Cited for her work fighting plastic pollution
Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, Chairwoman of the House Small Business
Committee, was honored by Clean Water Action as an “Environmental Champion” for
her work promoting environmental protection and sustainability. 
Jed Thorpe, RI Director for Clean Water Action, left,
Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, center, and Bob Walsh, right, at the
2023 Clean Water Action Breakfast of Champions.
The award was
presented Friday at the organization’s 21st annual “Breakfast of Champions.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by Clean Water Action, a group that has worked
so hard and done so much to protect our state and its precious environment.
They have been terrific partners in the past when we passed the Plastic Waste
Reduction Act last year and I am grateful to have them back on our side this
session to pass and enact Rhode Island’s bottle bill, which will keep Rhode
Island clean from damaging plastic pollution that is hurting every aspect of
our ecosystem,” said Chairwoman McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown,
Narragansett).
Chairwoman McEntee was honored for introducing legislation (2023-H 5502) that would establish a deposit system for recycling bottles and beverage containers.
The bill will increase recycling rates, reduce
litter, fight plastic pollution in our waterways, and incentivize the beverage
industry to implement a more sustainable model with bottles and containers that
are easier to recycle or even reuse.
She was also the lead sponsor last session of the Plastic Waste Reduction Act (2022-H 7065A), which reduces the use of plastic checkout bags by retail
establishments by offering recyclable bag options and providing penalties for
violations.
The annual “Breakfast of Champions” took place Friday, May 12 at the Aspray Boat House in Warwick.
Also awarded at the breakfast:
- Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown);
- Rep. June Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol);
- Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence);
- RI AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Pat Crowley;
- Providence Journal reporter Alex Kuffner; and
- Shea High School senior and activist Zachary Pinto.
Clean Water Action is a national organization founded in 1972 during the campaign for the Clean Water Act. In Rhode Island, the group works to build a clean water and clean energy future through outreach, education, organizing, advocacy and policy action at the state and national levels.