Momentum Growing for Passage of Key Global Warming Bill: Legislation Would Target Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80% by 2050

Contact
Colin Durrant, CLF Director of Communications
617-850-1722

Providence, RI (June 11, 2008) – Key business and political leaders today called for the General Assembly to pass a landmark global warming bill before the end of the legislation session. The Rhode Island Global Warming Solutions Act (H. 7884, S. 2629) seeks to cut major greenhouse gas pollutants, like carbon dioxide, 80% by 2050 in part through setting mandatory emissions caps and requiring investments in clean energy solutions.

At a press conference today the bill’s lead House sponsor, Representative Arthur Handy, was joined by Michael Ryan, President of National Grid, in announcing support for the bill. Rep. Handy also announced support for the bill by Attorney General Rhode Island Patrick Lynch and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline.

The global warming bill also sets up an emissions reduction program to be self funded by a fee charged to global warming polluters, and is expected to generate economic investment and new jobs as a new clean energy business sector emerges.

The bill has won praise from some of the state’s major environmental groups, including the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Environment Rhode Island, Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter.

“This emissions reduction bill is the kind of bold, decisive action we need our government to take in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” said Cynthia Giles, Director of CLF’s RI Advocacy Center. “Rhode Island can be a leader in tackling the challenge of climate change and at the same time benefit from the economic opportunities of a shift to a clean energy economy.”

“With over 400 miles of coastline at risk, RI cannot afford to wait to take action,” said Denise Parrillo, Campaign Organizer for Clean Water Action. “We need to move from old, polluting forms of energy to clean sources, like wind and solar.”

Scientific evidence shows that the impacts of global warming will be a major issue for the Ocean State, including warmer temperatures in Narragansett Bay that affect fish populations and rising sea levels along the state’s coastline. Some of the climate change solutions that scientists and key studies point to include large investments in renewable energy like wind and solar, energy efficiency measures to reduce electricity demand, increased fuel efficiency for cars and trucks and incentives to decrease miles traveled, and combined heat-and-power technology that allows business and industry to create heat and electricity at the same time.

“More and more, Rhode Islanders are doing things like taking the bus or using efficient light bulbs to do their part to protect our beaches and quality of life from global warming,” said Chris Wilhite, Director of the Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter. “But we need to do more than change light bulbs; we need to change direction. The Global Warming Solutions Act represents the best opportunity for the Ocean State to take a step forward towards climate protection and energy independence.”

“This legislation is about creating solutions to the most important environmental challenge of our times,” said Matt Auten, Advocate for Environment Rhode Island.

In November 2007, the groups who formed the Rhode Island Climate Coalition kicked off the “GO BIG, little rhody” campaign with a rally at Roger Williams Park Zoo in support of local, state and federal action to reduce global warming emissions 80% by 2050. Speakers at the rally included Congressman Jim Langevin and Providence Mayor David Ciciline. The entire Rhode Island Congressional delegation has backed federal legislation mandating an 80% cut in global warming pollution by 2050. The Cities of Providence and Warwick, and the Town of Warren have all passed resolutions backing the goals of the “GO BIG little rhody” campaign.

Five other states – California, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Jersey and Washington – have enacted enforceable global warming emissions reduction laws, similar to that being proposed in the Rhode Island bill. Similar legislation is also being debated in the neighboring state of Massachusetts.

Senator V. Susan Sosnowski is the sponsor of the companion Senate bill, S 2629.

To view a copy of the Global Warming Solutions Act visit: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText08/HouseText08/H7884.pdf

###

The Conservation Law Foundation works to solve the environmental problems that threaten the people, natural resources and communities of New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to design and implement strategies that conserve natural resources, protect public health, and promote vital communities in our region. Founded in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. It has offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Concord, New Hampshire; Providence, Rhode Island; Montpelier, Vermont; and Brunswick, Maine.