2026 -- H 7991

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LC003490

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-

BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,

AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING

     Introduced By: Representatives Cortvriend, Speakman, Boylan, Carson, Bennett, Handy,
and Spears

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Findings.

     The General Assembly finds and declares that:

     (1) Nature-based solutions, including living shorelines, wetland restoration, floodplain

reconnection, and green infrastructure, have been demonstrated to be proven, mature, and effective

strategies for managing erosion, flooding, and other water resource challenges.

     (2) The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) incorporates living

shoreline principles in its regulatory programs, prioritizing natural erosion control methods that

protect coastal ecosystems.

     (3) The Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund supports projects that utilize

nature-based solutions to enhance community and environmental resilience.

     (4) Efficient, coordinated, and timely permitting is critical to advancing nature-based

projects that address climate adaptation and resilience goals.

     SECTION 2. Title 46 of the General Laws entitled "WATERS AND NAVIGATION" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 23.5

COASTAL RESILIENCE – NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL,

WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING

     46-23.5-1. State policy on nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.

     (a) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to encourage and prioritize the use of

nature-based solutions as a preferred means of enhancing climate resilience, mitigating natural

hazards, and protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

     (b) Covered municipalities and relevant state agencies shall, to the maximum extent

practicable and consistent with existing law, consider nature-based solutions as preferred

alternatives to solely structural or hard-engineered approaches when reviewing, approving, or

funding projects subject to their jurisdiction.

     46-23.5-2. Definitions.

     For purposes of this chapter:

     (1) "Director" means the director of the department of environmental management (DEM).

     (2) "Nature-based solution" means a project that uses, restores, or mimics natural processes

to manage erosion, flooding, or water quality including, but not limited to, living shorelines, marsh

restoration, floodplain reconnection, urban green infrastructure, dune restoration, and riparian

buffers.

     (3) "Qualifying project" means a nature-based solution certified by the director of the

department of environment management, or designee, to meet criteria for ecological benefit,

resilience enhancement, and alignment with state climate goals.

     46-23.5-3. Integration with existing programs.

     (a) Effective January 1, 2027, the department of environmental management (DEM) and

the coastal resources management council (CRMC) in consultation with the chief resilience officer

(CRO) designated pursuant to § 46-23.4-2, shall update its rules, regulations and permitting criteria

to prioritize nature-based solutions and incorporate expedited review procedures for qualifying

projects submitted pursuant to this chapter.

     (b) The DEM, CRMC and any other relevant state agencies shall align their permitting and

funding programs to support the expedited permitting process pursuant to this chapter.

     (c) The ocean state climate adaptation and resilience fund shall, from funds appropriated

pursuant to this chapter, allocate resources for project support, technical assistance, and monitoring

of funded nature-based solutions approved pursuant to this chapter.

     46-23.5-4. Coordination.

     (a) The DEM in consultation with the CRMC and the office of the chief resilience officer

(CRO) shall serve as the central coordinating entity for expedited permitting of qualifying projects

and shall:

     (1) Accept applications for expedited review status;

     (2) Coordinate review among involved municipal governments and state agencies

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including, but not limited to, the CRMC, DEM, and department of health;

     (3) Facilitate pre-application consultation to identify and resolve potential permitting

issues; and

     (4) Track and report annually on expedited permitting activities to the governor and general

assembly.

     (b) Municipal and agency review deadlines for qualifying projects under this chapter.

     (1) Municipalities to the extent applicable and any relevant state agencies shall provide an

initial completeness determination or list of substantive deficiencies for qualifying projects within

thirty (30) calendar days of receiving an application pursuant to this chapter.

     (2) Municipalities to the extent applicable and any relevant agencies shall complete their

permit decision (approval, conditional approval, or denial) within ninety (90) calendar days of

receipt of a complete application.

     (3) Municipalities and agencies shall work collaboratively to avoid duplicative review

processes and coordinate public comment periods when practicable.

     (c) Regulations and guidance. Municipalities and agencies involved in the permitting

process for projects under this chapter shall adopt necessary regulations or guidance to implement

this expedited permitting process by January 1, 2027.

     46-23.5-5. Rules and regulations.

     The director shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this

chapter.

     46-23.5-6. Reporting.

     Effective January 1, 2027, the director shall submit an annual report by March 1, to the

governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and president of the senate detailing all

applications received and expedited permits issued, all project outcomes and ecological benefits,

and any recommendations for statutory or regulatory improvements.

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-

BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,

AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING

***

     This act would provide that DEM and CRMC in consultation with the chief resilience

officer shall update regulations to prioritize nature based solutions for coastal resilience projects

that would be coordinated by DEM using an expedited permitting process.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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