The bill is expected to have far-reaching implications for the management of coastal areas in Rhode Island. It reinforces the state’s commitment to the public trust doctrine, emphasizing that all management of marine resources must prioritize public interest and access. This move could potentially facilitate better coordination among state agencies involved in coastal planning and regulation, thereby improving environmental oversight and efficiency in permit approvals for activities that might impact coastal ecosystems.
Summary
House Bill 6034 proposes the establishment of a Department of Coastal Resources in place of the existing Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) in Rhode Island. This change is aimed at streamlining oversight and management of coastal resources, ensuring that the state can more effectively undertake its responsibilities concerning marine environments and coastal management. The bill lays out provisions for transferring powers and duties from the CRMC to the new department, which is tasked with implementing and enforcing a comprehensive coastal resource management program, consistent with both state and federal regulations.
Contention
One significant point of contention surrounding HB 6034 is the balance of power between state and local authorities. Critics may argue that consolidating these powers at the state level could diminish local control over coastal management decisions that directly affect community interests. Supporters, however, contend that a unified approach will enhance the effectiveness of coastal governance and environmental protection efforts in Rhode Island, ultimately leading to more sustainable management of the state's invaluable coastal resources.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers 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 the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers 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 the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Requires that any lease of tidal lands, or any license issued to use those lands, be approved by the general assembly, and that the coastal resources management council review all request prior to presentation to the general assembly.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers 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 transfers 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 transfers 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 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.