Hold the Line on Coastal Access, RI CRMC Reform
Support H7996 and strengthen Rhode Island’s coastal enforcement system
Led by Save The Bay | Supported by Surfrider Foundation Rhode Island Chapter
Rhode Island’s coastline is one of our most important shared resources—supporting public access, thriving ecosystems, and local communities. But right now, gaps in enforcement are putting those protections at risk.
H7996 is a critical opportunity to fix that.
The Problem
The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) is responsible for protecting Rhode Island’s coast and ensuring public access under state law. However, ongoing challenges with staffing, responsiveness, and enforcement capacity are preventing it from consistently fulfilling that mission.
When enforcement is delayed or inconsistent, the coast and the public both pay the price.
What H7996 Does
H7996 strengthens Rhode Island’s coastal management system by:
- Improving accountability and oversight
- Increasing access to staffing and enforcement resources
- Strengthening implementation of existing coastal protections
- Better aligning coastal governance with broader environmental management systems
This bill is about ensuring that existing laws are not just written—but actually enforced.
Why It Matters
Without effective enforcement:
- Public shoreline access is weakened
- Coastal ecosystems are left vulnerable
- Community trust in regulatory systems erodes
- Recent legislative gains lose their impact
Rhode Island cannot afford a system where protections exist on paper but fail in practice.
Our Coalition Stands Together
This effort is led by Save The Bay, with support from partner organizations including the Surfrider Foundation Rhode Island Chapter, working together to ensure Rhode Island’s coast is protected, accessible, and properly managed.
Take Action
📣 Support H7996 and strengthen Rhode Island’s coastal enforcement system
We need a coastal management system that responds in real time, enforces the law consistently, and protects public access for future generations.
Tell your legislators to support H7996.