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Rhode Island House Bill H7991
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7991

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, H7991 will shift the regulatory paradigm by mandating that the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), in collaboration with the Chief Resilience Officer, prioritize nature-based solutions in project approvals. It requires these entities to streamline their procedures for qualifying projects, facilitating quicker and more efficient environmental enhancements. The intended outcome is a more coordinated effort across state and local governments in implementing solutions that are not only economical but also environmentally sustainable.

Summary

House Bill H7991 proposes significant amendments to the state's approach to coastal resilience and water management by prioritizing nature-based solutions for erosion control, water resource management, and implementing an expedited permitting process. The bill emphasizes the importance of utilizing natural processes, such as living shorelines and wetland restoration, as effective strategies to address challenges posed by climate change and associated natural hazards. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to ecological integrity while seeking to enhance community resilience against erosion and flooding.

Contention

The movement towards nature-based solutions has garnered both support and contention among stakeholders. Proponents argue that these measures not only reduce the impact of climate change but also preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of these solutions compared to traditional engineering responses, depending on site-specific conditions and potential limitations. Vigilance will be necessary to ensure that any expedited processes do not compromise thorough environmental assessments and stakeholder involvement in decision-making.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6276

Creates the resilient Rhode Island property resilience act.

RI H5453

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.

RI H5904

Provides that evidence of life or work expectancy shall be based on statistical data using blended statistics and shall not be based on race, ethnicity or sex.

RI H6016

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 TO THE COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.)

RI S0923

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 TO THE COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.)

RI H5705

Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.

RI S0181

This act would require that a super majority of three-fifths (3/5) of the duly appointed council is required to override a recommendation by the CRMC staff.

RI H5784

Includes "hosting platform" under the definition of "room-seller" and imposes a tax of 5% on the rental of a house or condominium with the tax used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.

RI S0418

Includes "hosting platform" under the definition of "room-seller" and imposes a tax of 5% on the rental of a house or condominium with the tax used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.

RI H5798

Adds the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.