Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5609

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.

Impact

The proposed bill is designed to fill a significant gap in current environmental regulations regarding vehicular emissions. By focusing on non-exhaust emissions, which have been largely overlooked in past legislation, the bill seeks to provide a more holistic understanding of vehicle-related pollution. The report resulting from this study will not only inform the General Assembly about the potential harms caused by these emissions but will also provide actionable recommendations for reducing their impact, which could lead to updated laws and stricter regulations in the future.

Summary

House Bill H5609 proposes the initiation of an environmental impact study focused specifically on non-exhaust particle emissions from motor vehicles. These emissions include particles from sources such as brake wear, tire wear, and road dust. The bill mandates the collaboration between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Management to conduct this study effectively. The outcome of this comprehensive study will guide future legislative measures aimed at mitigating the environmental impact associated with these emissions, particularly tire particle emissions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered broad support given its environmental focus, discussions surrounding it may address potential costs and logistical challenges of conducting such a thorough study. Critics may raise concerns about the resources allocated for this study versus immediate environmental issues or other pressing legislative matters. Moreover, implications for vehicle manufacturers and the automotive industry at large could surface if the recommendations lead to new regulations, making the environmental impact study a subject of debate among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7784

Prohibits the department of environmental management from adopting motor vehicle emissions standards based on California's promulgated standards. It also requires any rules or regulations related to said standards be repealed.

RI S0500

Agricultural Functions Of Department Of Environmental Management

RI H6460

Agricultural Functions Of Department Of Environmental Management

RI S2298

Requires the chief resilience officer (CRO) and a resiliency office within the department of environmental management (DEM) be charged with the creation, maintenance and updating of the state's resiliency and community recovery program.

RI S2153

Establishes the Rhode Island lake management program within the department of environmental management to aid with lake and pond management issues relating to the control of aquatic invasive plants.

RI H8093

Establishes the Rhode Island lake management program within the department of environmental management to aid with lake and pond management issues relating to the control of aquatic invasive plants.

RI S2941

Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.

RI H8127

Establishes requirements which would have to be met by an applicant prior to the issuing of permits for an activity that would have an environmental impact on or would increase the cumulative impacts on an environmental justice area.

RI S2535

Establishes requirements which would have to be met by an applicant prior to the issuing of permits for an activity that would have an environmental impact on or would increase the cumulative impacts on an environmental justice area.

RI H7729

Provides a definition for "agricultural land" and removes the definition of "farmer" within the chapter on agricultural functions of the department of environmental management.

Similar Bills

CA SB720

Environmental education: environmental principles and concepts.

CA AB1288

Registered environmental health specialists.

IL HB2521

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT

CA SB424

The California Regional Environmental Education Community Network.

CA AB649

Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery: Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Relations.

MI HB4961

Education: curriculum; environmental literacy task force to develop environmental literacy model curriculum and report on the curriculum; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1159.

AZ HB2681

Environmental justice; task force

HI SB1277

Relating To Environmental Justice Mapping.