119 HR 3814 IH: To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effects of coastal erosion on tourism and other businesses in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2025-06-06 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3814IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 6, 2025Mr. Hernández (for himself and Mr. Huffman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effects of coastal erosion on tourism and other businesses in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Puerto Rico Business & Economic Assessment of Coastal Hazards and Erosion Study Act or the Puerto Rico BEACHES Act.

2.

Study on coastal erosion

(a)

In general

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study, and submit to Congress a report thereon, on the effects of erosion, including the loss of beaches, dunes, and wetlands, on tourism, fisheries, and businesses, throughout coastal areas in Puerto Rico.(b)

Coordination and consultation

In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall coordinate and consult with relevant local agencies, including the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development, and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.(c)

Requirements

The Comptroller General shall include in the report submitted under subsection (a) any recommendations—(1)on how to ameliorate any environmental factors that may be affecting businesses in the areas described in subsection (a); and(2)to address any challenges experienced by industries as a result of erosion in coastal areas.(d)

Coastal area defined

In this section, the term coastal area means a marine or freshwater area within or adjacent to a coastal State, including—(1)a coastal wetland or watershed;(2)coastal water;(3)a coastal bay;(4)a coastline; and(5)an estuary and associated upland.