“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. The House should not make the same mistake.”
“With the climate crisis at our doorstep, this law comes not a moment too soon,” said CLF attorney James Crowley. “Slashing emissions and protecting frontline communities from devastating climate impacts must be our top priorities, and this new law ensures we do just that. Now we need to get to work turning Rhode Island’s climate goals into reality.”
UPDATE: The Rhode Island legislature passed the Act On Climate 2021 bill, which will put the state on track to lowering its climate-damaging emissions and help Rhode Islanders benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy. After a final review, the bill will go to Governor McKee to sign into law.
“Both the House and Senate clearly recognize that we are running out of time to confront the climate crisis,” said CLF attorney James Crowley. “We must prioritize slashing polluting emissions and protecting frontline communities from the impacts of climate change, and this bill will hold Rhode Island accountable for doing both. Now we need Governor McKee to sign this bill into law so we can get to work.”
A recent report on transforming Rhode Island’s heating sector offers options to reach our climate goals while ensuring we stay warm during the winter. One of the first studies of its kind, the report is a valuable resource for policymakers and can help the state transition to a clean energy future.
Vermont students flooded the Statehouse this month to speak to legislators about the dire need to take bold action to address climate change. Their pleas and passion were welcomed by many new climate champions that joined the Vermont Legislature this year. As the Trump administration scorns its responsibility to tackle climate change, state and local… Continue reading To Fight Climate Change, Vermont Needs Strong Climate Laws
CLF’s top priority this session is an important climate bill, An Act to Limit Greenhouse Gas Pollution and Effectively Use Maine’s Natural Resources (LD 797). This bill would ensure that Maine takes action to cut carbon pollution and fight climate change, protecting families and businesses in the state from the worst effects of climate catastrophe while growing Maine’s economy.
