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HB 7991

AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 6 co-sponsors

HB 7991 accelerates permitting for nature-based coastal erosion and water management projects in Rhode Island to enhance resilience while reducing bureaucratic delays.

03/25/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7991

Legislative bill overview

HB 7991 promotes nature-based solutions for coastal erosion control and water resource management in Rhode Island while establishing expedited permitting processes for these projects. The bill aims to streamline environmental review and approval timelines for resilience initiatives that use natural infrastructure like wetlands, oyster reefs, and living shorelines rather than traditional hard engineering.

Why is this important

Coastal communities face increasing erosion and flooding from storms and sea-level rise, making resilience investments urgent. Expedited permitting can accelerate project deployment and potentially reduce costs, though Rhode Island's complex regulatory environment requires careful coordination among multiple agencies with overlapping jurisdiction.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental review trade-offs: Expedited permitting may compress environmental impact assessments, raising concerns about unintended ecological consequences or inadequate public notice periods
  • Funding and implementation: The bill's effectiveness depends on adequate state resources for staff training and coordination; unclear whether existing agencies have capacity
  • Property rights and access: Nature-based solutions often require land acquisition or easements, creating potential conflicts with private landowners in densely populated Rhode Island

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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