Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging Rhode Island’s shoreline access bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A judge struck down a lawsuit challenging Rhode Island’s shoreline access bill that was passed earlier this year.

Attorney General Peter Neronha released a statement addressing the United States District Court’s decision to dismiss Rhode Island Association of Coastal Taxpayers v. Neronha, et al.

“I applaud Judge Smith’s decision to dismiss a challenge to Rhode Island’s shoreline access law and am pleased that the court agreed with the state’s position that the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue,” Neronha said.

The bill established that the public area of the shoreline ends and private property begins at 10 feet landward of the recognizable high tide line, which can be identified via seaweed or other deposits.

The lawsuit was brought forward by a group of “coastal taxpayers” who argued that the bill was unconstitutional because it violated their property rights.

“I remain grateful that the General Assembly codified Rhode Islanders’ constitutional rights to shoreline access into state law, and my Office remains committed to protecting those rights against any legal challenge,” Neronha added.