Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8179

Introduced
4/28/22  

Caption

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $150,000 To The Department Of Environmental Management (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $150,000 To The Department Of Environmental Management.)

Impact

The bill comes in the wake of the 'Act on Climate' signed into law on April 14, 2021, which introduced a statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandate. H8179 seeks to address past inequities by ensuring that environmental justice considerations are integrated into the state’s climate compliance efforts. Key aims of the program include promoting equitable communication strategies with frontline communities, and gathering input to reflect the specific needs and concerns of those impacted by pollution and climate change.

Summary

House Bill H8179 is a joint resolution aimed at appropriating $150,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to establish a Community Outreach and Engagement, Environmental Justice and Social Equity Program. This program is designed to prioritize justice and equity in addressing climate change, focusing on vulnerable and overburdened communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of including these communities in discussions and decision-making processes that impact their health and environment.

Contention

While the bill aims to foster inclusivity and responsiveness to community needs, it may face challenges concerning its implementation and effectiveness. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on how effectively the funds will be utilized to engage communities and whether the measures proposed would lead to tangible improvements. There may also be debates regarding the allocation of funding and whether it is sufficient to achieve the outlined objectives, especially given the pressing nature of climate change impacts on vulnerable populations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H8180

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $150,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $150,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Creation Of A Public Relations And Communications Plan.)

RI H8181

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $250,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $250,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Creation Of A Climate Dashboard.)

RI H6360

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $2,000,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Litter Control Appropriation Fund (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $2,000,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Litter Control And Recycling Appropriation Fund.)

RI H8155

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $100,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of ($100,000) To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Purpose Providing Funding For A Veterinarian At The Wildlife Clinic Of Rhode Island.)

RI H6018

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $5,000,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Preservation, Protection, And Conservation Of Farmlands (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of Five Million Dollars To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Preservation, Protection, And Conservation Of Rhode Island Farmlands.)

RI S0560

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $5,000,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Preservation, Protection, And Conservation Of Farmlands (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of Five Million Dollars To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management For The Preservation, Protection, And Conservation Of Rhode Island Farmlands.)

RI H8052

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $635,000 For The Department Of Environmental Management (this Joint Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of Six Hundred Thirty-five Thousand Dollars ($635,000) For Dem For The Removal, Disposal And Replacement Of Certain Aqueous Film Forming Foam.)

RI H6326

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,300,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) TO TRANSPLANT QUAHOGS INTO NARRAGNSETT BAY AND ESTABLISH A SHELLFISH HATCHERY PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $2,300,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the transplantation of quahogs and the establishment of a shellfish hatchery program.)

RI H6022

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $275,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management (dem) To Purchase Counters, And Maintain, Collect, And Analyze Year-round Data On Bike Path Usage Throughout The State (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $275,000 To The Rhode Island Department Of Environmental Management To Purchase Counters, And Maintain, Collect And Analyze Year-round Data On Bike Path Usage Throughout The State.)

RI H7288

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $100,000 To The Department Of Environmental Management (authorizes The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $100,000 To The Department Of Environmental Management To Fund And Assist The City Of Central Falls In Implementing Aerial Spraying To Inhibit The Growth Of Water Chestnuts Along The Blackstone River.)

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