2022 -- H 8180

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LC005856

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT

OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

     Introduced By: Representative Lauren H. Carson

     Date Introduced: April 28, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, On April 14, 2021, the 2021 Act on Climate was signed into law,

establishing a statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate and setting mandatory,

enforceable climate emissions reduction goals; and

     WHEREAS, The Act on Climate requires state agencies to identify and facilitate

opportunities to educate the public about climate change and efforts throughout state agencies and

municipalities to address climate change; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, the Act requires state agencies to identify strategies and

opportunities to prepare Rhode Islanders for these effects, including strategies and opportunities

that incentivize businesses, institutions, and industry to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of

climate change, and requires state agencies to work with municipalities to support the

development of sustainable and resilient communities; and

     WHEREAS, In order to effect these mandates, a customized and statewide public

relations and communications plan needs to be developed under the direction of the Director of

DEM in consultation with the EC4 members. The plan would be required to be completed by

June 30, 2023, and must be an inclusive process with targeted audiences being Rhode Island

businesses, property owners, municipalities and the environmental justice communities across the

State; and

     WHEREAS, The Plan will clearly articulate the statewide goals and mandates of the Act

on Climate through the development of a concise message and logo, provide clear information on

the urgency of the impacts of climate change on RI, and provide opportunities for climate

resilience and sustainability programs directly to all Rhode Islanders; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand

dollars ($150,000) to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to create a

customized and statewide public relations and communications plan to incentivize businesses,

institutions, and municipalities, require state agencies to work with municipalities to support the

development of sustainable and resilient communities, and develop a concise message and logo,

that provides clear information on the urgency of the impacts of climate change, as well as

opportunities for climate resilience and sustainability programs directly to all Rhode Islanders;

and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general

treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required,

upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT

OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $150,000 to the Rhode

Island Department of Environmental Management for the creation of a public relations and

communications plan.

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LC005856

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