RI CRMC Ocean SAMP

Ocean SAMP

The CRMC Ocean SAMP subcommittee unanimously approved the public review process for Ocean SAMP rulemaking on October 15, 2009. Prior to approval, this process was discussed at the October 6th Ocean SAMP stakeholder meeting and public comments were heard during a public meeting on the October 15th. Download the public process document.

Click here to go to the official Ocean SAMP page

There has been a surge of interest recently for siting renewable energy projects in the offshore environment. The CRMC has applied water-based zoning since 1983 and is recognized internationally for its work in this area. Planning and zoning for ocean uses in the state’s territorial waters would allow for the proper planning and regulation for renewable energy projects in the offshore environment. The CRMC in partnership with University of Rhode Island scientists and engineers proposes to develop and adopt an Ocean SAMP that will include a provision for renewable energy zones. This plan will include a mapping exercise of existing uses of our ocean waters coupled with mapping for critical zones (transportation corridors, military reserves, essential habitat, etc.). Simultaneously, a screening of sites that have suitable characteristics for renewable energy will also be produced. Additionally, a conflict analysis will be performed to determine which area(s) may be desirable for a more intensive screening exercise. This more detailed screening will confirm that these sites meet the initial selection criteria to a reasonable degree of certainty.

This work will generate a draft zoning map for public review and comment and will involve other state and federal agencies. Concurrent with this work, the CRMC will generate regulatory standards for guiding development and protecting the state’s resources as part of the RI coastal program. With this process the state will have preselected sites that are environmentally and technically sound and most importantly have public and government acceptance. This will increase permitting predictability for renewable energy projects and expedite application review.

Ocean SAMP Subcommittee

Michael Tikoian, Chair
Paul Lemont
Don Gomez
Dave Abedon

Ocean SAMP Progress Reports (PDF)

Ocean SAMP Meeting Information

1/7/2009	Agenda	Minutes
2/3/2009	Agenda	Minutes
4/30/2009	Agenda	Cancelled
5/14/2009	Agenda	Minutes
8/13/2009	Agenda	Minutes
9/3/2009	Agenda	Minutes
9/21/2009	Agenda
10/1/2009	Agenda	Minutes
10/15/2009	Agenda	Minutes
11/5/2009	Agenda	Minutes
11/19/2009	Agenda	Minutes
1/14/2010	Agenda	Minutes
1/21/2010	Agenda	Minutes
2/4/10	Agenda