Ep: 075 - Recipe for Disaster

ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING

Today we are going to discuss the Rhode Island coastal resources management council (CRMC). We’ve discussed the CRMC in past episodes however, this episode is different.

The CRMC isn’t set up like other state agencies are. The CRMC (agency) staff and the executive director work every day like a regular state agency on permits and projects and approvals. The “Council” (not agency) only meets once or twice a month. To serve on the council, mean you were appointed by the governor… can be anyone. Why is this important to know?

We discuss how recently the council (folks appointed by the governor) decided to vote to overrule a staff recommendation that relates directly to the general assembly’s authority to provide oversight and decision making in approving something called a submerged land lease. Why is this a recipe for disaster? Take a listen to hear what happens.

Article for reference;

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/environment/2023/03/22/offshore-wind-farm-cables-and-seabed-lease-put-crmc-lawmakers-at-odds/70037715007/

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/environment/2023/03/22/offshore-wind-farm-cables-and-seabed-lease-put-crmc-lawmakers-at-odds/70037715007/