Bill > H5453

This bill replaces the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) with a newly created Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM) within the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The bill transfers all existing authorities, responsibilities, and functions previously held by the CRMC to the new division, effectively making the DCRM a state entity operating under the DEM. The legislation ensures a comprehensive transfer of powers, including permitting, enforcement, planning, and management of coastal resources, while maintaining the existing regulatory framework and ongoing projects. Specifically, the bill mandates that all prior actions, permits, and regulations issued by the CRMC remain valid and will now be enforced by the DEM. The transfer is designed to streamline coastal resource management by consolidating authority within an existing state department, with provisions for maintaining the integrity of existing coastal management programs and ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities. The bill also includes requirements for notifying and obtaining approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about the programmatic changes to the coastal zone management program.

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