Hoping to add a Green Bond measure to the 2026 ballot
Legislation they have introduced would add funding to the
proposed Green Bond for state and local programs for conservation of open space
and farmland, as well as for recreational spaces and programs.
“Rhode Islanders value the protection of open space, which is evident by the wide approval our Green Bonds usually get each election. Conservation is usually a big part of our Green Bonds, and it’s what Rhode Islanders expect to get when they vote to support them,” said Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton).
“Our legislation ensures our
state and local conservation programs can continue to save farmlands, forests
and other vital resources that help protect our environment, maintain our
state’s natural beauty and character and provide access to recreation and
peaceful places that all Rhode Islanders deserve.”
Said Senator DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton), who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, “We feel strongly that conservation should be always be a key component of our state’s environmental investments, and our bill ensures that this bond will support Rhode Island’s ongoing and successful efforts to preserve natural and open spaces for all to enjoy. Land conservation and preservation is a truly smart investment, one that returns a lot of value to the public for the dollars we spend. We all benefit from cleaner air and water that results from preserving green spaces, and we help ensure the survival of the wildlife, native species and beauty that are unique to our state. These programs are absolutely worth funding, and we want to make sure they continue into the future.”
The two lawmakers introduced legislation (2026-H 8144) to amend the $50 million Green Bond included in the governor’s budget proposal by adding $17.5 million to the bond voters would be asked to approve on November’s ballot.
The added funds include $2
million each for farmland preservation and local open space grants; $3 million
each for state open space programs and outdoor recreation grants; $5 million
for renovations and preservation of Fort Adams in Newport and $2.5 million for
programming at the Mariner Cabin and Program Center at Camp Rocky Farm in Newport.
Senator DiPalma and Representative Cotter also championed
the addition of conservation funding to the last Green Bond, which voters
approved in 2024. Their proposals, which were incorporated into the state
budget bill that year, resulted in $13 million in funding for open space,
farmland and forest preservation being added to the bond.
According to the independent, nonprofit conservation
organization Highstead, every $1 of state funding spent on land conservation in
New England returns between $4 and $11 in economic value from
natural goods and services.
