The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management would become responsible for coastal resources management under legislation introduced by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton).
The bill (2025-H 5453) would replace the Coastal Resources Management Council with the Division of Coastal Resources Management within the DEM. The new agency would be responsible for all the duties and responsibilities formerly carried out by the CRMC.
“Many of the issues that have plagued CRMC for years — chronic delays in making simple permitting decisions, lack of members and frequent missed/cancelled meetings, and the increasing number of flawed decisions being overturned by the courts — are caused by CRMC’s politically-appointed board, and can only be solved by a complete overhaul,” said Representative Edwards.
Under the legislation, all prior actions taken by the Coastal Resources Management Council would remain valid and enforceable by the Department of Environmental Management. The measure, which would take effect upon passage, has been referred to the House Committee on State Government and Elections.