P.R. Laws tit. 12, § 8001
(a) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in full awareness of the profound impact of human activity on the interrelations of all components of the natural environment, especially the far-reaching influence of population growth, high urban density, industrial expansionism, exploitable resources, and the new and widespread technological advancements, and in full and further awareness of the critical importance of restoring and maintaining environmental quality for the total wellness and full development of humankind, hereby states that it is the ongoing policy of the Government of the Commonwealth, including its municipalities, in cooperation with all public and private organizations so interested, to use all practical means and measures, including technical and financial assistance, with the purpose of encouraging and promoting general wellness and ensuring that all natural systems are healthy and able to sustain life in all its forms, as well as social and economic activity, within the framework of a culture of sustainability, in order to create and maintain conditions under which humankind and nature can coexist in productive harmony and to meet the social, the economic, and any other needs that may arise for the present and the future generations of Puerto Ricans.
(b) The Commonwealth recognizes that all persons are entitled and should enjoy a healthy environment and that all persons are responsible for making their contribution to the conservation and improvement of the environment. Likewise, all persons responsible for polluting our soils, waters, and atmosphere shall be accountable for decontamination- and restoration-related costs, and when applicable, for compensating the people of Puerto Rico for harm inflicted.
(c) In harmony with the foregoing and in full awareness of the importance and the relation among social, economic and environmental factors, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall procure its sustainable development based on the following four comprehensive objectives:
(1) The most effective protection of the environment and natural resources;
(2) the most prudent and efficient use for the benefit of all citizens;
(3) social progress that acknowledges everybody’s needs, and
(4) reaching and maintaining high and stable economic growth and employment rates.
History —Sept. 22, 2004, No. 416, § 3, eff. 6 months after Sept. 22, 2004.