What’s Up Newport — Rep Ruggiero legislation would explore the possibility of reorganizing CRMC

Rep. Deborah Ruggiero D-Dist. 74 (Jamestown, Middletown)

By Ryan Belmore — Ruggiero files bill to study CRMC reorganization.

Following two high-profile development decisions that landed in court and have been criticized by the attorney general, Rep. Deborah Ruggiero on Thursday submitted legislation to explore the possibility of reorganizing the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC).

More from a press release from the General Assembly;

“The CRMC is a citizen zoning board that’s made up of political appointees, without any requirements that they have technical expertise, even though they make pivotal environmental decisions that impact future generations. We should take a deep, honest look at whether this is a responsible form of environmental stewardship for the Ocean State,” said Representative Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) in a statement. “We should review and evaluate the procedures of the CRMC and ask questions. What would reorganization look like and would it benefit the people of the Ocean State? Why are so many CRMC council members frequently absent from meetings? Some of its actions have been questionable, to say the least, and we are overdue for asking those questions.”

The legislation creates a special House commission to comprehensively study and provide recommendations for the reorganization of the CRMC. The special commission would consist of 15 members including representatives, municipal leaders from coastal communities, members of the public and representatives from Save the Bay, the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.

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