Wednesday - Environmental Lobby Day at the State House

Environmental Lobby Day to Pressure Lawmakers

Citizen lobbyists are needed more than ever, given this year's change\
in the House leadership

By ecoRI News staff

PROVIDENCE — On the afternoon of April 30 — to cap off Earth Month, and as state lawmakers begin the last leg of the 2014 legislative session — the Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) will be holding its annual “Earth Day at the Statehouse.”

With the General Assembly considering legislation to cap global warming pollution, expand renewable energy, ban plastic shopping bags and implement statewide composting, this event, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., will feature environmental advocates, activists, organizations and concerned citizens lobbying for Rhode Island's environment.

The event will have informational tables to educate lawmakers about environmental issues, a speaking program that will include the House and Senate environment committee chairs and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) director, and a group lobbying effort on ECRI's 2014 legislative agenda. This agenda focuses on six priority bills:

The Resilient Rhode Island Act to cap global warming pollution and establish infrastructure for climate change adaptation.

Food Residuals Recycling to create a statewide organics diversion program to compost food scrap.

The Plastic Waste Reduction Act to ban single-use plastic bags from being distributed at point-of-sale in retail establishments.

Restoring the state’s Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which provides a tax credit for 25 percent of the cost of residential renewable energy projects.

The Distributed Generation Growth Program to extend, expand and improve Rhode Island's key program to develop new in-state renewable energy production.

The Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities Bond (Article 5, Question 4 of the governor's budget), which would create a November ballot question to authorize the issuance of nearly $100 million in bonds for clean water, green infrastructure and other environmentally important projects.

As the coalition representing Rhode Island's environmental community, with some 60 member organizations and individuals, ECRI’s mission is to serve as an effective voice for developing and advocating policies and laws that protect and enhance Rhode Island's environment.

To RSVP to lobby and/or request table space, contact Channing at cjones@environmentrhodeisland.org or 401-684-1668.