RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-, BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING
Impact
If enacted, H7991 will shift the regulatory paradigm by mandating that the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), in collaboration with the Chief Resilience Officer, prioritize nature-based solutions in project approvals. It requires these entities to streamline their procedures for qualifying projects, facilitating quicker and more efficient environmental enhancements. The intended outcome is a more coordinated effort across state and local governments in implementing solutions that are not only economical but also environmentally sustainable.
Summary
House Bill H7991 proposes significant amendments to the state's approach to coastal resilience and water management by prioritizing nature-based solutions for erosion control, water resource management, and implementing an expedited permitting process. The bill emphasizes the importance of utilizing natural processes, such as living shorelines and wetland restoration, as effective strategies to address challenges posed by climate change and associated natural hazards. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to ecological integrity while seeking to enhance community resilience against erosion and flooding.
Contention
The movement towards nature-based solutions has garnered both support and contention among stakeholders. Proponents argue that these measures not only reduce the impact of climate change but also preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of these solutions compared to traditional engineering responses, depending on site-specific conditions and potential limitations. Vigilance will be necessary to ensure that any expedited processes do not compromise thorough environmental assessments and stakeholder involvement in decision-making.
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.
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.)