Politicians and Activists Demand State Action on Climate
Change
On February 28, state
leaders joined members of the Environment Council of Rhode Island at a rally on
the statehouse steps to urge the General Assembly and the state government to
act on climate change.
“Climate change is the most urgent threat facing Rhode Island
today,” said Amy Moses, Vice President and Director of Conservation Law
Foundation Rhode Island.
“In just the last few months, several international reports have illustrated the dire need for immediate and bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Every state must do its part, and we are here today to call on Rhode Island’s leaders to commit to climate action before it’s too late.”
“In just the last few months, several international reports have illustrated the dire need for immediate and bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Every state must do its part, and we are here today to call on Rhode Island’s leaders to commit to climate action before it’s too late.”
Senate Majority Leader McCaffrey (D, District 29, Warwick), the Senate sponsor of the “Ask First” Straw Bill (S-202, H5314), described his concern about plastics pollution in Rhode Island and throughout the world. “Single-use plastic straws pollute our sidewalks, shoreline, and oceans,” said Senate McCaffrey.
“Plastic straws, although small in size, have a big impact on marine life and are they seventh most common waste found during beach cleanups. Requiring consumers to request a single-use plastic straw will curtail their use, improve our environment, and cause everyone to think twice about their own carbon footprint.”
“We may not immediately make a connection between plastic
straws and climate change,” said John Berard, Rhode Island Director for Clean
Water Action, “but plastics are made from petroleum and plastics constitute
more than 6 percent of global oil consumption. In addition to their climate
impacts, plastics never degrade and they all break down to microplastics which
are found throughout Narragansett Bay.”
Representative Blazejewski (D, District 2, Providence) and
Senator Euer (D, District 13, Newport and Jamestown) have introduced the Global
Warming Solutions Act (H5444) to make the state’s commitment to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions both mandatory and enforceable.
“The Global Warming Solutions Act provides a clear roadmap for addressing our shared responsibility to reduce emissions and combat climate change. We must continue to work together to take bold action to protect our environment and meet the challenge of climate change head-on,” said Representative Blazejewski.
“The Global Warming Solutions Act provides a clear roadmap for addressing our shared responsibility to reduce emissions and combat climate change. We must continue to work together to take bold action to protect our environment and meet the challenge of climate change head-on,” said Representative Blazejewski.
“We recognize that state agencies need to redirect existing
resources to meet the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said
Senator Euer, “Emergencies always force us to reconsider priorities. And
climate change is an emergency.”
The transportation sector is a critical component of the
state’s existing greenhouse gas emissions. The Rally noted the postponement of
the State Planning Council Transportation Advisory Committee’s hearing to
consider amendments to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
which would allocate funds for bike and pedestrian infrastructure to roads and
bridges.
“This
victory is just the start. Preserving bike and pedestrian funding is only
the beginning. We need to seriously invest in our bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure moving forward to build a safe network that makes biking and
walking for transportation a reality. Biking and walking are truly zero
emission modes of transportation,” said Sarah
Mitchell, Board Chair of the RI Bicycle Coalition.
The “Ask First” straw bill and the Global Warming Solutions
Act were heard this evening by the House Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources.
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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 for policies and laws that protect and enhance
the environment
