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PR House of Representatives Project PC 1433 polystyrene containers restriction

Reinaldo Franqui Machin's picture

The excessive use of disposable plastic bags, like polystyrene, has a negative impact on our ecosystems and public health. These plastics are not biodegradable, which lead to their accumulation in the environment and have been suggested to promote cancer in animal models. Law 247-2015 was enacted to reduce the use of disposable bags in commercial establishments, and thus mitigate its negative effects. Since its implementation, the consumption of these disposable bags has been reduced by 80%. However, this law exempted polystyrene containers used or sold in food establishments, thus the PC 1433 project seeks to amend the law to include these plastic containers.

 

 

Legislative Body: 

Puerto Rico House

Relevance to PR: 

Joel I. Franqui Atiles (PNP, Distritos de Hatillo, Camuy y Quebradillas)

Sponsors:

Joel I. Franqui Atiles (PNP, Districts of Hatillo, Camuy and Quebradillas)

 

Manuel Natal Albelo (Independent, Representative at-large)

 

This project would amend Law 247-2015, which prohibits the use of plastic bags and at stores in Puerto Rico. The amendment seeks to include a prohibition on polystyrene containers used or sold at food shops. If it becomes law, food merchants will have 18 months to comply with the provisions.

 

Manuel Natal Albelo (Independiente, Representante por acumulación

 

Este proyecto enmendaría la ley 247-2015, que prohíbe el uso de bolsas plásticas desechables en comercios de Puerto Rico. La enmienda busca incluir prohibiciones en el uso y venta de envases de poliestireno los comercios de comida. De convertirse en ley, los comerciantes de comida tendrán 18 meses para cumplir con las provisiones de esta ley.  

 

Current Status: 

Passed final vote in the House of Representatives (42-2). It will now pass to the Senate.

Suggested action: 

1) Learn about the benefits of using reusable bags and the negative impact of polystyrene on the environment.

2) Contact your senators to express your interest in the implementation of this amendment.

 

1) Infórmate de los beneficios de usar bolsas reusables y el impacto negativo del poliestireno en el medio ambiente.

2) Contacta tu senador para expresar tu interés en la implementación de esta enmienda.