Local
state rep named state’s top environmentalist
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| Rep. Teresa Tanzi with U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse at Clean Water Action’s annual Breakfast of Champions, where she was honored for her sponsorship of successful legislation to phase out cesspools throughout Rhode Island. |
Rep. Teresa Tanzi has been honored by
Clean Water Action for her sponsorship of law passed last year to phase out
cesspools throughout Rhode Island.
Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, and
Narragansett) received the organization’s Earth Day Champion award last week at
its annual Breakfast of Champions.
Representative Tanzi was chosen for the award after many
years of sponsoring legislation to amend the Rhode Island Cesspool Act of 2007,
which required the phase-out of cesspools located within 200 feet of a
shoreline, wetland or drinking water supply.
The bill (2016-H 5668A), which passed the General Assembly and became law last year, provides
for the eventual removal of all cesspools beyond the previously set boundaries.
“Since her election in 2010, Representative Tanzi has
proven herself to be a leader on environmental issues in the General Assembly.
Clean Water Action is fortunate to count her as a legislative ally, and we are
proud to recognize her as a Champion this year. The work she has done toward
phasing out the use of cesspools in our state will undoubtedly improve the
water quality of our rivers, lakes, streams, and Narragansett Bay, and
enhance the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders,” said Johnathan
Berard, Rhode Island state director for Clean Water Action.