Environment
Environmental issues and climate change
Rhode Island is doing the work on climate change, but we can't do it alone, says DEM and CLF
"...climate change is a global crisis that Rhode Island can’t solve alone and we need strong federal action. The Supreme Court took one tool from the EPA’s toolkit, but there’s still a lot that it can and must do to regulate climate-damaging emissions."
As Supreme Court guts environmental regulations, Senator Whitehouse counters with words
The "pro-life" Supreme Court handed down a decision that will help the fossil fuel industry murder the earth.
Lawmakers celebrate free R-Line bus fare starting in September
"Having free public transit across our state will help rid our streets of congestion and give a boost to businesses," said Senator Meghan Kallman. "Scrapping the bus fare would be a windfall to many of the families who spend a good part of their income on transportation.
Important lead pipe replacement bill may not pass the General Assembly this session
"If you can’t count on a glass of clean, safe drinking water, you’re not free. And you’re not able to live a life of your choosing," said Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. "So, fixing lead pipes, as the president is proposing, is absolutely an infrastructure investment — and, by the way, one of the best investments we can make in future generations."
The pyrolysis bill won't move ahead this session, say House leaders
"I know the state weren't proposing this at any of the predominantly white, wealthy or well-to-do communities," said Dwayne Keys from the South Providence Neighborhood Association. "At this point we're done with the niceness and the politeness. So to those legislators who thought that this is a good idea, sponsoring and co-sponsoring, understand that you engaged in environmental racism. Just know that you did that."
Senate approves scientifically unsound and environmentally dangerous plastics burning bill
“There is no good reason to exempt toxic, climate-damaging facilities from laws and regulations designed to keep Rhode Islanders safe,” said CLF Senior Attorney Kevin Budris. “It makes no sense to pass a strong climate law and then undo that progress. This bill will not only strip our communities of their rights, but it will also set the state back on its climate goals.
Rhode Island's power needs will now be met by Rhode Island Energy, a division of PPL
National Grid plc announced yesterday that it has completed the sale of the Narragansett Electric Company (NECO) to PPL Rhode Island Holdings, LLC. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee held a press briefing introducing the new owners of Rhode Island's electric grid to the state on Wednesday afternoon. The Narragansett Electric Company was immediately rebranded as Rhode Island Energy.
ECRI calls for legislation that furthers Act on Climate at Earth Day event
“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.
The bad idea that never dies: Pyrolysis is back at the Rhode Island State House
"We have stepped up, year after year, to oppose pyrolysis and bringing up the dangers of letting this technology into Rhode Island," said Kai Salem, Vice President of Policy at the Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI). "It's frustrating coming back year after year feeling like we showed the legislature that this technology is dirty and unacceptable in Rhode Island and then have that conversation again. We've been talking about this for many more years than I have been a part of ECRI."
Sea 3 must submit full application for major LPG expansion plans in the Port
"We are one step closer to Environmental Justice!" said Monica Huertas from the People's Port Authority. "The EFSB has concluded that the community deserves a full hearing and that it was up to the petitioner to prove that they're not a danger to the community. We know that Sea 3 has millions of dollars to keep on fighting - and we will make sure to fight them every step of the way until they stop polluting our neighborhood - in the meantime we rejoice in this victory and are grateful to all who have supported us by submitting testimony, donating or showing up!! Shout out to the AG's office, the city of Providence and CLF! Onward!"