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The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources constitutes the body within the Executive Branch of the Government responsible for implementing in its operational phase the public policy and the programs related to the management, sustainable environmental development, use, exploitation, protection and conservation of natural, environmental and energy resources of the Island according to the powers, duties and functions conferred to it by the Constitution and the laws in effect in Puerto Rico, and pursuant to the established environmental public policy.The Department shall be in charge of developing and executing the plans, investigations, programs, services and regulations within its area of responsibility, in a planned, integral and coordinated manner.