Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has reiterated his call for reforms to the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) following their decision to deny a petition from Quidnessett Country Club. The club had sought to reclassify waters adjacent to its property.
"Of course, I am pleased that the CRMC ultimately rejected Quidnessett’s request, but regardless, we need reform and we need it now," stated Attorney General Neronha. He criticized the council for considering what he described as a "retroactive plea for relief from the consequences of their blatantly illegal action." He emphasized that Quidnessett's construction of an illegal seawall on protected waters highlighted issues in environmental oversight in Rhode Island.
Neronha announced that his office has again submitted legislation aimed at establishing a Department of Coastal Resources. This new department would be tasked with handling complex permitting and enforcement issues related to coastal resources. "If taken up and passed into law, the Department would bring careful consideration to all decisions affecting Rhode Island’s coastal resources," he said.
He further noted the importance of Rhode Island's coast for social and economic well-being, stressing that reliance on the current council is inadequate. "While the Quidnessett decision ultimately came down in our favor, it’s only a matter of time before the next Quidnessett," he warned.
The Attorney General concluded by urging immediate reform through a dedicated department focused solely on protecting Rhode Islanders' interests and the environment.