Provides that DEM regulations and CRMC in consultation with the chief resilience officer shall update to prioritize nature based solutions for coastal resilience projects that would be coordinated by DEM using an expedited permitting process.

Rhode Island Coastal Resilience Bill Summary

This bill directs two of Rhode Island's environmental agencies — the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) — to update their rules and regulations to prioritize "nature-based solutions" when planning and approving coastal resilience projects. Nature-based solutions are approaches that work with natural systems rather than against them, such as restoring wetlands, planting beach grasses, rebuilding dune systems, or creating living shorelines — as opposed to traditional hard structures like seawalls or concrete barriers. The agencies would work in consultation with Rhode Island's Chief Resilience Officer, a state official focused on preparing the state for climate-related challenges.

The bill also establishes a faster, streamlined permitting process coordinated by DEM specifically for these nature-based coastal projects. Currently, getting permits approved for coastal work can be a lengthy process involving multiple agencies and steps. By creating an expedited pathway, the bill aims to make it quicker and easier for communities, municipalities, and project developers to move forward with environmentally friendly coastal protection efforts.

This bill would primarily affect coastal property owners, municipalities with shoreline areas, environmental organizations, and developers or contractors who work on coastal restoration projects. State environmental agencies would also need to revise their existing regulations to comply with the new priorities. Residents in flood-prone or erosion-affected coastal communities could potentially benefit from faster implementation of protective natural infrastructure.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee and is scheduled for further consideration. It has not yet been passed into law.