Governor, DEM want nominations for Climate Change Science and Technical Advisory Board

Just the right gig for Mike Chambers

Nominations Will Be Accepted Through Friday, May 15

Gotta have representation for climate change deniers, right?

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit are seeking nominations for the newly-created Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Science and Technical Advisory Board.

"Understanding the impact climate change has on our community is important for our health and economic growth," Raimondo said. "This advisory board will help us develop practical solutions to addressing the impacts climate change will have on across our state - from our coast to our urban and rural neighborhoods. We are looking for people who are willing to dedicate their time and knowledge to help protect our most important resources for generations to come."

"I am excited about the prospect of working with Governor Raimondo to pull together a group of motivated and dynamic individuals with a strong interest in promoting all aspects of Rhode Island's climate change conversation," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "This is a cross-cutting issue that must involve scientific experts, economic leaders, and key policymakers."

This nine-member advisory board was created as part of the Resilient Rhode Island Act to provide guidance to the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council on issues such as aligning academic research around issues of climate resiliency, communicating scientific and technical information to the public, and taking inventory on public and private sector work to achieve greater coordination and efficiency.

The Rhode Island Senate will confirm all of the governor's appointments to the advisory board. Initial appointments will be made on staggering one, two and three year terms, and will be drawn from Rhode Island institutions of higher education, research laboratories and state agencies with expertise in, and responsibility for, addressing issues pertaining to climate change.

Nominations should be submitted no later than May 15, 2015 to Elizabeth Stone in the DEM Director's Office at elizabeth.stone@dem.ri.gov, by fax at 222-6802, or by mail to the DEM Director's Office in Room 425 at 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908. Interested individuals are encouraged to include a current resume or bio, cover letter and contact information.

A link to the Resilient Rhode Island Act and the complete list of the activities of the Science and Technical Advisory Board can be found at:http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE42/42-6.2/INDEX.HTM.