Puerto Rico law

Environmental Laws in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico environmental law combines federal programs (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA) with Commonwealth implementation through the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA). Puerto Rico environmental practice is dominated by (1) post-Hurricane Maria (2017) and Fiona (2022) recovery and debris-management issues; (2) coastal-zone management (CZMA); (3) coquí frog and endangered-species protection under federal ESA and PR Wildlife Act; and (4) longstanding toxics issues (including the Vieques Naval Ammunition Support Detachment cleanup). Puerto Rico's Environmental Public Policy Act is the comprehensive framework.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Environmental Public Policy Act12 L.P.R.A. §§ 8001 et seq. (Act No. 416-2004)

Puerto Rico's foundational environmental statute. Declares commonwealth environmental policy; establishes DRNA authority.

Clean Water Act Implementation12 L.P.R.A. §§ 1101 et seq.

DRNA administers NPDES permitting and state water-quality programs under delegated CWA authority.

Clean Air Act Implementation12 L.P.R.A. §§ 1121 et seq.

DRNA administers air-quality programs under delegated CAA authority.

Coastal Zone Management12 L.P.R.A. §§ 1201 et seq.

Puerto Rico has an approved federal Coastal Zone Management Plan. DRNA administers coastal-zone permits and protections.

Vieques Cleanup10 U.S.C. § 2705 (DoD BRAC); Federal Facility Agreement

Former Naval Ammunition Support Detachment Vieques (closed 2003) is undergoing ongoing cleanup under federal CERCLA and FFA. Public-health litigation against the federal government is active.

Hurricane Maria / Fiona ResponseVarious FEMA, CDBG-DR, and HUD provisions

Hurricane Maria (2017) and Fiona (2022) recovery produced extensive environmental, construction, and land-use regulatory activity.

State law

Official Sources

PR Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA)U.S. EPA

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.

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Environmental Laws in Puerto Rico.

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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