Chippendale Bill Strengthens Business-Friendly Environment

Rep. Michael W. Chippendale (R-District 40, Foster, Glocester, Coventry) has submitted legislation that would prohibit cities and towns from enacting ordinances which are more restrictive than regulations established and enforced by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) or the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC).

“While I respect the rights of cities and towns to pass ordinances which specifically address the unique aspects and viewpoints of their respective communities, I believe that when it comes to environmental matters, DEM and CRMC have the expertise and experience to look at situations with a neutral eye,” said Chippendale. “We want to ensure cities and towns are not able to create stricter guidelines that restrict business from coming into their towns or have a negative impact on already existing properties. In these economic times, we need to ensure that we are being business-friendly while also ensuring experienced state agencies are looking at the big picture.”

Cosponsoring the bill are House Minority Leader Brian C. Newberry (R-District 48, North Smithfield, Burrillville), Rep. Anthony Giarrusso (R-District 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), Minority Whip Joseph Trillo (R-District 24, Warwick), Rep. Doreen Costa (R-District 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) and Rep. Patricia Morgan (R-District 26, Coventry,Warwick, West Warwick).