Natural Resources

The Natural Resources Commission shall have jurisdiction over all matters related to studies, research, and legislative recommendations concerning public policy on the preservation, use, and irrigation of land; flood control; the preservation and use of water reserves, mangroves, forest reserves, fisheries, wildlife, mineral deposits and their responsible use, and the conservation of important or endangered plant and animal species; matters related to environmental pollution, solid waste disposal, including recycling and landfills; studies and research that support the formulation of public policy on environmental quality, including land, water, and air sanitation to ensure the highest quality of life; control of air emissions, water and land discharges, waste management, and the control and degradation of toxic waste to prevent harm to animal and plant life, among others; studies concerning specific determinations on permanent improvements and construction and land use permits that require environmental impact studies, in consideration of existing regulations, maps, or plans; conservation, development, and utilization of forest, fishery, and wildlife resources, mineral and archaeological deposits, and overall environmental quality; global warming and its effects, especially on coastlines, infrastructure, ecosystems, development, and public safety; and over any matter delegated to it by the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico or its President.