By The Star Staff
The Natural Resources Committee in the island House of Representatives, in a significant move, rejected a Senate bill that aimed to delay until 2025 the enforcement of Act 51 of 2022, a crucial piece of legislation that bans single-use plastics in Puerto Rico.
The decision means that the ban will go into effect June 1.
The report on the bill rejected by the House panel received six votes in favor and one against.
Rep. Gabriel RodrÃguez Aguiló was the only one who voted to delay the validity of Law 51 for one year, while Rep. Lisie Burgos abstained.
The report warned that approval of the Senate bill would mark a significant setback in Puerto Rico’s ongoing efforts for environmental conservation.
The bill was approved in the upper chamber with 21 votes in favor and four against.
The House has taken other steps to address concerns. It has clarified that the ban on single-use plastics does not apply to medical and health institutions governed by federal regulations. In addition, it has passed a measure allowing consumers to bring their reusable containers to businesses for repurposing for food delivery.
The ban on single-use plastic includes knives, forks, spoons and chopsticks made of plastic, as well as plastic plates, trays and bowls.