Press & News
ecoRI — Legislation Would Fold CRMC into DEM, Remaking Controversial Executive Council Into an Advisory Board
By Rob Smith — New legislation (H7996/S3082) proposes to merge the two entities, with CRMC — as the smaller of the two agencies — becoming a bureau within DEM. CRMC’s director would become a deputy director within DEM, and the politically appointed board that oversees the coastal agency would be transformed into an advisory body with little decision-making power.
Rhode Island Current — Number of new CRMC members to come this year: 7. Number of nominees picked by McKee: Zero
By Nancy Lavin — Frustrated coastal advocates renew calls to nix politically appointed council
ecoRI — Despite Concerns, CRMC Approves Seawall Reinforcement at Narragansett Club
By Rob Smith — The beach around Narragansett’s Dunes Club is going to look a lot different this winter. The historic, private beach club obtained approvals from coastal regulators to reinforce its 350-foot-long seawall against erosion, much to the consternation of environmental groups concerned about shoreline access.
Projo — Rhode Island country club built an illegal seawall, yet hasn't fixed it in two years
By Alex Kuffner — Quidnessett Country Club has been granted a 30-day extension to submit a plan for removing an illegal seawall. The country club's proposed plan involves using potentially non-compliant plastic fiber bags for shoreline stabilization. Disagreements persist between the club and the Coastal Resources Management Council regarding the extent of restoration required. Environmental advocates express frustration over the ongoing delays and lack of action.
Rhode Island Current — Quidnessett Country Club files suit against CRMC, alleging coastal panel broke its own rules
By Nancy Lavin — A dispute between state coastal regulators and Quidnessett Country Club has finally landed in court, with the North Kingstown country club filing an appeal in Rhode Island Superior Court on July 9 — one day before it was due to turn in a restoration plan for its coastline.
Rhode Island Current — Bottle bill shelved in favor of another study while CRMC reform effort is set adrift
By Nancy Lavin — 2 high-profile environmental bills get taken down a notch, or two, or three
Projo — Is RI's coastal agency broken? Why former members are speaking out for reform.
By Alex Kuffner — When Catherine Robinson Hall was appointed to a seat on the Coastal Resources Management Council in 2022, she represented something different for the powerful state agency that controls development along the Rhode Island shoreline…
Projo — RI couple's lawsuit challenges whether CRMC has say over homeowners' seawalls. Why it matters.
By Antonia Noori Farzan — A blanket ban on new seawalls and rock revetments along certain parts of the coastline means that homeowners have limited ability to defend their properties against erosion. A class action lawsuit seeks to overturn that policy, which would have major implications for Rhode Island's coastline.
The Westerly Sun — 'It's getting out of control'…
By Dale P Faulkner — Washington County residents sound off on beach access to state legislative committee
The Public’s Radio — At public hearing, speakers say Rhode Island has a ways to go on shoreline access
By Alex Nunes — The summer season may be months behind us, but advocates for beach access aren’t letting up on their calls for lawmakers to do more to strengthen and protect shoreline rights. They made their case again Thursday night at a special public hearing in Richmond.