In 2006, Silent Spring was named one of the 25 greatest science books of all time by the editors of Discover magazine. pesticide policy, a nationwide ban on DDT for agricultural uses, and an environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. The book was met with fierce opposition by chemical companies, but it swayed public opinion and led to a reversal in U.S. The result of her research was Silent Spring, which brought environmental concerns to the American public. In the late 1950s, Carson began to work on environmental conservation, especially environmental problems that she believed were caused by synthetic pesticides. Carson accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation, and public officials of accepting the industry's marketing claims unquestioningly. Published on September 27, 1962, the book documented the environmental harm caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides. Let’s honor our Ocean State.Silent Spring is an environmental science book by Rachel Carson. The House is committed to reorganize and modernize the CRMC, and with the support of our Senate colleagues, the state must prepare for the future as we navigate sea level rise, climate change, the growing aquaculture business and waterfront development. Its work has changed dramatically over the last decade and certainly since it was first organized under federal law in 1975. Seventy percent of Rhode Island coastline is deemed conservation (Type 1 waters) and residential areas (Type 2 waters) where docks are acceptable, but marinas and dredging are prohibited. Of the state’s 39 cities and towns, 21 are coastal communities. It operates on a budget of $5 million - $2.5 million in federal dollars and only $2.5 million in state dollars. The coastal council does not have a full-time attorney or a hearing officer. Yet this agency is tasked with establishing and maintaining rights of ways for Rhode Island’s 420 miles of coastline, oversight of dredging projects, marinas, permits for aquaculture and offshore wind projects. The CRMC Study Commission has also learned that the coastal council is woefully understaffed and underfunded. We are also considering limiting service to a three-year term with no more than three terms, for a total of nine years. This would also create a “bench” of qualified candidates should there be a vacancy. The names of qualified, experienced candidates would be vetted and submitted to the governor (as opposed to political appointments) and she or he can choose from that list to fill the CRMC board. We will look at several recommendations to reorganize the CRMC, including a nominating committee for council members, much like the Judicial Nominating Committee for judges. You can view the recent CRMC Study Commission hearing at the General Assembly website. Its members are not required to have any experience in coastal matters as they make permitting decisions, and currently the council serves without any term limits. The latter is a politically appointed board selected by the governor. We’ve had some eye-opening, informative hearings that are highlighting the talent and experience of the coastal council's staff, whose professional recommendations are sometimes ignored by the council. In June, the House of Representatives passed legislation creating a CRMC Study Commission, which has since been working to identify ways to improve the state’s lead agency for reviewing coastal property proposals. The future of the coastal council should be an issue discussed in the 2022 gubernatorial race. It’s encouraging to see the candidates for governor paying attention to the work of the Coastal Resources Management Council Study Commission and voicing concern about the CRMC. Carson, D-Newport, is a member of the study commission. Deborah Ruggiero, D-Jamestown, is the chairwoman of the special House commission to study the Coastal Resources Management Council.
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