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HR 6372

HOUSE RESOLUTION STRONGLY REPROVING THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD'S PLAN TO REMOVE 38 BUOYS FROM RHODE ISLAND WATERS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island urges the Coast Guard to retain 38 navigation buoys, protecting boaters' safety and Rhode Island's maritime economy.

06/12/2025 House read and passed
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Bill Summary · HR 6372

Summary: House Resolution HR 6372 (Rhode Island)

Title

HOUSE RESOLUTION STRONGLY REPROVING THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD'S PLAN TO REMOVE 38 BUOYS FROM RHODE ISLAND WATERS

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution expresses strong opposition to the U.S. Coast Guard’s plan to remove 38 aids to navigation (AtoN)—specifically coastal buoys—in Rhode Island waters.
  • It urges the Coast Guard to retain and maintain the 38 buoys to safeguard safety for both recreational boaters and commercial traffic.
  • The measure emphasizes Rhode Island’s reliance on a robust maritime industry and the importance of boating safety in a state with significant boating activity and complex waterways.

Background and Rationale

  • Rhode Island’s maritime sector is a major economic driver, with thousands of jobs and billions in sales tied to navigation and safe boating.
  • Rhode Island has about 400 AtoN, including roughly three dozen buoys that could be removed under the Coast Guard’s shift toward newer navigation technologies (GPS, electronic charts, smartphone apps) and fewer physical markers.
  • The resolution highlights that many Rhode Island boaters—especially those with smaller vessels or limited access to advanced navigation gear—depend on physical markers for safe navigation in congested waters like Narragansett Bay.
  • It cautions that exclusive reliance on electronic navigation can be risky in complex or changing conditions.

Key Provisions

  • Urges the U.S. Coast Guard to retain and maintain the 38 buoys proposed for removal.
  • Cites safety and economic considerations, linking AtoN presence to safe navigation for both recreational and commercial vessels.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:
    • Members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation
    • Terry Gray, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
    • Rear Admiral Michael E. Platt, Commander, First Coast Guard District
    • Captain Clinton J. Prindle, Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard First District

Who/What Is Affected

  • Rhode Island boaters and maritime users (recreational and commercial)
  • Rhode Island’s AtoN network and navigational infrastructure
  • Federal navigation planning as it concerns Rhode Island waters

Procedural Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: May 28, 2025 (Rep. Carson and colleagues)
  • Committee: Referred to House State Government & Elections
  • Schedule/Action: Heard May 30, 2025; committee recommended passage June 10, 2025
  • House Action: Placed on calendar June 10, 2025; House read and passed June 12, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution (not a law; expresses the house’s position and requests)

Bottom Line

HR 6372 is a state-level resolution asserting that Rhode Island should retain the 38 buoys targeted for removal by the U.S. Coast Guard, citing safety, economic, and navigational considerations. It directs official communications to relevant state and federal authorities to advocate for maintaining the existing AtoN in Rhode Island waters.

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

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