Enforcement and Shortcomings of Environmental Laws in Rhode Island

It was reported that the fair enforcement of environmental laws in Rhode Island lasted for about three years between 1991 and 1994, and in the subsequent period, serious disruptions occurred due to political will and budget insufficiencies.

The weakening of environmental protection policies in Rhode Island was triggered in 1994 when then-Governor Bruce Sundlun asked for the resignation of Louise Durfee, director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), over disagreements regarding budget needs, and dismissed her when she refused. It was noted that the budget and political will required for effective inspection could not be provided at that time, and this situation has not changed over the subsequent 32 years.

While it was stated that businesses could evade regulations due to the lack of adequate inspection mechanisms, a gubernatorial forum organized by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, attended only by Independent candidate Ken Block, emphasized that the state has failed in its environmental laws and climate crisis planning. Save The Bay Executive Director Topher Hamblett and Audubon Society Executive Director Jeff Hall drew attention to Rhode Island's inadequacy in these matters.

It was stated that the Special Legislative Commission to Review the Department of Environmental Management (Kennedy Commission), established in 1996 upon the proposal of Representative Brian Kennedy, initiated the erosion of political will. In addition, insufficient penalties given for illegal dumping by a disposal company in Cumberland and unauthorized quarrying activities by Hopkins Hill Sand & Stone LLC were among the other issues reported.