The January 24 public hearing of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Commission focused on Senate Bill #PS1374, addressing critical issues surrounding plastic waste management in Puerto Rico. The meeting featured a series of discussions among senators, environmental experts, and stakeholders regarding the implications of the proposed legislation.

The session began with concerns about the potential economic and environmental repercussions of the bill. One senator highlighted that reverting to single-use plastics could lead to a cascade of negative effects, urging caution in the legislative approach. The discussion emphasized the long decomposition time of plastics, which can take nearly 500 years, compared to compostable materials that decompose in about seven years. This distinction raised questions about the urgency of addressing plastic waste without causing panic over landfill overflow.

Senator Migdalia Padilla Arvelo raised significant points regarding the lack of regulatory frameworks necessary for the implementation of existing laws. She noted that two years had passed without a regulatory framework for Law 51, rendering it ineffective. The senator stressed that legislation without proper execution leads to stagnation, urging the need for a comprehensive approach that considers both economic and environmental factors.

The conversation shifted to the role of legislative oversight in ensuring that government agencies fulfill their responsibilities. Concerns were voiced about the failure of agencies to implement existing laws, with calls for the legislature to hold these agencies accountable rather than passing new laws without enforcement mechanisms.

Several senators expressed their support for the bill while acknowledging the challenges posed by the current waste management crisis in Puerto Rico. They highlighted the need for immediate action to address the accumulation of plastic waste, emphasizing that delaying action could exacerbate the existing landfill issues.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of the proposed legislation, but with a clear call for a structured plan to ensure its effective implementation. Senators agreed on the importance of addressing the concerns raised during the discussions, particularly regarding the impact on small businesses that have already complied with previous regulations.

Overall, the hearing underscored the complexities of managing plastic waste in Puerto Rico, balancing environmental health with economic realities, and the critical need for effective regulatory frameworks to support legislative efforts. The commission plans to continue discussions and gather further input to refine the proposed legislation before moving forward.