Attorney General Neronha renews call for CRMC reform following Quidnessett decision
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following statement following today’s decision by the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) to deny Quidnessett Country Club’s petition to reclassify abutting waters.
“Of course, I am pleased that the CRMC ultimately rejected Quidnessett’s request, but regardless, we need reform and we need it now,” said Attorney General Neronha. “The fact that the Council even considered this request, a retroactive plea for relief from the consequences of their blatantly illegal action, tells you everything you need to know about the state of environmental oversight in Rhode Island. When Quidnessett decided to build an illegal seawall on protected waters, they either thought they wouldn’t get caught or they thought that if they did get caught, they wouldn’t be held accountable. Neither scenario is acceptable and both scenarios are a product of the Council’s well-earned reputation.
“Yesterday, my Office again submitted legislation to create a Department of Coastal Resources, which would establish a dedicated agency with the organization and expertise necessary to handle complex permitting and enforcement issues,” continued Attorney General Neronha. “If taken up and passed into law, the Department would bring careful consideration to all decisions affecting Rhode Island’s coastal resources, and long gone would be the days of reckless environmental action with delayed, or without, consequences. If we are serious about protecting our most treasured natural resources, we must confront this problem head on, and a new Department of Coastal Resources is the only fix.
“Rhode Islanders rely on the coast, in part, to support their social and economic well-being, and because this is so, they cannot rely on the Council. Because while the Quidnessett decision ultimately came down in our favor, it’s only a matter of time before the next Quidnessett. We must embrace real and lasting reform before it’s too late. And the solution is a dedicated Department with no agenda beyond acting in the best interest of Rhode Islanders and the environment.”
