Sue Sosnowski named Legislator of the Year by Audubon

Her House counterpart, Art Handy also honored

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island honored Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) and Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) as Legislators of the Year for their long-standing dedication to Rhode Island’s environment, birds and wildlife during the society’s annual meeting on Oct. 22.

Senator Sosnowski, who serves as chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture, was lauded for her efforts, particularly:

> Creating a special legislative commission to study pesticide control regulations. It was passed by the Senate on June 22, 2017.

> Passing amendments to the Rhode Island Green Buildings Act to incorporate green infrastructure as part of public investments in buildings and properties.

> Creating a commission to study and strengthen the Rhode Island Water Resources Board, the state agency with authority to manage our critical water supplies.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for my efforts by the Audubon Society,” said Senator Sosnowski. “I’ve always tried to fight hard for environmental and conservation issues in the state Senate and I look forward to building upon that work in the future.”

Representative Handy, who serves as chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, was also praised for his efforts, including:

> Sponsoring the Resilient RI Act of 2014, which created the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council that set goals for significant reductions in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

> Working on many of the state’s renewable energy bills that are helping Rhode Island expand wind and solar and transition away from fossil fuel.

> Introducing House Resolution 6256 that directs the Department of Environmental Management to continue collaborating with the Pollinator Working Group, charged with maintaining, protecting and enhancing pollinator health and habitat in Rhode Island.

> Sponsoring Energize Rhode Island: Clean Energy Investment and Carbon Pricing Act of 2017. This bill creates a fund for clean energy and jobs that is paid for by a fee on fossil fuel polluters. The Fund would invest in clean energy while protecting consumers from rising energy costs. Even though the bill did not pass, carbon pricing remains an important strategy for moving away from fossil fuels and supporting investments in climate adaptation and resilience.

“It is an honor that the Audubon Society, one of the most prestigious conservation organizations, would recognize my efforts in the House of Representatives,” said Representative Handy. “I will continue to try to earn that recognition.”