The 2023 legislative session came to a close in mid-June, and we would like to thank you all for your calls, emails, written testimony, and more for environmental education and environmental justice in Rhode Island.
Though our priority bills, the Rhode Island Climate Change and Ocean Protection Workforce Development and Education Program Acts (S-551 & S-558 / H-6105 & H-6106) did not move out of committee, there were other bills we supported that successfully passed both chambers and were transmitted to the Governor for approval (described below). There is also some exciting federal legislation that we’re keeping an eye on (click here to learn more).
2023 Bills:
Shoreline Access: This bill draws a new line at 10 feet inland of the “recognizable high tide” and will allow clearer and greater access for fishing, swimming, and more.
Bottle Bill: While a bottle deposit program was not created, the legislature created a study commission to provide recommendations to inform next session’s version, which will hopefully also contain revenue for education and outreach efforts as this year’s bill did.
Conservation Commissions: The three Rhode Island conservation districts, quasi-public entities that engage youth, landowners, and municipalities in high quality environmental education and outreach programs, were awarded an additional $50,000 for operating expenses.
Lead Poisoning: A replacement program for public and private water service lines that contain lead was established. Lead poisoning disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, People of color and those of low-income, and can cause serious health, growth, and learning damage.
In addition, the EC4 (Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council) received $4,500,000 for climate change related initiatives and a total of $4,000,000 will be distributed by the Rhode Island Department of Education to educational program providers for out-of-school time learning opportunities.
We look forward to continuing our efforts with your help!