Signed by Governor Dan McKee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes an updated outline of the state's climate goals.

Highlights:

• Establishes a Rhode Island executive climate change coordinating council (the "council") comprised of officials from state agencies with responsibility and oversight relating to assessing, integrating, and coordinating climate change efforts (Sec. 2-42-6.2-1-2).

• Requires the council to no later than December 31, 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, submit to the governor and general assembly an updated plan, following an opportunity for public comment, that includes strategies, programs, and actions to meet economy-wide enforceable targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions as follows (Sec. 1-42-6.2-2-2):

• 10% below 1990 levels by 2020;

• 45% below 1990 levels by 2030;

• 80% below 1990 levels by 2040;

• Net-zero emissions by 2050.

• Requires state agencies to lead by example and, to the maximum extent feasible, purchase alternative fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles that produce lower total emissions of greenhouse gases and develop programs to encourage state employees to reduce their vehicle miles and use sustainable transportation alternatives, including public transit systems (Sec. 1-42-6.2-3-3).

• Requires state agencies to assess the vulnerability of infrastructure and natural systems, including, but not limited to, roads, bridges, dams, and wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities, and riverine and coastal habitats, to impacts on climate change and implement strategies to relocate or protect and adapt these assets (Sec. 1-42-6.2-3-7).

• Requires state agencies to foster public transparency by developing public metrics and an online public dashboard that shall track both emissions reductions and sources of energy consumed by the state. The metrics and the dashboard shall be updated at least annually (Sec. 1-42-6.2-3-13).

• Specifies each agency will have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate (Sec. 1-42-6.2-8).

• Authorizes provisions of this law to be enforced using an action in the superior court seeking either injunctive relief, a declaratory judgment, a writ of mandamus or any combination thereof, for (Sec. 1-42-6.2-10.a):

• Climate plans; or

• The greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandate.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes an updated outline of the state's climate goals.

Highlights:

• Establishes a Rhode Island executive climate change coordinating council (the "council") comprised of officials from state agencies with responsibility and oversight relating to assessing, integrating, and coordinating climate change efforts (Sec. 2-42-6.2-1-2).

• Requires the council to no later than December 31, 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, submit to the governor and general assembly an updated plan, following an opportunity for public comment, that includes strategies, programs, and actions to meet economy-wide enforceable targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions as follows (Sec. 1-42-6.2-2-2):

• 10% below 1990 levels by 2020;

• 45% below 1990 levels by 2030;

• 80% below 1990 levels by 2040;

• Net-zero emissions by 2050.

• Requires state agencies to lead by example and, to the maximum extent feasible, purchase alternative fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles that produce lower total emissions of greenhouse gases and develop programs to encourage state employees to reduce their vehicle miles and use sustainable transportation alternatives, including public transit systems (Sec. 1-42-6.2-3-3).

• Requires state agencies to assess the vulnerability of infrastructure and natural systems, including, but not limited to, roads, bridges, dams, and wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities, and riverine and coastal habitats, to impacts on climate change and implement strategies to relocate or protect and adapt these assets (Sec. 1-42-6.2-3-7).

• Requires state agencies to foster public transparency by developing public metrics and an online public dashboard that shall track both emissions reductions and sources of energy consumed by the state. The metrics and the dashboard shall be updated at least annually (Sec. 1-42-6.2-3-13).

• Specifies each agency will have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate (Sec. 1-42-6.2-8).

• Authorizes provisions of this law to be enforced using an action in the superior court seeking either injunctive relief, a declaratory judgment, a writ of mandamus or any combination thereof, for (Sec. 1-42-6.2-10.a):

• Climate plans; or

• The greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandate.

Full Bill Text