2023 -- S 0015 SUBSTITUTE A

========

LC000289/SUB A

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF

ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT THE

PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, DiMario, Valverde, Kallman, Murray, and Lauria

     Date Introduced: January 18, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     WHEREAS, Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels into the atmosphere have

changed the earth’s climate leading to surface temperature rise; and

     WHEREAS, Plastic pollution is dangerous to the health of our oceans, harms our marine

species, contributes to climate change, and is a major component of unsightly litter both on our

lands and in our waters; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island is on a path towards achieving net-zero carbon emission and

reducing our plastic refuse; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island State agencies must support the transition by adopting

renewable technologies and policies that support our goals to preserve and protect the

environment; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully requests

the Department of Administration (DOA) to undertake a review and analysis of state purchasing

practices that support reducing carbon emissions and refuse among our state agencies including:

     A summary of current purchasing practices to reduce refuse and carbon emissions;

     A list of the total number of electric vehicles in the state fleet and green energy certified

     state-owned buildings; and

     A cost-benefit analysis focused on transitioning state agencies to electric vehicles and

     renewable energy technology; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate, in order to reduce our carbon and refuse footprint, hereby

requests the DOA to report on the feasibility for procuring the following:

     1. Transitioning the state vehicle fleet, through lease or purchase, to alternative fueled

vehicles and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure including:

     Alternative fueled vehicles including light and medium duty passenger vehicles, light and

     heavy-duty vehicles, buses, emergency vehicles, bicycles, and scooters; and

     If a vehicle cannot be replaced due to limited supply or inadequate replacement the state

     shall consider the purchase or lease of hybrid vehicles;

     2. Renewable and energy efficient technologies for use at state properties to improve

existing infrastructure, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including, but

not limited to:

     Air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, heating systems, domestic hot water

     heating systems, compressed air systems, distribution systems, lighting systems, power

     systems, and controls of the building;

     3. Replacement of plasticware with biodegradable and compostable cutlery, straws,

drinkware, and napkins at state facilities with dining accommodations;

     4. Phasing out single-use plastic water bottles by creating access to potable water through

bottle fill stations or other available measures; and

     5. Providing compostable bins at state facilities and contracting with a compost disposal

service; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby requests DOA to develop guidelines for vendor

contracts that limit or prohibit the purchase or use of Styrofoam, plasticware, and single-use

plastic water bottles; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby further requests the DOA to provide a timeframe to

enter into purchase agreements that support the transition to green technology and practices, and

report its findings and recommendations to the Senate on or before February 1, 2024; 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 the Director of the Department of

Administration.

========

LC000289/SUB A

========

LC000289/SUB A - Page 2 of 1