Sosnowski bill changes hiring process for CRMC administrator

New law changes how CRMC administrator is appointed 

Legislation introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown) and Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) that changes the manner in which the administrator of the Coastal Resources Management Council is appointed has been signed into law.

Under the legislation (2023-S 0203, 2023-H 5966A), the governor, rather than the council, will appoint an executive director of the agency. The law also adds the requirement that the gubernatorial appointment be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The executive director of Coastal Resources Management will coordinate with the director of the Department of Environmental Management. The law also redefines the purpose of the director to add the planning and management of coastal resources.

“This legislation would make the CRMC director on the same level as all other executive directors,” said Senator Sosnowski. “This is a positive step needed to modernize, update and reform the agency to achieve more accountability and transparency for an agency that performs vitally important functions that are critical to the future of Rhode Island’s environment and economy.”

The Coastal Resources Management Council is primarily responsible for the preservation, protection, development and restoration of the coastal areas of the state through the implementation of its integrated and comprehensive coastal management plans and the issuance of permits for work with the coastal zone of the state.

“As we have moved forward with separation of powers, and are recognizing that a changing climate is having a profound impact on our coastline, I think it’s imperative that we elevate Coastal Resources Management to the same level as other state agencies,” said Representative Handy.