(a) Findings. The general assembly hereby recognizes the paramount importance of establishing an emergency response plan for the transportation of liquefied natural gas within the state. The general assembly hereby also declares that the establishment of the emergency response plan is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare as a means to protect against the potential hazards presented by the transportation of liquefied natural gas.
(b) No emergency response plan for the transportation of liquefied natural gas through the waters of Narragansett Bay and/or Mount Hope Bay shall be issued or implemented by the Rhode Island emergency management agency prior to the approval of the aforementioned emergency response plan by the general assembly and the city or town councils of Bristol, Jamestown, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren.