J  O  I  N  T     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY AS IT COULD BE ENCOURAGED BY STATE GOVERNMENT

WHEREAS, The concept of sustainability has been given substantial consideration in academic and popular literature; and

WHEREAS, The concept of sustainability was defined by the United Nations Brundtland Commission in 1987 as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs;" and

WHEREAS, The concept of sustainability can be usefully applied to the fields of economic development, environmental protection and restoration, social equity and health; and

WHEREAS, Throughout Rhode Island, decisions about location and nature of development would benefit from analysis of how this development will use renewable and nonrenewable resources; and

WHEREAS, Programs established by state law affect health and well being as well as development, construction and uses of resources; and

WHEREAS, There is a need for an integration of the state's concern for economic development, environmental protection and restoration, and health and social equity of all citizens that achieves cross agency missions, goal setting, and strategies; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of fifteen (15) members; three (3) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; three (3) of whom shall be from the house, not more than two (2) of whom shall be from the same political party, to be appointed by the speaker; three (3) of whom shall be representatives of state departments or agencies, to be appointed by the governor; two (2) of whom shall be local officials to be appointed by the president of the league of cities and towns; and four (4) of whom shall be members of the general public, of whom two (2) shall be appointed by the senate majority leader, and two (2) shall be appointed by the speaker.

In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to a permanent advisory commission, a legislative study commission, or any commission created by a general assembly resolution, the appointing authority may appoint a member of the general public to serve in lieu of a legislator, provided that the majority leader or the minority leader of the political party which is entitled to the appointment consents to the appointment of the member of the general public.

The purpose of said commission shall be to study the concept of sustainability as it could be used by state government to foster the long term health, well being, and viability of the state.

Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at the call of the senate majority leader and organize and shall select from among the members a chairperson. Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment. The membership of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

All departments and agencies of the state and each city or town shall furnish such advice and information, documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.

The senate majority leader is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for said commission; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before January 16, 2001 and said commission shall expire on March 16, 2001.