R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.1-25: Continuity of legal authority and administrative functions.

The provisions of this chapter entitled “Department of Environmental Management” that are in effect on June 30, 2002, shall remain in full force and effect and the legal existence, powers, duties, and functions of the department of environmental management shall not be amended, altered, affected, or otherwise impaired by the repeal of the department of the environment, established by Chapter 461 of the 1990 Public Laws. In order to ensure continuity, the functions, authorities, programs, and activities of the department of environmental management and any other boards, commissions, departments, and/or agencies that would have been affected by enactment of chapter 17.1 of this title entitled “Department of the Environment” shall remain unaffected, regardless of the repeal, by Chapter 461 of the 1990 Public Laws, of this chapter entitled “Department of Environmental Management.”