentives, waste management, permit streamlining for renewables, and ambitious renewable energy targets. The development of the power system is guided by an integrated resources plan, emphasizing renewables and cost reduction. Together, these measures play a crucial role in Puerto Rico's endeavors to tackle climate change and foster sustainability.
To learn more about the different strategies and potential funding sources to fund this plan, click the link here!
8.
Puerto Rico Invasive Species Act (Act 133-1975)
Water Plan Act (Act 136-1976).
Public Policy for Natural Reserves Act (Act 416-2004)
Land Use Plan Act (Act 550-2004)
The Green Energy Fund Program (2010)
Climate-Related Laws in PR
9.
Solid Waste Management Authority Act (Act 24-2010)
Puerto Rico Permit Process Reform Act (Act 19-2017)
The Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act, also known as Law 17-2019
Integrated Resources Plan (IRP)
10.
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory subject to several federal climate change and environmental protection laws. Here are critical pieces of legislation: These federal laws significantly impact Puerto Rico's environmental landscape and are enforced on the island through various mechanisms.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Federal Laws
11.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or "Superfund")
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)
12.
Not all bills are able to become law, and some of them either get stuck in the process or get directly opposed. This does not mean that the bill cannot be reintroduced at a time when there is more support for it! Knowing some bills that have not been able to make it through the process in the past can inspire creative solutions to push these policies again in the future!
PC0430 (1/15/2021)
PC1319 (4/21/2022)
Bills Not Enacted: Failed
13.
PS0084 (1/2/2021)
PS0131 (1/19/2021)
RCS0044 (3/18/2021)
14.
Only legislators and standing committees have the power to submit legislative measures.
Legislators may introduce legislation at the request of any citizen, group, or organization interested in a particular issue or issue. It will be stated that it is a measure by petition in the heading, next to the name of the legislator or legislators, and the phrase "(By Petition)."
If filed in the House of Representatives, it will include the name of the citizen, group, or organization that requested the petition. Only the phrase "By petition" is included if it is presented in the Senate.
Bill: is the document through which the Legislative Assembly approves legislation intended to be part of the permanent statutes. Its purpose is to create new legislation or amend or repeal existing laws.
Joint Resolutions: are those legislative measures that require the approval of the Legislative Assembly and the Governor of Puerto Rico. Once approved, they will lose their force of law and validity when the work is carried out, or the interested purpose is fulfilled. These will not form part of the permanent statutes of Puerto Rico. These can be used to allocate, reallocate and transfer funds or direct Agencies to take action.
Resolutions: are legislative measures that are used by the Legislative Bodies to order that a study or investigation be carried out; consign requests; provide for the internal government of the Body; either consign expressions that do not have the character of legislation on issues of great importance to society in general.
Your bill needs to include: a Header, Numeration, Qualification, Statement of Reasons (optional), Decree or Resolution Clause, Articulated or Decree Text, amendments, Compliance Clause (if applicable), and Validity Clause.
Things you must know when drafting a bill in Puerto Rico
15.
Some of the notable members and leaders of the Puerto Rico Climate Change Council include:
These leaders and members of the Puerto Rico Climate Change Council work collaboratively to develop and implement climate change policies, coordinate climate action initiatives, and ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Puerto Rico.
PR Climate Leaders
The Puerto Rico Climate Change Council was established as part of Puerto Rico's commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change and promoting sustainable development. The council was formed to coordinate efforts across sectors and develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change in Puerto Rico. Here is some background information on the history and leadership of the Puerto Rico Climate Change Council:
Members of the Puerto Rico Climate Council
Some Roles descriptions:
16.
Key Climate Officials - Identified with data from the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) in Puerto Rico is responsible for collecting and maintaining track records of legislative activities. This includes gathering and organizing data related to bills, resolutions, hearings, committee actions, and other legislative proceedings. The data collected by OLS provides a comprehensive overview of the legislative process and enables transparency and accountability in the functioning of the legislature.
Key Climate Officials
State Legislators and their Track Records , 2021-2024 period:
Rep. Denis Marquez Lebron (PC0430, PC0455, PC1319, PC1488, RCC0487, RCC0486, RCC0451, RC0730, RC0729)
Rep. Mariana Nogales Molinelli (PC1319, RC0213)
Rep. José B. Márquez Reyes (PC1488)
Rep. Juan J. Santiago Nieves (PC1488)
Rep. José E. Torres Zamora (PC1488)
Rep. Lisie Janet Burgos Muñiz (PC1488)
Rep. Eladio J. Cardona Quiles (RC0340)
Rep. Edgardo Feliciano Sanchez (RC0150)
ep. José E. Torres Zamora (PC1488)
Rep. Lisie Janet Burgos Muñiz (PC1488)
Rep. Eladio J. Cardona Quiles (RC0340)
Rep. Edgardo Feliciano Sanchez (RC0150)
Sen. María de Lourdes Santiago Negrón (PS0041, PS0131, PS0137, PS0854) PS0100, RS0587, RS0582, RCSO414, RCS0413, PS1048)
Sen. José Luis Dalmau Santiago (RS0149, RCS0422, RCS0052, RCS0044, PS1048)
Sen. Migdalia González Arroyo (RCS0052, RCS0044, PS1048)
Sen. Ramon Ruiz Nieves (RCSOO52, PS1048)
Sen. Ana Irma Rivera Lassen (PS0131, PS1048)
Sen. Rafael Bernabe Riefkohl (PS0131, PS1048)
Sen. José A. Vargas Vidot (PS0131, PS1048)
Sen. Gretchen M. Hau (RCS0044, PS1048)
Sen. Thomas Rivera Schatz (PS0084)
without Gregorio Matías Rosario (PS0084)
Sen. Joanne Rodriguez Veve (PS1048)
Sen. Elizabeth Rosa Velez (PS1048)
Sen. Rosamar Trujillo Plumey (PS1048)
Its. Migdalia Padilla Alvelo (PS1048)
Sen. Marially Gonzalez Huertas (PS1048)
Sen. William Villafane Ramos (PS1048)
Sen. Ruben Soto Rivera (PS1048)
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17.
Key Climate Organizations
Key Climate Organizations -Community-based organizations and non-profit groups are crucial in local climate change efforts, advocacy, and education. In Puerto Rico, several organizations are working to address climate change, promote sustainability, and protect the island's natural resources. Some of these organizations are:
4. Coalición Pro Corredor Ecológico del Noreste (Coalition for the Northeast Ecological Corridor): This group is dedicated to protecting a critical ecological area in northeastern Puerto Rico.
�5. Sierra Club Puerto Rico: A local branch of the national Sierra Club organization, this group works on various environmental issues, including climate change.
�6. Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust: While not a non-profit, this organization oversees the Puerto Rico Climate Change Council and conducts research and innovation to address the challenges of climate change.
�7. Community Foundation of Puerto Rico: This nonprofit organization supports various community-based initiatives related to renewable energy and climate change. They provide funding, resources, and technical assistance to grassroots projects and organizations working towards sustainable energy solution�
1. Para la Naturaleza (For Nature): A unit of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, Para la Naturaleza is committed to protecting lands of high ecological value and promoting a sustainable relationship between society and nature.
�2. Casa Pueblo: Based in Adjuntas, Casa Pueblo is an environmental watchdog group that has been instrumental in the fight against mining in Puerto Rico. They also promote renewable energy, turning Adjuntas into a "Solar City."
�3. Resilient Power Puerto Rico: Launched in response to Hurricane Maria, this project aims to bring solar power and resiliency to communities across Puerto Rico.
�4. Coalición Pro Corredor Ecológico del Noreste (Coalition for the Northeast Ecological Corridor): This group is dedicated to protecting a critical ecological area in northeastern Puerto Rico.
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18.
Puerto Rico Senate:
Maine House of Representatives:
Legislative Council: Administrative body for the Legislative Branch of the State government
Legislative Branch
19.
Municipal Climate Change Policies in Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, local municipal efforts are critical in the fight against climate change. Here are a few examples of how municipalities engage in climate change mitigation and adaptation:�
These efforts demonstrate how Puerto Rico's municipalities play a significant role in addressing climate change. They are implementing localized strategies that respond to their communities specific needs and contexts while contributing to the broader fight against global climate change.
20.
Bill Guide
Bill Number
Tells you which chamber the bill is from and assigns a number for easy reference.
The State of Maine has two numbers: LD (legislative document) followed by a number and either HP (House Paper) or SP (Senate Paper) telling you which chamber's version you are reading.
Statement of reason
is an essential part of a bill in legislative processes. It provides a concise overview of the purpose and intent behind the proposed legislation.
Sponsor Line
Tells you who the primary sponsor is, or which legislator is leading the push for the bill. It also lists cosponsors and the sponsors in other chambers.
21.
Bill Guide
Line Numbers
Line numbers are required in every section of the bill to allow for easy reference.
Section Title�States what legislative action is taking place (Amend, Add, Repeal, etc) Also states what part of the law is changed. This Section Amends Title 38 of Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA), Section 2146
Definitions�Section
A List of terms that will be used throughout the bill and their exact meaning for the purposes of this bill
22.
Puerto Rico Legislature Template
Email javan@theclimateinitiative.org for a Word Document template for writing your own bills!
23.
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