R 158
2017 -- H 5317
Enacted 03/29/2017

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

     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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