Puerto Rico BEACHES Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3814
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-24T21:43:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Puerto Rico Business & Economic Assessment of Coastal Hazards and Erosion Study Act (H.R. 3814), also known as the Puerto Rico BEACHES Act, aims to assess the impacts of coastal erosion on Puerto Rico's economy, particularly tourism, fisheries, and related businesses. It directs a federal study to evaluate these effects and provide recommendations to address environmental challenges.
Key Provisions
- Study Requirement: The Comptroller General of the United States (head of the Government Accountability Office, an independent agency that audits federal programs) must conduct a study on how erosion—including the loss of beaches, dunes, and wetlands—affects tourism, fisheries, and businesses in Puerto Rico's coastal areas.
- Coordination and Consultation: The Comptroller General must work with and seek input from local Puerto Rican agencies, such as the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Department of Economic Development, and Tourism Company.
- Report to Congress: The study results must be submitted as a report to Congress, including:
- Recommendations to reduce environmental factors harming businesses in affected areas.
- Suggestions to tackle challenges faced by industries due to coastal erosion.
- Definition of Coastal Area: The term covers marine or freshwater zones within or next to Puerto Rico, including wetlands, watersheds, coastal waters, bays, coastlines, estuaries, and nearby uplands.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, targeted federal mandate for a specific study on coastal erosion in Puerto Rico. It does not amend prior laws but creates an additional reporting requirement under the authority of the Comptroller General, building on existing federal oversight of environmental and economic issues in U.S. territories without altering broader coastal management statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Government Accountability Office will allocate resources for the study, potentially increasing federal involvement in Puerto Rico's environmental assessments. Local agencies may need to provide data and expertise, fostering collaboration between federal and territorial governments.
- Citizens and Businesses: Puerto Rican residents, especially those in tourism and fishing sectors, could benefit from evidence-based recommendations that inform future protections or funding for erosion mitigation, helping preserve jobs and economic activity in coastal communities.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. territory matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Businesses and Industries: Tourism operators, fisheries, and coastal enterprises in Puerto Rico, which may face economic losses from erosion.
- Local Government: Puerto Rican agencies involved in environmental protection, economic development, and tourism, required to participate in the study.
- Federal Government: Congress (receiving the report) and the Government Accountability Office (conducting the study).
- Residents and Communities: Coastal populations in Puerto Rico, who rely on beaches and wetlands for recreation and livelihoods.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a straightforward congressional directive for an independent study, relying on the Comptroller General's auditing authority under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. It promotes data-driven policymaking without creating new enforcement mechanisms.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's plenary power over U.S. territories (like Puerto Rico) under Article IV of the Constitution, ensuring federal support for territorial environmental and economic needs without raising separation-of-powers concerns.
- Political: Highlights attention to Puerto Rico's vulnerabilities as a U.S. territory, potentially influencing future funding for disaster resilience or climate adaptation. It underscores bipartisan interest (introduced by representatives from both parties) in addressing climate-related economic threats, though implementation depends on congressional action following the report.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-06-06: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Puerto Rico Business & Economic Assessment of Coastal Hazards and Erosion Study Act — issued 2025-06-06 — PDF (3 pages)