WPRO News

In a brief bill signing ceremony at the Department of Environmental Management offices Wednesday morning, Governor Gina Raimondo signed a new act to reform wetland protections.

The new law strengthens wetland protections but also moves the state to a universal standard for wetlands development; something the governor believes will help local businesses.

“It protects the environment but makes it easier and cheaper to do business in Rhode Island; so it’s really a win-win,” said Raimondo.

DEM officials say the regulations surrounding wetlands had not been updates since the 1970s, and Raimondo said both the environmental and business community were demanding change.

“We hammered out the issues and found the solution, so it’s a good day.”