Published on May 11, 2022 By Environment Council of Rhode Island

Last week the Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) gathered advocates and legislators at its annual Earth Day at the State House with a speaking program that featured Attorney General Peter Neronha and video remarks from the Acting Director of the Department of Environmental Management, Terrence Gray. ECRI called upon the General Assembly to pass legislation that advances climate action and environmental protection.

The Environment Council reflected on the power of strong legislation to spur action. In 2021, the General Assembly passed the Act on Climate legislation, ECRI’s sole priority for two years running, as well as numerous other pieces of energy and environmental legislation. “Act on Climate has launched a new phase of climate action in Rhode Island. It has already started working to phase out fossil fuels in our state, increase renewable energy, and clean up our air and water,” said Kai Salem, VP of Policy for the ECRI and Policy Coordinator at Green Energy Consumers Alliance.

“But the work remains ahead us, as we work to support the state in fully implementing the Act On Climate and meetings its carbon emission reduction goals, in particular the approaching 2030 target of 45% greenhouse gas emission reductions below 1990 levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) continues to remind us that we must act fast and according to the science,” said Priscilla De La Cruz, President of the ECRI and Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

 “I am committed to using every power of this Office to safeguard Rhode Island’s environment and natural resources, because all of us deserve to breath clean air, drink clear water, live in a pollution free environment, and freely access our over 400 miles of shoreline. Rhode Islanders expect their leaders to take action against climate change and we will continue to do so,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha. “I have great admiration and gratitude for the efforts of the Environmental Council of Rhode Island, whose members have long fought to protect our environment and are ready to meet future challenges.”

De La Cruz also emphasized how the need to act on climate drives ECRI’s entire legislative agenda, especially the top priorities. The 2022 top environmental priorities include passing 100% by 2030 Renewable Energy Standard (H7277/S2274) as the #1 thing the General Assembly can do to put Rhode Island on track to meeting the 2030 climate goal; funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and State Budget for the environment and climate plan implementation in the FY23 Budget; incentivizing solar in developed areas and protect conservation areas (H7531); and protecting environmental justice communities from cumulative pollution impacts (S2087/H8036). The agenda also includes legislation that would advance climate literacy, curb plastic waste and toxic chemicals in drinking water and food packaging, and protect forests, among many other bills.

ECRI also strongly opposes so-called “advanced recycling” bills (S2788/H8089) which undermine efforts to protect environmental justice communities and meet Act on Climate goals. Senate Bill 2788 (sponsored by Senator Frank Lombardo (Democrat, District 25, Johnston)) and House Bill 8089 (sponsored by Representative Carlos Tobon (Democrat, District 58, Pawtucket) would exempt “advanced recycling” facilities from solid waste laws and regulations.  High-heat plastics-burning technologies, including pyrolysis and “advanced recycling,” are toxic and climate-damaging.  These technologies are not a solution to plastic pollution.  They only deepen our dependence on the cycle of making and disposing single-use plastics, which is a significant contributor to climate damage.

This legislation would also prevent Rhode Island residents from having a say in whether one of these facilities moves into their community.  This stands in direct contrast to the Environmental Justice Act (S2087), recently passed by the Rhode Island Senate, which would create a more inclusive process for industry siting decisions. Rhode Islanders overwhelmingly want a transition to a green economy.  Welcoming high-heat facilities that burn plastics to Rhode Island would be a significant step backward at a time that we need to continue to move forward.

ECRI urged the General Assembly to reject so-called “advance recycling” proposals, like S2788 and H8089, and instead work with the Environment Council and its members to advance our priorities, which further the goals of the Act on Climate.

More About ECRI’s 2022 Legislative Priorities

About the Environment Council of Rhode Island

The Environment Council of Rhode Island is a coalition of organizations and individuals whose mission is to serve as an effective voice for developing and advocating policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment. www.environmentcouncilri.org

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