The measure which has paralyzed multiple investments remains in force because of administrative delays in the adoption of the rules that will govern the transformation of solid waste into electricity.
It has been noted that the document which contains the rules for this activity was ready three months ago, though Environment Minister Edgar Gutierrez, reported that "... we expected it soon to be stamped and signed."
The Ministry of Health has announced that the new regulations governing the generation of energy from biomass by municipalities will be ready in March.
Ameliarueda.com reports that "... Since last year an executive decree has been in effect which establishes a moratorium on any attempt to generate electricity from waste materials, however, the new rules allows for a repeal, since one of the conditions was that a regulation be applied to govern such processes."
In Costa Rica the Association of Mayors has submitted a complaint against the prohibition of generating energy from solid waste, and requested the lifting of the moratorium.
Despite the fact that on July 21 an agreement was made to allow one month to define a regulation governing the activity, the government has not made any progress on the issue and municipalities have decided to file a lawsuit with the Administrative Tribunal.
Municipalities in Costa Rica estimate that adoption of the regulations being prepared by the executive branch could accelerate the suspension of the moratorium in July.
The moratorium on generating energy from solid waste imposed by the government on July 11 could be lifted in late August, according to estimates by the National Association of Mayors and City Councils.
The government has agreed with the municipalities that within a month it will analyze the effects of generating power using waste before lifting the moratorium in June.
The Ministries of Health and Environment and Energy announced that they will dedicate a month to studying the effects of this method of power generation before removing the moratorium established on June 17 on this activity.