Establishes the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act that establishes a regulatory process to prohibit polluting atmospheric experimentation.
Impact
If enacted, the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act would amend Title 23 of the General Laws, specifically adding provisions to address the prohibition of atmospheric interference. The impact will extend to all entities, including government and military operations, preventing them from engaging in any activities that could alter atmospheric conditions without approval. Notably, state police will be authorized to enforce these prohibitions actively, including issuing cease-and-desist orders for suspected violations. Violators could face severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment, marking a significant shift in how environmental regulations will be enforced in the state.
Summary
Senate Bill S0405, titled 'The Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act', is proposed legislation aimed at creating a regulatory framework to prohibit various types of atmospheric experimentation that may involve the release of harmful pollutants. The bill finds that interventions such as solar radiation management (SRM), cloud seeding, and other forms of geoengineering pose significant risks to public health and safety. The legislation aims to prevent the introduction of pollutants, particularly Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals', into the atmosphere, which have been linked to severe environmental and health hazards.
Contention
Opponents of the bill may argue that it could hinder legitimate research and innovation in weather modification that could address climate change challenges. Advocates for environmental protection support S0405 by highlighting the urgent need to safeguard public health from the increasingly prevalent risks associated with geoengineering and related practices. The discussion surrounding the bill reflects a broader national debate on the balance between environmental preservation and technological advancement in managing climate issues.
Establishes regulations to prohibit stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), solar radiation modification (SRM) experimentation, and other hazardous weather engineering activities.
Establishes regulations to prohibit stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), solar radiation modification (SRM) experimentation, and other hazardous weather engineering activities.
Establishes the first Green Justice Zone, a model that may be replicated in future years to ensure that all communities throughout the state have clean air and clean water.
Created the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Created the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Prohibiting solar radiation modification or sunlight reflection methods, cloud seeding and polluting atmospheric interventions within this Commonwealth; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania State Police and sheriffs; and imposing penalties.
Prohibiting solar radiation modification or sunlight reflection methods, cloud seeding and polluting atmospheric interventions within this Commonwealth; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania State Police and sheriffs; and imposing penalties.