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.
Summary
Bill S0401 mandates the Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Management, to conduct an environmental impact study focused on non-exhaust particle emissions from motor vehicles. This includes assessing emissions from sources such as brake wear, tire wear, and road dust resuspension, as well as the involvement of microplastics. The outcome of this study will be a comprehensive report detailing the environmental impacts of these emissions and offering recommendations aimed at reducing tire particle emissions.
The legislative intent behind S0401 is to address growing concerns regarding air and environmental quality deteriorated by non-exhaust pollutants that are often overlooked compared to traditional exhaust emissions. By understanding the sources and impacts of these emissions, Rhode Island seeks to enhance its regulatory framework surrounding motor vehicles and their environmental footprints.
One significant aspect of the bill is its push for collaboration with academic research institutions. This partnership aims to tap into expert knowledge and advanced research techniques, ensuring that the study is thorough and grounded in scientific rigor. Such collaboration is intended to catalyze innovative recommendations that can efficiently mitigate the identified environmental impacts.
The bill also mandates that the resulting report be publicly posted by both departments no later than January 1, 2026. This requirement reflects a commitment to transparency and public awareness concerning environmental issues linked to motor vehicle emissions. As the state aims for continuous improvement in its environmental policies, the findings and recommendations from this study could be pivotal in shaping future legislation that seeks to protect public health and the environment.
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 It also requires any rules or regulations related to said standards be repealed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provides a definition for "agricultural land" and removes the definition of "farmer" within the chapter on agricultural functions of the department of environmental management.
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.