Special House Commission Takes First Steps Toward CRMC Revamp

September 16, 2021

By CAITLIN FAULDS/ecoRI News

PROVIDENCE — A special House commission made its first moves toward reorganizing the controversy-ridden Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) on Sept. 15 during the inaugural meeting of its 15-member body.

The commission, which was created last session by legislation (H6252) sponsored by Rep. Deborah Ruggiero, D-Jamestown, will draw together experts on coastal policy, oceanography, aquaculture, development and conservation. In its first meeting, the commission set itself to the task of laying out priorities to improve CRMC and its operation and management procedures. The commission is tasked with issuing its findings and recommendations by April 1, 2022.