2017 -- H 5317

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LC001143

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF THE IMPACT THE

NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY POLICIES AND RULES WILL HAVE

ON ITS ABILITY TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT RHODE ISLAND'S NATURAL

RESOURCES

     Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Handy, Donovan, Marszalkowski, and Bennett

     Date Introduced: February 01, 2017

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     WHEREAS, Rhode Islanders are blessed to have natural resources that are renowned

word-wide for their beauty. We have 40 miles of coastline and 384 miles of shoreline, and a

magnificent bay that provides Rhode Island residents with a bevy of recreational opportunities

ranging from fishing and swimming to sailing, water skiing, surfing and scuba diving. Our

oceanic wonders also provide our residents with a plethora of delectable seafood and provide our

world-class restaurants with all the resources they need to create tasty and innovative cuisine.

Therefore, it is vital that these natural resources are vigorously protected; and

     WHEREAS, The new Presidential administration is proposing deep cuts in the United

States Environmental Administrations (EPA). Media reports and quotes from administration

officials suggest that the EPA might lose $1 billion from its $8 billion budget and significant cuts

in its 15,000 strong workforce; and

     WHEREAS, Reductions of this magnitude in personnel and monetary resources are sure

to strain the EPA's ability to preserve and protect the natural resources all Americans rely upon

for their drinking water, clean air, and recreational opportunities. Cuts of this size seem sure to

have a negative impact on the ability to preserve Rhode Island's precious resources; and

     WHEREAS, Investments in clean water, clean air, and renewable energy are consistent

with existing efforts of the Department of Environmental Management; and

     WHEREAS, Climate change, flooding and sea rise are beginning to take a toll on the

Rhode Island economy and our critical infrastructure investments; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests that the Rhode Island Department of

Environmental Management conduct a preliminary study of the impact the new Environmental

Protection Agency policies, rules and funding proposals will have on its ability to preserve and

protect Rhode Island's natural resources and enforce current state statutes. The Rhode Island

DEM is requested to report its initial findings to the Rhode Island House of Representatives no

later than April 20, 2017; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Gina M. Raimondo, Governor of the State of

Rhode Island, and Janet L. Coit, Director, Rhode Island Department of Environmental

Management.

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LC001143

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