Section 46-17.3-1. – Legislative findings.

§ 46-17.3-1. Legislative findings. The general assembly finds that: (1) The waters of the state are a precious, irreplaceable resource essential to the environment, commerce, and recreation of citizens and tourists of the state; (2) Non-indigenous aquatic species introduced into waters of the United States from ballast water have caused tremendous environmental and ecological damage, […]

Section 46-17.3-2. – Purpose.

§ 46-17.3-2. Purpose. (a) The purpose of this chapter is to commence the process of developing a ballast water management program in Rhode Island by: (1) Calling upon the department of environmental management to investigate and evaluate all relevant state, federal and international laws and policies relating to invasive species management generally and ballast water […]