Rhode Island General Laws Title 10. Courts and Civil Procedure--Procedure in Particular Actions § 10-20-7. Remand for administrative or licensing proceedings

(a) If administrative, licensing, or other similar proceedings are required to determine the legality of the defendants' conduct, the court shall remand the parties to such proceedings.  If administrative, licensing, or other similar proceedings are available to determine the legality of the defendants' conduct, the court may remand the parties to such proceedings.  In so remanding the parties the court may grant temporary equitable relief where appropriate as set forth in § 10-20-6.  In so remanding the parties the court shall retain jurisdiction of the cause pending completion thereof.

(b) Upon completion of the proceedings, the court shall adjudicate the impact of the defendants' conduct, program or product on the air, water, land, or other natural resources located within the state in accordance with §§ 10-20-2 - 10-20-6.  In such adjudication, the court may order that additional evidence be taken to the extent necessary.

(c) Where, as to any administrative, licensing, or other similar proceedings referred to in subsection (a), judicial review thereof is available, notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the court originally taking jurisdiction shall maintain jurisdiction for purposes of judicial review.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be applicable to any action maintained under § 10-20-9 or to any appropriate administrative proceeding required thereunder.