Summary.
The bill seeks to regulate the planting of tree species near power lines and vegetation planning in public spaces in the Republic of Panama. Its provisions would apply to natural or legal persons, public or private, who plant in areas near those lines anywhere in the country. The prohibition covers planting directly beneath power lines or within 10 meters of them.
The article setting out the prohibition classifies power lines by voltage and use. It lists 115 kV, 230 kV, and 345 kV for high-voltage lines used to transmit electricity from generation plants to main substations. It lists 13.2 kV, 24.9 kV, and 34.5 kV for medium-voltage lines used to distribute electricity from substations to communities, industries, and businesses. It lists 120 V, 208 V, 240 V, and 480 V for low-voltage lines used to supply residential, commercial, and smaller industrial users directly. The planting prohibition applies to power lines.
From the proposed effective date, the Ministry of Environment, in coordination with each Municipality, would have to delineate and identify existing trees beneath power lines throughout the country. It would also establish technical measures for their management, transplantation, or removal where appropriate. To replace removed vegetation, it would design and carry out reforestation programs in suitable, safe areas. These duties concern existing trees in addition to the restriction on new planting.
The Municipalities, in coordination with the Ministry of MiAmbiente (Ministerio de MiAmbiente), would prepare and implement vegetation management plans for public spaces under their jurisdiction. Through ordinances, they would determine which species are permitted for urban tree planting. They would also oversee and ensure compliance with the bill’s provisions within their respective territories. Municipal authorities would fine natural or legal persons who fail to comply between 100 and 1,500 balboas.
The Executive Branch, through the Ministry of MiAmbiente and in coordination with the Municipalities, would issue regulations for the law within 6 months of its promulgation. The text provides that it would take effect upon promulgation in the Official Gazette. Given its subject matter, it concerns the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of MiAmbiente, the Executive Branch, and the Municipalities, and may be of interest to those engaged in urban tree planting, those responsible for public spaces, and the electricity generation, transmission, and distribution sectors in Panama.
What it proposes.
- Planting tree species near power lines.
- Management of existing trees beneath power lines.
- Vegetation management in public spaces.
- Fines for noncompliance.
Who it would affect.
- Natural or legal persons, public or private, who plant near power lines.
- Municipalities responsible for vegetation planning and oversight.
- Authorities responsible for tree management and implementing regulations.
Key points.
- The proposal would apply to natural or legal persons, public or private, who plant in areas near power lines.Arts. 1-2
- It prohibits planting tree species directly beneath power lines or within 10 meters of them.Art. 3
- It classifies high-, medium-, and low-voltage power lines by their typical voltages in Panama and their principal uses.Art. 3
- It assigns responsibility for identifying trees beneath power lines, defining measures for their management, transplantation, or removal, and reforesting to replace removed vegetation.Art. 4
- It directs the Municipalities to plan vegetation in their public spaces, determine permitted species by ordinance, and oversee compliance.Art. 5
- It establishes municipal fines of no less than 100 balboas and no more than 1,500 balboas for violations of its provisions.Art. 6
- It requires the Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) to issue implementing regulations within 6 months of promulgation.Art. 7
- It provides that the law takes effect upon promulgation in the Official Gazette (Gaceta Oficial).Art. 8