2023 -- S 0015 SUBSTITUTE A
========
LC000289/SUB A
========
S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
____________
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
RESPECTFULLY REQUEST ING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATION S TO SUPPORT THE
PRESERVATION AND PRO TECTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT
Introduced By: Senators Miller, DiMario, Valverde, Kallman, Murray, and Lauria
Date Introduced: January 18, 2023
Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture
WHEREAS, Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels into the atmosphere have 1
changed the earth’s climate leading to surface temperature rise; and 2
WHEREAS, Plastic pollution is dangerous to the health of our oceans, harms our marine 3
species, contributes to climate change, and is a major component of unsightly litter both on our 4
lands and in our waters; and 5
WHEREAS, Rhode Island is on a path towards achieving net-zero carbon emission and 6
reducing our plastic refuse; and 7
WHEREAS, Rhode Island State agencies must support the transition by adopting 8
renewable technologies and policies that support our goals to preserve and protect the 9
environment; now, therefore be it 10
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully requests 11
the Department of Administration (DOA) to undertake a review and analysis of state purchasing 12
practices that support reducing carbon emissions and refuse among our state agencies including: 13
A summary of current purchasing practices to reduce refuse and carbon emissions; 14
A list of the total number of electric vehicles in the state fleet and green energy certified 15
state-owned buildings; and 16
A cost-benefit analysis focused on transitioning state agencies to electric vehicles and 17
renewable energy technology; and be it further 18
RESOLVED, That this Senate, in order to reduce our carbon and refuse footprint, hereby 19
LC000289/SUB A - Page 2 of 2
requests the DOA to report on the feasibility for procuring the following: 1
1. Transitioning the state vehicle fleet, through lease or purchase, to alternative fueled 2
vehicles and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure including: 3
Alternative fueled vehicles including light and medium duty passenger vehicles, light and 4
heavy-duty vehicles, buses, emergency vehicles, bicycles, and scooters; and 5
If a vehicle cannot be replaced due to limited supply or inadequate replacement the state 6
shall consider the purchase or lease of hybrid vehicles; 7
2. Renewable and energy efficient technologies for use at state properties to improve 8
existing infrastructure, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including, but 9
not limited to: 10
Air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, heating systems, domestic hot water 11
heating systems, compressed air systems, distribution systems, lighting systems, power 12
systems, and controls of the building; 13
3. Replacement of plasticware with biodegradable and compostable cutlery, straws, 14
drinkware, and napkins at state facilities with dining accommodations; 15
4. Phasing out single-use plastic water bottles by creating access to potable water through 16
bottle fill stations or other available measures; and 17
5. Providing compostable bins at state facilities and contracting with a compost disposal 18
service; and be it further 19
RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby requests DOA to develop guidelines for vendor 20
contracts that limit or prohibit the purchase or use of Styrofoam, plasticware, and single-use 21
plastic water bottles; and be it further 22
RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby further requests the DOA to provide a timeframe to 23
enter into purchase agreements that support the transition to green technology and practices, and 24
report its findings and recommendations to the Senate on or before February 1, 2024; and be it 25
further 26
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 27
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Department of 28
Administration. 29
========
LC000289/SUB A
========