R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-20-8: Administrative and licensing proceedings — Intervention by environment advocate.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 10-20-9, in any administrative, licensing, or other similar proceedings and in any action for judicial review thereof which is made available by law, the environmental advocate may intervene on such terms as the court may deem just and equitable in order to effectuate the purposes and policies set forth in § 10-20-1.

(b) In any administrative, licensing, or other similar proceedings, the agency shall consider the alleged impairment, pollution, or destruction of the air, water, land, or other natural resources located within the state and no conduct shall be authorized or approved which does, or is likely to have, such effect so long as there is a feasible, prudent, and economically viable alternative consistent with the reasonable requirements of the public health, safety, and welfare.