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© 2025 Desautel Browning Law
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Podcast host Clarice Parsons interviews Kerin Browning and Marisa Desautel, managing partners of Desautel Browning Law. They will leave you cracking up while discussing some serious topics around state / federal environmental law, utility / energy statutory and regulatory compliance, civil litigation, and municipal and regulatory zoning and permitting.
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In this episode of Environmentally Speaking, environmental attorney Marisa Desautel and co-host Clarice Parsons dive into how Rhode Island’s coastal municipalities are adapting to climate change and rising sea levels through updated zoning and land-use ordinances.
Topics covered include:
The growing urgency of coastal resilience planning in Rhode Island
Steps towns are taking to revise municipal ordinances for future development
Challenges of balancing due process vs. emergency action
The concept of “retreat”—when rebuilding in flood-prone areas no longer makes sense
Protecting natural defenses such as wetlands and conservation easements
Legal and policy questions about redevelopment after disasters
Human behavior during disasters and the formation of “stay-behind” communities
Whether you’re a homeowner, planner, or environmental professional, this conversation offers insight into the legal and practical measures shaping the state’s coastal future.
This week on Environmentally Speaking, Marisa and Clarice dive into a timely and critical topic—Rhode Island's first-ever buyback program for flood-prone homes along the Pocasset River.
With increased flooding due to climate change and rising sea levels, federal and local agencies are stepping in with a solution: offering homeowners fair market value to relocate away from flood-risk zones. But with limited funding and over 100 vulnerable properties, is this just a drop in the bucket?
In this episode:
Why this program is launching now
How the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is involved
The impact on communities in Cranston and Johnston
Whether homeowners are getting a fair deal
Questions about long-term funding and flood prevention
🔗 Have you or someone you know received a letter about the buyback? Reach out to us!
In this episode of Environmentally Speaking, environmental attorney Marisa Desautel and co-host Clarice Parsons discuss Rhode Island’s first state-funded coastal resiliency study, a result of the recently passed Act on Coasts (2024).
Topics covered include:
What is a resiliency study and why it matters
Current threats to Rhode Island’s coastline
The newly appointed Chief Resilience Officer and their responsibilities
Community involvement and state planning timelines
Legal implications and potential next steps
International approaches to coastal erosion
This episode explores the legal, environmental, and policy challenges involved in climate adaptation and coastal planning for Rhode Island and beyond.
Clarice and Kerin sit down to discuss today's political climate and the way it is impacting land use in New England. Kerin discusses the question: "What happens when politics and special interests get involved in our zoning and land use process?"
In this episode of Environmentally Speaking, we dive into the crucial role of regulators and explore how businesses and individuals can build productive, trust-based relationships with them. Our guest, Bill Patenaude, brings over 34 years of experience as a regulator and trainer at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) to share valuable insights on how to navigate regulatory processes, communicate effectively, and avoid common compliance pitfalls.
Bill holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and retired from RI DEM in May 2023. He is a Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instructor/facilitator and now works as a trainer and technical assistance provider for the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) in Lowell, MA, where he continues to teach regulatory relations. Additionally, Bill serves as a Flex Facilitator for Half Full LLC in Providence, where he provides training on communication skills, difficult conversations, leadership, organizational development, and more.
🔗 Connect with Bill Patenaude:
📧 Email:WLPatenaude@gmail.com
💼 LinkedIn:Find Bill on LinkedIn
Welcome back, listeners, to another episode of Environmentally Speaking! After a brief hiatus, we're diving right back into the pressing issues of environmental policy and legislation. In today's episode, we discuss the dramatic shifts in governmental policies, particularly focusing on the surprising changes regarding offshore wind projects under the new administration. The Biden administration's aggressive push for these projects has been paused with a six-month moratorium under the new executive order. We’ll explore the implications of this pause, the potential legal and environmental impacts, and what the future might hold for offshore wind initiatives. Stay tuned as we unravel these developments and ponder their consequences on our environment and legal landscape. If you have any topics you'd love to hear more about, don't forget to reach out to us with your suggestions!
Email: marissa@desautelbrowning.com
Have you ever wondered how supply chain issues impact developers and what alternatives they might have?
Tune into this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking with hosts Kerin and Clarice as they break down the trends, pitfalls, and strategies for navigating these challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding market cycles and timing your projects
- Practical tips to save money and strategize better
- The importance of keeping future trends in mind
Join Clarice and Marisa as they discuss the ban on single-use plastic bags in this thought-provoking episode of Environmentally Speaking.
Have thoughts or experiences to share? Reach out.
In this episode, Clarice and Marisa tackle the intricacies of environmental law, focusing on EPA policy documents and their implications. Discover how these documents differ from regulations and why they matter for anyone involved in environmental science, consultation, regulatory work, or legal practice.
New episode alert! Today on Environmentally Speaking, we explore the fascinating intersection of art and land use and how regulations shape public art in our communities.
In today's episode of Environmentally Speaking, we're reflecting on how recent laws are transforming housing and community spaces.
New legislation unlocked development potential by allowing for smaller homes on previously unusable lots and encouraging the adaptive reuse of charming old buildings. This could mean more housing options and revitalized neighborhoods, but questions remain about impacts on green spaces and property values.
What's your take? Could these changes be a game-changer for our communities? Share your thoughts below!
Today, our hosts Clarice and Marisa delve into the most recent ruling of “Chevron Deference” and a major reversal of environmental law that will have impacts federally – but what about locally? Learn more about what this ruling means and how it may impact legal decisions going forward.
Today, our hosts Clarice and Marisa delve into a groundbreaking scientific development that merges the realms of environmental science and futuristic innovation. Join us as we explore the discovery of plastic-eating bacteria, an advancement that has the potential to revolutionize our approach to plastic waste management. From its initial discovery in a Japanese landfill to the current research aimed at accelerating its efficiency, we'll uncover how this development could impact the global issue of plastic accumulation in our landfills and oceans. This episode will also address the broader implications of this discovery, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and mindful consumption. Stay with us for a compelling discussion on a topic that could reshape our environmental future.
On today's episode of Environmentally Speaking, we dive into the crucial role of native trees in combating soil erosion. Join hosts Marisa and Clarice as they explore the environmental and economic benefits of keeping trees intact. From real-world examples in Australia to our own backyards, discover why cutting down trees might be hurting more than just the landscape. We'll also discuss shocking insights into how tree roots outperform concrete in maintaining land stability. Don’t miss out—tune in and learn why letting nature do its thing is the best choice for our environment and our wallets.
Here's a link to the article referenced:
Plant more native trees to reduce landslide risk, control erosion, say researchers (phys.org)
In this episode we will are. diving in on some significant and groundbreaking changes in Rhode Island's land use and zoning laws. We'll explore the reasons behind these legislative changes, the expected impact on affordable housing, and how the new unified development review aims to streamline the planning and zoning approval process. We'll also discuss the introduction of a specialized land use court, replacing the State Housing Appeals Board, to handle these cases more efficiently.
Get ready for an in-depth discussion on how these changes could potentially spur development and what it means for anyone involved in real estate or land development in Rhode Island.
In this episode, we delve into the critical subject of Superfund sites and a groundbreaking new announcement from the EPA concerning the ubiquitous and persistent group of substances known as PFAS. We unpack the implications of these so-called "forever chemicals" being now listed under CERCLA (the Superfund statute) and the far-reaching effects of this on environmental safety, public health, and property ownership. Stay tuned as we navigate through the complexities of PFAS management, the new EPA regulations, and the challenges facing environmental consultants, property owners, and the general public.
Here is an article we were talking about: https://sakenvironmental.com/newsitem/usepa-cerlca-superfund-now-includes-pfas-substances
Today's episode is a treat for anyone who's ever dreamed of transforming the old into the new, as we delve into the complex and captivating world of adaptive reuse. We'll be joined by our guest Kerin Browning, bringing us insightful expertise on revitalizing vacant spaces and converting them into residential havens. Tune in as we navigate through the winding paths of zoning laws, permitting processes, and the exciting potential for green spaces and modern amenities. Whether you're curious about what it takes to breathe new life into a vacant mill or simply interested in sustainable development, this episode is your blueprint for success. Don't miss out on the conversation—let's unpack the intricate layers of adaptive reuse and the recent legislative changes that aim to speed up and simplify this process. Join us for a journey into reimagining spaces
In this episode of "Environmentally Speaking," hosts Clarice and Marisa delve into the environmental impact of the Washington Street Bridge in Providence, Rhode Island. They tackle the issue of naturally occurring arsenic in the soil, its potential health effects, and the complexities of remediation efforts. Through their candid conversations and expert insights, they shed light on the environmental challenges posed by infrastructure projects and the regulatory considerations at play. Tune in as they navigate the complexities of environmental issues and provide a clear understanding of the implications for communities and development projects.
In this episode, host Clarice is joined by Kerin Browning to discuss the complex world of land use and planning. They delve into the complexities of zoning regulations, the impact on property development, and the importance of understanding local zoning ordinances when investing in real estate ventures.
Kerin provides valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate the zoning process as a developer or investor. With a focus on demystifying the topic, this episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the fundamentals of land use and planning. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the field, this episode offers a comprehensive overview and practical advice to help you confidently navigate the world of zoning and land use.
In this episode, Marisa and Clarice delve into the topic of atmospheric rivers, uncovering the impact of these weather phenomena on regions such as California and New England.
They explore the environmental and industrial ramifications of atmospheric rivers, shedding light on their effects on water supply, weather patterns, and even the fishing industry.
Join them as they unpack the science behind atmospheric rivers and the tangible challenges they pose, providing a thought-provoking insight into the real-world implications of these atmospheric phenomena.
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