The proposed changes represent a significant impact on state laws regarding coastal resource management. The new department will inherit all powers and duties previously managed by the CRMC. Moreover, it will develop a comprehensive strategy for leasing submerged and filled lands, ensuring that such activities align with the public trust doctrine. The bill also reaffirms the state's authority over dredging and filling within tidal lands, thus centralizing control and potentially expediting development processes for marine-related projects. Such amendments will impact local governance and existing regulatory frameworks.
Summary
Bill S0772 seeks to amend the management and authority of coastal resources in Rhode Island by replacing the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) with a state department of coastal resources. This restructuring aims to streamline the regulatory process governing the use of the state's coastal and submerged lands, while ensuring public interests and environmental safety are prioritized. The bill emphasizes the need for effective coordination between different departments and agencies involved in coastal management policy.
Contention
Notably, the bill has incited discussions regarding the extent of power to be retained by local governments versus the newly established state department. Critics argue that transferring authority to a state-level department may dilute local representation and responsiveness to community concerns. Additionally, the proposed fees for leasing activities, particularly for transatlantic cables, raise questions about economic feasibility and their implications on business incentives in coastal areas. The balance of interests between environmental protection, economic development, and community representation remains a point of contention.
Reorganizes the coastal resources management council under the department of environmental management and create the bureau of coastal resources management.
Merges the coastal resources management council with the department of environmental management and creates the bureau of coastal resources management within the department of environmental management.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Replaces CRMC with a newly created division of coastal resources management, a state entity within the DEM and would transfer all authority to the DEM with duties and responsibilities to be carried out by the division of coastal resources management.
Requires the coastal resources management council to conduct a review of certain water classifications and existing policies and regulations to properly account for sea level rise.
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 TO THE COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 TO THE COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.)