Authorized statement regarding House Bill 25 and the proposed redefinition of the maritime-terrestrial zone (MTZ)

Authorized statement by attorney Lolimar Rodríguez Escudero, policy counsel at the ACLU of Puerto Rico, following the approval of House Bill 25, which redefines the maritime-terrestrial zone (MTZ):

“In June 2025, the ACLU of Puerto Rico submitted a policy memorandum to the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources outlining the reasons why we did not support the approval of House Bill 25. Following the approval of this measure in the House, we reiterate our opposition. The maritime-terrestrial zone is a public domain asset and a natural resource protected by the Constitution of Puerto Rico. Although the law contemplates limited concessions for private use, those controversies must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, not through a redefinition that privileges ‘private ownership’ over environmental protection and collective access. The bill weakens coastal protections, facilitates private claims over lands that were previously clearly under public domain, and fails to take into account climate change and sea level rise. Puerto Rico needs to strengthen its coastal resources based on science and a long-term vision, not reduce their protection to benefit private interests.”