Official State of Rhode Island Website
Official State of Rhode Island Website
In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. located at the Administration Building, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.
Members Present
Raymond Coia, Chair
Ronald Gagnon, DEM
Steven Izzi
Carder Starr
W. Michael Sullivan
Richard Bernardo
Scott Rabideau
Staff Present
Jeffrey M. Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Kevin Sloan
Justin Skenyon
Anthony DeSisto, Legal Counsel
Mark Hartmann, Associate Legal Counsel
Laura Dwyer, Education/Information Coor -- remote
Ryan Moore, IT
Lisa Turner, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and began the meeting by acknowledging and thanking the former Council Members, Patricia Reynolds, Kevin Flynn, Joseph Russolino and Dr. Michael Reuter, for their service to the Coastal Resources Management Council and the State of Rhode Island.
2. Review/Action of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting, April 28, 2026
Council Discussion and Motion:
3. Subcommittee Reports
Mr. Willis:
The ROW Subcommittee heard the Buttonwoods ROW matter at 5:30 p.m. and voted to hold public hearings in the City of Warwick for public comment.
4. Staff Reports
Mr. Willis welcomed and thanked the new members of the Council, Carder Starr, Richard Bernardo, W. Michael Sullivan and Scott Rabideau.
5. Applications which have been Out To Notice for 30-Days and are before the Council for Review and Action:
2023-02-090 SOUTHCOAST WIND ENERGY LLC -- Assent and Freshwater Wetlands Permit Application to construct and maintain: Two new 20.4-mile submarine high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power cable bundles and associated communications cables co-located within a single corridor within state waters through the Sakonnet River to the southern onshore cable crossing locations at the Town of Portsmouth and re-entering Mount Hope Bay from the north and crossing into Massachusetts state waters to Brayton Point in Somerset, Massachusetts. The State Assent application also includes: preparation of two landfall work areas for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) pit construction; installation of transition joint bays; installation and operation of an approximately 2-milelong underground onshore transmission cable; and associated underground interconnection circuits. These project components are part of the overall 1,287-megawatt (MW) SouthCoast Wind 1 Project. Located in RI State Waters -- Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay -- and Portsmouth RI, plat 8, lots 25-50, Plat 13, lots 25-1, Plat 19, lots 19-89; Plat 25, lot 13-6
Attorney Hartmann explained that DeSisto Law Associates were recusing themselves and that Deputy Legal Counsel John Longo would be Council attorney for the SouthCoast matter.
Mr. Sloan then gave a brief overview of the project stating that the application was for the construction, operation and maintenance of two sub-marine power export cables associated with the SouthCoast Wind’s Offshore Wind project in federal waters. Mr. Sloan explained that the power export cables would run through the federal water, up the Sakonnet River where it would make landfall in Portsmouth, crossing Aquidneck Island and re-entering the water at Mount Hope Bay before continuing to Brayton Point in Somerset MA.
Mr. Sloan briefly spoke of the application history and process.
Mr. Sloan explained the process of application review and coordination with the Fishermen’s Advisory Board – both the previous board and the board approved in April of 2025.
Mr. Sloan spoke about the installation of 20.3 miles of two high-voltage (±320 kilovolt) direct current (HVDC) sub-marine power cable bundles and associated communication cabling, within an export cable corridor in RI State waters – Type 2 and Type 4 waters.
Mr. Sloan explained the seabed preparation to include pre-installation surveys to check for debris and obstructions along the corridor. Other seabed preparation will include boulder removal (grab or plow) and relocation, a grapnel run along the seabed to clear debris, and pre.lay surveys. Mr. Sloan stated that during this seabed preparation, SouthCoast Wind will communicate directly with the fishing industry, representatives and state management agencies to provide location of boulders.
Mr. Sloan stated that a simultaneous cable lay and burial method would be used for cable installation process utilizing a jet-plow or jet-sled burial tool, with a target burial depth range of 6’ below.
Mr. Sloan explained that 15% of the export cable corridor will require secondary cable protection due to three cable/pipeline crossings in the Sakonnet River.
Mr. Sloan stated that the 137 acres of seabed disturbance will be largely temporary and permanent only in areas where secondary cable protection is required.
Mr. Sloan explained that for the sea-to-shore and shore-to-sea transition will occur via horizontal directional drilling resulting in 8 horizontal directional drilling offshore pits – 4 in Sakonnet River and 4 in Mount Hope Bay.
Mr. Sloan included information on electromagnet fields (EMFs) stating that no regulatory thresholds or guidelines for allowable EMF levels in marine environments have been established for either HVDC or HVAC transmission. Mr. Sloan explained that CRMC received comments from stakeholders regarding concerns about EMF impacts on local environment.
Mr. Sloan included Procedural History information about application submittal, Fishermen’s Advisory Board participation, and FAB representation, Dr. Todd Guilfuss, regarding the compensatory mitigation memorandum.
Mr. Sloan explained that an additional requirement of this project is to receive a submerged lands lease and because this project is over 25 acres in size, a recommendation from the CRMC must be made to the General Assembly.
Justin Skenyon, CRMC Policy Staff member, addressed the Council on potential impacts from this project.
Mr. Skenyon stated that one impact would be from EMFs and that staff recommended a significant barrier for the cables based on reports providing some evidence of impacts to sensitive weed species. Mr. Skenyon stated that a study from 2019 (and updated in 2024) showed that the operation of offshore wind energy projects is not expected to negatively affect commercial and recreational fisheries within the southern New England area.
Mr. Skenyon spoke about other benthic impacts such as species that live on the ocean bottom, with the impacts being from burial or dredging – species include mussels, gastropods, mollusks, conch, quahogs, mantis shrimp and benthic worms. The impact will be minimal, and the species will all bounce back quickly. Recolonization will happen almost immediately.
Mr. Skenyon also spoke about other environmental impacts on other water species such as winter flounder and their eggs, winter skate and other marine mammals such as whales, porpoises, harbor seals and sea turtles. These impacts appear to be temporary and safety measures have been mitigated during construction.
Mr. Skenyon stated that CRMC worked with DEM addressed all concerns and standards, and the application is satisfactory to all the regulatory standards for RIDEM water quality permit.
Mr. Skenyon moved on to give an overview of Public Comments that were received during the Public Notice period of November 13th , 2024 and concluding on January 20th , 2025. Mr. Skenyon stated that over 100 comments during this timeframe with the majority of the comments being in support of the project due to the effects of climate change on our environment. Comments were received from Save The Bay, RI Builders, Town of Little Compton and Middletown, RI Saltwater Angler Association. CRMC Staff believes that all of the stipulations of the project will address the concerns.
Mr. Sloan went over the staff recommended stipulations which included a cable barrier work plan will be submitted within 90 days prior to construction; a dredge window, minimum burial depth of 4’ to 6’; conditions for secondary protection cable burial; EMF monitoring; post construction assessment; submerged lands lease, decommissioning plan; Compensatory Mitigation Plan MOU, and trawlabity study.
Mr. Sloan began a discussion on the Compensatory Mitigation Plan (CMP) MOU stating that the negotiations occurred between staff, FAB, and South Coast Wind. Dr. Todd Guilfoos, Resource Economist Professor at URI, was engaged as CRMC's subject matter expert, per the OSAMP. The plan is split into two projects. The MOU up for discussion is for the first cable bundle installation and the second cable bundle installation CMP MOU is being reserved for a separate future proceeding as the projects will not occur at the same time. Mr. Sloan went into specifics of the MOU.
Mr. Sloan finished by stating that CRMC review Staff defers to the Council on decision and that the material submitted is sufficient to move to final design.
Questions from the Council:
Mr. Rabideau asked about Stipulation 13 and 50, specifically, the Environmental Compliance Monitor and the Certified Verification Agent – is the intention for this to be one person. Mr. Sloan and Mr. Skenyon stated that the monitor can be one individual or two.
Mr. Willis introduced Dr. Todd Guilfoos and asked him speak about his review of the applicant's Analysis and Report of the fisheries that are within the cable corridor and his recommendations.
Dr. Guilfoos was sworn in and identified himself for the record.
Dr Guilfoos stated that he reviewed a report by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) and I derived some recommendations on things that I thought could be adjusted or supplemented with additional data. Dr. Guilfoos also reviewed mariner briefing reports from the Revolution Wind project and incorporated some recommendations. Dr. Guilfoos stated that he provided recommendations. Dr. Guilfoos also provided information the timing of the payment to the trust and inflation percentages. There were many questions from the Council on inflation values of the CMP MOU and timeline recommendations.
Applicant
Present to represent SouthCoast Wind:
Christian Capizzo, Esq. – Adler Pollock & Shehan
Joshua Parks, Esq. – Adler Pollock & Sheehan
SouthCoast Wind witnesses: All sworn in and identified for the record.
Jennifer Flood – Ocean Winds North America, Permitting and Stakeholders
Sam Asci – Ocean Winds North America Fisheries management
Andrew MacGregor, Ocean Winds , Engineer
Daniel Mendelson – sediment dispersion
Anna Murphy, PhD – Ecosystem ecology – sediment dispersion
Tim Verslycke, PhD --Principle at Gradient
Dr Kite Powel – WHOI – baseline fisheries landing – socioeconomic….
James Durand – export cables in onshore --nearshore
Jennifer Flood and Sam Asci testified to their experience, education and qualifications.
Jennifer Flood addressed the Council and first acknowledged the period of time we are in for offshore development in terms of the current administration. Ms. Flood explained that Southcoast Wind is a very mature project and is able to move forward.
A brief overview of the project was given using an adobe presentation (attached) with Ms. Flood and Mr. Asci testifying before the Council. The Presentation touched on:
Questions from the Council:
Mr. Sullivan asked about the 60k trawl survey insurance plan Mr. Asci stated that they would conduct survey in a way that gives information so that the fishermen can make an informed decision as to whether or not they trawl over discreet area.
Mr. Sullivan asked about the hole size of the boring through Portsmouth in regard to the natural arsenic in this area. Mr. McGregor stated that the bundle is a 13” cable and will drill as 13” bore hole – if they split the cable, it will be a 6” bore hole but they will revisit this during the detailed design stage.
Mr. Starr asked if Portsmouth property being drilled is town owned/state owned property only. Mr. MacGregor stated that some are private property, there were agreements with landowners, and all property was undeveloped.
Mr. Rabideau asked about directional drilling. Mr. MacGregor stated that each section is a kilometer in length, they will lay a duct and pull the cable through.
SouthCoast Wind concluded.
Public Comment
Chris Dodge, Narragansett Bay Keeper with Save The Bay – Mr. Dodge expressed concerns regarding the project but recognized the need for renewable energy. Mr. Dodge suggested that the oversight of the monitoring and reports be done by hiring a third party assent compliance representative (temporary staff member) paid for by SouthCoast. Mr. Dodge urged staff to upload report to the website.
Jeff Grant, Commercial Fisherman, participation in the FAB process. Mr. Grant stated that the FAB structure failed to meet the OSAMP regulations and was disappointed with staff participation with the FAB. Mr. Grant expressed concern that the compensation package will fail to make the fishing community whole.
John Travassos, resident of Warren and principle of Environmental Insight, a consulting firm providing quality control services to engineering firms navigating the complexities of the environmental permitting arena. Mr. Travassos expressed concern that RI is part of the construction process but will not benefit from the project at all. Asked the Council to condition any future approval on a mandatory, developer-funded, third-party, multi-year, longitudinal monitoring program and a substantial performance bond to guarantee restoration funds.
Amanda Barker – Clean Energy Program Manager at Green Energy Consumers Alliance – spoke in support of the project so we can move away from fossil fuels and move towards cleaner means of energy.
Christian Roseland (sp)– Resident of Providence – spoke in support of the project in alignment of the recommendations of the staff. Mr. Roseland expressed concern about trawling for fish.
Harrison Antone – Labor Liaison for Climate Jobs of RI – spoke in favor of the project stating that we need to transition to a greener RI and asked that the Council approve the application and prove to the country that we are moving forward in green energy using RI workers.
Hannah Larkin – Portsmouth Resident – spoke in support of the project for global and environmental health. The project will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels using proven technology.
Nick Freeman – Aquidneck Island – spoke in support of the project stating that it is important that RI keeps moving forward with technology.
Mike Lombard – objected to the project stating significant disconnects in assumptions. Mr. Lombard not in favor or underwater demolition. Mr. Lombard expressed concern about no mention of the Atlantic sturgeon.
Jim Boyd – introduced himself to the new members stating that he is currently a commercial shell fishermen. Mr. Boyd stated that he was representing the RI Quahog – RI Shellfishing association and requested that the three conditions in their letter be incorporated into the assent. Council very important role and unique role. CRMC had very limited authority through Federal Consistency. In this case, SouthCoast Wind is coming into this state, impose any reasonable conditions you deem necessary. Please incorporate the three conditions put in the December 2024 letter – survey shellfish – transplant shellfish in path – make sure shellfish resources transplanted –shellfish can be smothered through side casting.
Timmons Roberts – Professor at Brown University – 35 years working on climate change and renewable energy. Spoke in favor of the project stating that coastal habitats are at huge risk with sea level rise. Huge necessity in acting on renewable energy for climate change. Offshore wind was the resource to double the energy and meet the RI renewable energy goals for RI. Stated that there are underground cables everywhere. Cables are the Achilles heel of the wind energy. Encourage to support with caveats in the mitigation plan.
Mike Marchetti – FAB member – Mr. Marchetti expressed concern regarding the process and felt that the FAB was denied their contracted legal representation. Stated that Todd Guilfoos did help them. Asked that the Council deny the project stating that the fishing industry has changed since the Block Island Wind Farm and that fish stay away from benthic construction and vibratory contraction.
Camille Nixon – Grandmother from Warren RI – proponent of offshore wind. Fisheries suffer due to climate change. Marine wildlife like cooler waters. Ocean state – beacon for this country by showing how it is done. Showed painting by Claude Monet steam engines in the background.
Gary Sabula – resident of Barrington. Spoke in favor of the project stating that climate change was the greatest threat.
Fanni Vavrowski –graduated from Brown University with environmental degree. Spoke in favor of the project. Stated that oceans experience constant disruption and that underground and undersea cables already exist.
Barbara Sullivan-Watts – Marine Research Scientist with URI – 40 years of experience – documenting impact on marine life. We have learned what happens when dredge. Another research project – worked on disposal on hot water on ecosystems. Ms. Watts asked that the Council approve the project. Hoping for cooling tanks in Brayton Point Power plant.
Justin Boyan – Providence – former NASA research science engineer, spoke in favor of approving the project to bring renewable energy to new England grid.
Jeanine Geguere-Gagnon – Spoke in favor of the project.
Diane Hill --resident of North Kingstown – work as a clinical social worker. Spoke in favor of the project expressing concern for global warming and climate change. RI is ideally situated to be a leader to get away from fossil fuels.
Avery Robertson – Assistant director of Climate Action of RI – Spoke in support of this project.
Joel Gates – resident of Glocester. Spoke in support as he worries about insurance rates climbing due to sea level rise decimating our beaches.
Concludes public comment
Attorney Capizzo had no further witnesses and concluded presentation their presentation with closing remarks asking the Council to approve the application.
Sam Asci explained why the Atlantic sturgeon was overlooked – the permit application are for impacts to marine species within RI state waters. The Federal permitting level will look at all species, and the Atlantic sturgeon was handled at that level.
Mr. Skenyon addressed the RI Shell Fishermen’s Association request to add three stipulations provided in their letter of comment. Mr. Skenyon stated CRMC staff work very closely with RI DEM Division of Marine Fisheries to conduct surveys and other monitoring activities and the RIDEM Water Quality Certification requires SouthCoast Wind to conduct a shellfish survey prior to HDD construction activity – Mr. Asci stated that it is condition 11 of the Water Quality Cert.
Mr. Rabideau asked if there was an issue if the stipulations were added to CRMC permit. Mr. Asci stated that it would be redundant. Mr. Sullivan also agreed with Mr. Rabideau.
Chair Coia asked Mr. Sloan and Mr. Skenyon if any testimony changed their opinion of the project.
Mr. Sloan stated that he would like to know what happens to the Compensatory Mitigation MOU if the project reaches financial close in 2032. Would they come back to CRMC to revisit adjustments for the timeframe?
Ms. Flood stated that if, for some reason, we have to take these milestones, such as financial close and construction, after 2031, we would be amenable to going back to CRMC staff and discussing the need to adjust inflation factors to account for, say, 2032 or 2033, whenever we took financial close, with the caveat being that the MOU is executed, and I think it would be appropriate to add this as a condition to the Category B Assent stipulations.
Mr. Gagnon asked about the administrative cost of the fund being 27% and asked if they would reduce the cost.
Mr. Sloan stated that the amount provided for the cost of administration is difficult to defend as there is no information to defend it – lessons are being learned all around.
Mr. Sullivan asked if it would be better to continue and come back with a better-defined plan. Mr. Sloan stated that developing the claims process is extremely time-consuming. This avenue gives the Viability Trust, which is run by fishermen for fishermen, control over their money, which that already exists, but also control over the design of their own claims process which does not exist elsewhere.
Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Rabideau asked about the staff person who would monitor, track, and report the post-permit, post construction surveys and reports. Could CRMC be in charge of picking the environmental compliance monitor.
Mr. Willis stated that if it’s a requirement under the assent that they have agreed to, we can do that.
Mr. Starr asked about the legal representation for the Fishermen’s Advisory Board. Mr. Willis explained that legal representation for the FAB is not an absolute requirement. The FAB wanted a particular attorney and SouthCoast Wind did not want to pay for that attorney. The FAB then decided to go without an attorney, and we hired Dr. Guilfoos to keep the process moving, which was successful.
Mr. Rabideau asked if the inflation factor above 2031 could mimic the energy board.
Attorney Longo stated that when someone makes a motion, it would be included.
Attorney Capizzo stated that if financial close does not happen before the end of 2031, they will come back to look at the escalation -accounting for and acknowledging the adjustment of the economic inflation.
Mr. Izzi motioned, based on the testimony of CRMC staff, the CRMC staff report, the testimony of the applicant's witnesses, and considering the public's comments, for the approval of the application of South Coast Energy LLC 2023-02-090 -finding that the mitigation proposed by the applicant is sufficient; the impact on the environment is minimal, and the MOU are all a condition of the approval. As well as including the 30 stipulations contained in the staff report and recommendation; the RIDEM shellfish survey be provided to CRMC staff; and the environmental monitor referred to in Stipulation 13, forward, his or her reports to the CRMC staff; and if financial closure is not accomplished by the end of the year 2031, that the applicant will negotiate an inflation escalator or adjustment with CRMC Staff.
Request to amend motion so that instead of the environmental monitor forwarding their reports to CRMC staff, the motion will contain that the Environmental Compliance Monitor should be retained by CRMC and direct their work appropriately and Paid for by the applicant.
Mr. Rabideau seconded the motion.
Chair Coia did a roll call vote:
Mr. Starr Aye
Mr. Rabideau Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Mr. Sullivan Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Mr. Bernardo Aye
Outcome: Motion passed.
9. ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn:
Motion: Mr. Izzi
Second: Mr. Gagnon
Motion to adjourn approved on a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 10:13 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner, Recording Secretary
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