CRMC council member found to be ineligible
by Topher Hamblett, director of advocacy
On May 3, Save The Bay discovered that CRMC Council member Lindsay McGovern is no longer eligible to hold the seat to which she is currently appointed.
The 10-member council comprises one RIDEM representative and nine Governor-appointed members. According to state law, the appointed members must meet certain criteria, including details related to the size of the municipality they represent and the member’s role in that municipality. Should a member’s qualifying criteria change, their term on the Council is terminated.
Lindsay McGovern was selected to represent the coastal Town of Narragansett as a municipality with fewer than 25,000 residents and as an individual who held an elected or appointed municipal position. Unfortunately, we have learned that, as of November 2022, McGovern no longer holds that municipal position and is therefore no longer eligible to serve on the Council.
Save The Bay sent a letter to CRMC Council Chairperson Coia on May 4, sharing this information.
McGovern’s absence will result in a fourth vacant Council seat, contributing to the challenges the Council has had meeting quorum for hearings over the past year. While we remain unclear on how these findings will impact past or future CRMC findings and hearings, we feel strongly that this is yet another example of the need for Council reform.
CRMC is responsible for the activities within Rhode Island’s coastal zone—including the permitting of growing industries like aquaculture and offshore wind. While CRMC’s professional staff and Executive Director excel at their roles, the politically-appointed volunteer Council continues to shield the agency from accountability and detract from the efficiency of the agency’s processes and responsibilities.
It’s time to put an end to the confusion and missteps once and for all by reforming CRMC—which we have the opportunity to accomplish this legislative session with S 772 (Sen. Victoria Gu) and H 6034 (Rep. Teresa Tanzi).