The bill amends Section 42-17.1-2 of the General Laws to enhance the powers and duties of the director of the Department of Environmental Management in Rhode Island. It establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department, into which agricultural fees collected by the division of agriculture shall be deposited. These funds will be used only for authorized purposes as determined by the advisory committee established by the division of agriculture to assist in suggesting uses for the funds.

The bill also consolidates functions from various departments, allowing the director to oversee the protection, development, planning, and utilization of the state's natural resources, including water, air, and wildlife. Key provisions include the establishment of minimum standards for sewage-disposal systems and the authority to issue compliance orders for urgent violations without prior notice. Additionally, it outlines inspection procedures and conditions for obtaining administrative search warrants to improve the director's ability to enforce environmental standards and manage resources effectively.

Furthermore, the bill introduces amendments related to environmental management and land trust regulations, allowing cumulative remedies for nuisances and empowering the director to impose administrative penalties and conduct surveys of recreational areas. It also includes provisions for designating management areas for marine species, granting the director the authority to set rules regarding the management of these areas, including restrictions on the taking of marine species. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance environmental stewardship and improve the management of natural resources in Rhode Island.

Statutes affected:
436: 42-17.1-2